Could beans and lentils beat red meat for a healthier heart?
NCT ID NCT05999136
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This trial investigates whether replacing red or processed meat with pulses (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas) can improve markers of heart health and change the gut microbiome. Participants are adults aged 18-65 with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles who eat at least three servings of red or processed meat per week. They are assigned to either keep their usual diet, swap red meat for pulses, or swap red meat for a mix of pulses and plant-based meat substitutes. The study measures changes in cholesterol, blood TMAO levels, and gut bacteria over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas)
- What this could lead to
- If swapping red meat for pulses improves cholesterol and gut health, it could point toward a simple dietary change to lower heart disease risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small dietary intervention study, not a drug trial. Results may vary by individual and may not show clear benefits. Long-term adherence to the diet is uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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84 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * men and women aged 18-65; * 20 ≤ BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2; * habitual diet characterized by ≥ 3 medium servings of fresh red meat or processed meat (equivalent to a portion weight of 100g of fresh meat and 50g of cured meats); * habitual diet without probiotics, functional foods, and/or any type of food supplements; * low level of physical activity (sedentary lifestyle); * signing the informed consent form and expressing consent for the processing of personal data. Exclusion Criteria: * Food allergies and intolerances, such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and others; * Gastrointestinal disorders of any kind; * Significant medical conditions; * Pregnancy or breastfeeding; * Hypertriglyceridemia (Triglycerides \> 200 mg/dL); * Hypercholesterolemia (Cholesterol \> 200 mg/dL); * Diabetes (Blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL); * Hypertension (Blood pressure \> 140/90 mm Hg); * Weight loss ≥ 3 kg in the past 2 months prior to the study; * Use of any medication at enrollment and in the 2 months prior to the study; * Regular diet rich in fruits and vegetables; * Consumption of alcohol equivalent to or exceeding 3 glasses of wine per day; * Concurrent participation in other clinical trials.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Agricultural Sciences, Federico II University
Portici, 80055, Italy
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.