Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Associations Between Dietary Patterns, LDL Aggregation, and Cardiometabolic Health: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

This study is investigating the impact of different eating plans – specifically vegan/plant-based, omnivore, and carnivore diets – on heart and metabolic health. Researchers want to understand if these diets affect how 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) sticks together in your blood, as this clumping can contribute to blockages in your arteries. They'll measure cholesterol levels, other blood markers, and consider lifestyle factors in adults aged 25-60 who have carefully followed one of these diets for at least six months for health reasons. The aim is to find connections between diet and conditions like heart disease and metabolic issues.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Liverpool John Moores University

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease Metabolic Syndrome Dyslipidaemia Endothelial Dysfunction

What is this study about?

This research wants to understand how the food we eat can affect our heart health. Specifically, it's looking at three very different ways of eating: vegan or mostly plant-based, a mix of everything (omnivorous), and a diet mainly focused on meat (carnivore). The main thing they're studying is how these diets might influence something called 'LDL aggregation.' You might know LDL as 'bad cholesterol.' When LDL particles in your blood start to clump together, it can cause problems and lead to a build-up in your arteries, which then makes your risk of heart disease higher. This study aims to shed light on whether certain diets make this clumping more likely.

The researchers will be taking blood samples from people following these diets to measure their cholesterol levels and other important markers related to metabolism and heart health. They will also gather information about their diet and lifestyle. By putting all this information together, they hope to find clear links between what people eat and their risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic issues. The goal is to provide a clearer picture of how our diet choices impact our long-term health.

Understanding these connections is important because heart disease and metabolic problems are common in the UK. By studying how different diets affect specific processes in the body, like LDL cholesterol clumping, scientists can learn more about how to keep our hearts healthy. This study is designed to gather information that could help us understand which diets might be better for preventing these health problems.

Key takeaways

This study explores how different diets affect heart health.
It's looking at vegan, omnivore, and carnivore eating patterns.
The focus is on how 'bad' cholesterol might clump together in the blood.
Participants will be healthy adults aged 25-60 consistently following one of these diets.
It's a one-off visit with blood tests and questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 25 and 60 years old. You need to have a healthy weight, specifically a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9. Most importantly, you must have been following one of the specific diets – vegan/plant-based, omnivore (eating everything), or carnivore (eating mainly meat) – for at least six months. You should also be following this diet because you believe it's good for your health.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For instance, if your BMI is too low (below 18.5) or too high (30 or above), you won't be eligible. You also can't take part if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're taking medicines that lower cholesterol, as these could affect the results. If you've recently changed your diet significantly within the last month, you also wouldn't be able to participate. The researchers need people whose diets are consistent to get accurate information about the effects of these eating patterns.

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 25 and 60 years old?
Do you have a healthy weight (BMI between 18.5 and 29.9)?
Have you consistently followed a vegan/plant-based, omnivore, or carnivore diet for at least 6 months?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you NOT taking cholesterol-lowering medications or supplements?
Have you NOT significantly changed your diet in the last month?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a one-time assessment, meaning it doesn't involve long-term follow-up or multiple visits over time. If you participate, you will have one visit to a study centre. During this visit, you will likely have blood samples taken to measure your cholesterol, blood fats, and other important health markers. You will also be asked to provide information about your diet and your lifestyle habits, probably through questionnaires. No specific medications will be given as part of this study, nor will there be any ongoing medical treatments. The total time commitment for you would involve one visit to the study centre and completing any requested questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always has a balance of potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to our understanding of diet and heart health, which could help others in the future. You might also receive some information about your own health markers, like cholesterol levels, though this study isn't designed to provide individual medical advice. The main risk would be the minor discomfort or bruising from blood tests. 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 is 'LDL aggregation'?

LDL aggregation is when the 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) in your blood sticks together, which can lead to plaque build-up in your arteries.

What kind of diets are they studying?

They're looking at vegan/plant-based, omnivorous (eating everything), and carnivore (meat-focused) diets.

Do I need to be ill to take part?

No, this study is looking for healthy adults who are following one of these specific diets for health reasons.

Will I have to take any medicine?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications or treatments.

How long will the study take for me?

Your involvement will be a single visit to the study centre and filling out some questionnaires.

How to find out more

Megan L 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.