Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Meta-Analyses of the Effect of Plant Protein Versus Animal Protein on Cardiometabolic Risk

This research combines information from many studies to understand if eating plant-based protein instead of animal protein, such as meat or dairy, affects your risk of health problems. Specifically, it will look at conditions like diabetes, heart disease, weight issues, and kidney health. While we know that vegetarian diets can be good for you, it's not fully clear if simply swapping proteins makes a difference. The aim is to gather strong evidence to help create better dietary guidelines for everyone, especially those at risk of heart disease and diabetes, regardless of their age or sex. This will help understand which plant proteins might be most beneficial.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

John Sievenpiper

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2013

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Diabetes Prediabetes Metabolic Syndrome Dysglycemia Overweight Obesity Dyslipidemia Hypertension Gout Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)Kidney Disease Kidney Injury Cardiovascular Disease Inflammation

What is this study about?

This study is like a big detective mission looking at lots of other research projects. Imagine scientists worldwide have done many small studies about food and health. This project brings all those studies together to get a clearer picture. The main question they want to answer is: if you swap some of the protein you eat that comes from animals (like in meat, fish, eggs, or milk) for protein that comes from plants (like in beans, lentils, nuts, or seeds), does it make a difference to your health?

They are particularly interested in how this swap might affect conditions like diabetes (when your body struggles to control blood sugar), heart disease, weight problems, blood pressure, and even kidney health. We already know that vegetarian diets, which are often rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can be linked to a lower risk of these health issues. But what they want to find out is whether just changing the *source* of your protein, from animal to plant, is enough to see benefits for key health markers such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and even chemicals in your body that show inflammation.

The findings from this large review will be used to help create clearer and more trustworthy advice about what we should eat. This is important for everyone, but especially for people who are at a higher risk of developing heart problems or type 2 diabetes. By looking at many studies, they can get a more reliable answer than from just one single study, helping to inform healthier food choices for people across the UK.

Key takeaways

This study reviews past research on plant vs. animal protein.
It checks impacts on conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
No new participants are needed for this research.
The goal is to provide better dietary advice for public health.
It aims to see if simply swapping protein sources benefits health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is not looking for new participants to try out a diet. Instead, it's reviewing lots of existing research. So, if you're wondering if you can join, you can't, because it's a review of past studies, not a new one where people sign up.

However, the *original* studies they are looking at had some specific rules for who could take part. They only included studies where people were given different diets in a random way (like flipping a coin to decide), and where the diet change lasted at least three weeks. Also, the studies needed to compare a group eating plant protein in place of animal protein to a group that didn't make that swap.

They wouldn't include studies that looked at animals, or studies that weren't set up very carefully, for example, if the people weren't randomly assigned to different diets, or if the diet change was only for a short time, like a day or two. This helps make sure the information they gather is reliable and trustworthy.

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.

This isn't a study you can 'join' as a participant.
Researchers are reviewing existing human dietary trials.
Only studies that randomly assigned diets over 3+ weeks are included.
Studies must have compared diets where plant protein replaced animal protein.
Studies that were too short or not well-controlled are excluded.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study isn't looking for people to take part directly. It's a type of research called a "meta-analysis" and "systematic review." This means that instead of new volunteers, the researchers are collecting and carefully analysing information from many existing studies that have already been completed by other scientists. They will not be asking anyone to change their diet, visit clinics, or have any tests. Therefore, there are no visits, assessments, medications, or follow-up involved for individuals. The researchers are essentially reviewing paperwork and data that's already out there to draw new conclusions. The total duration of *this* study involves the researchers carefully going through all the collected papers and data, which could take a significant amount of time.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves reviewing existing research rather than conducting new experiments on people, there are no direct physical risks to individuals. The main benefit is that the findings will help medical professionals and the public understand how different types of protein in our diets might affect our long-term health, leading to better dietary advice. There's no right to withdraw for individuals since no one is directly participating. The researchers will ensure they use robust methods to minimise bias and accurately interpret the combined results from all the studies they review.

Locations (1)

Toronto 3-D (Diet, Digestive tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is plant protein?

Plant protein comes from foods like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and some grains. It's an alternative to protein found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

What are 'cardiometabolic risk factors'?

These are things that increase your chance of developing heart disease, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. Examples include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being overweight.

Is this study asking me to change my diet?

No, this study is reviewing information from past research. It is not asking anyone to change their diet or take part in new experiments.

Will the results help me understand what to eat?

Yes, the findings aim to provide clearer, evidence-based guidance on how swopping protein sources might impact health, helping to inform dietary recommendations for a healthier lifestyle.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided doesn't state who is funding the research, but it's common for such studies to be supported by health organisations or research grants.