Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Comparative Effects of Carnivore and Mediterranean-style Diets on LDL Aggregation and Cardiometabolic Health

This research wants to find out if following a Mediterranean or Carnivore diet can improve heart and metabolic health. It's for men and women aged 30 to 60 who have high 'bad' cholesterol (LDL). The study will compare how these two diets affect how easily cholesterol particles clump together, and how they impact other important measures like blood fats and blood vessel function. Participants will be randomly assigned to follow one of the diets for three weeks, and researchers will collect blood, urine, and stool samples, as well as perform non-invasive heart tests. The goal is to see which diet might lead to more positive changes for heart health.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Liverpool John Moores University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease Metabolic Syndrome Dyslipidaemia

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how two very different eating styles – the Mediterranean diet and the Carnivore diet – might affect your heart and overall health. They are specifically interested in people who have higher levels of 'bad' cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol. When LDL cholesterol particles start to clump together, it's thought to be less healthy for your heart, and this study wants to see if either of these diets can make those particles less likely to stick together.

Beyond just cholesterol, the researchers also want to understand if these diets have different effects on other important health markers. This includes checking things like different types of fats in your blood, how well your blood vessels are working, and your general well-being. By comparing people who follow each diet, the study hopes to gain a clearer picture of which eating pattern might offer better benefits for heart and metabolic health, which covers how your body processes food for energy.

Understanding these effects is important because conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel problems), metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions increasing heart disease risk), and dyslipidaemia (unhealthy levels of fats in the blood) are common. This research aims to provide helpful information about diet as a way to potentially manage or improve these health areas, contributing to a better understanding of how food influences our health.

Key takeaways

This study compares Mediterranean and Carnivore diets for heart health.
It's for people aged 30-60 with high 'bad' cholesterol.
You'll follow one diet for 3 weeks, with monitoring at Liverpool John Moores University.
Researchers will check cholesterol levels, blood vessel function, and overall health.
Participation involves blood, urine, stool samples, and non-invasive tests.
The aim is to understand which diet might offer better heart and metabolic benefits.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 30 and 60. You should have elevated levels of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL cholesterol greater than 3mmol/L or non-HDL cholesterol greater than 4mmol/L) but should not be following any specific diet for health reasons currently, and not taking medicines or supplements that affect your cholesterol levels.

However, you won't be able to join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you have known food allergies or intolerances, have had an eating disorder in the past, or are currently taking medication or supplements specifically for lowering your cholesterol, this study would not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 30 and 60 years old?
Do you have high LDL cholesterol (your doctor can confirm this)?
Are you currently NOT on a special diet for health reasons?
Are you NOT taking medications or supplements to lower cholesterol?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you NOT have food allergies, intolerances, or a history of eating disorders?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit Liverpool John Moores University three times. The first visit will be for a screening to make sure the study is right for you and to collect some initial information. You'll then be randomly assigned to follow either the Mediterranean diet or the Carnivore diet for three weeks. Rest assured, both diets will be designed to have similar amounts of calories and protein.

Before you start the diet and once you've finished the three weeks, you'll be asked to provide some samples: blood (after fasting, meaning you won't eat beforehand), urine, and stool samples. You'll also have some non-invasive tests to check your heart and blood vessel function – these are tests that don’t involve needles or going inside your body. Finally, you'll have a short chat with the researchers and fill out some questionnaires about your experience on the diet. The entire study participation period will be short, lasting only around three weeks for the diet phase plus the visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could offer several potential benefits. You'll learn more about your cholesterol and heart health markers, and you might find that following one of these diets has a positive impact on your health. However, as with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as discomfort from blood draws or changes to your usual diet. You'll be fully informed about what to expect before you agree to take part. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool John Moores University
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of foods are in the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet typically includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish, with less red meat and processed foods.

What kind of foods are in the Carnivore diet?

The Carnivore diet mainly consists of meat, fish, and other animal products like eggs and some dairy, while avoiding plant-based foods.

Will I have to pay for the food or travel?

The study information doesn't specify payment for food or travel, so this would be a good question to ask the research team directly.

How will my personal information be kept private?

All research studies have strict rules to protect your privacy and personal information. The team will explain how your data will be handled confidentially.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

You will be given contact details for the research team, and it's important to let them know immediately if you feel unwell or have any concerns during the study.

How to find out more

Megan Wilson, BSc Nutrition

M.L.Wilson@ljmu.ac.uk +447362317430 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.