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Led by University of Missouri-Columbia · Updated on 2026-05-08
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating how different sources of high protein diets affect liver and muscle insulin sensitivity, metabolic response to meals, and 24-hour blood levels of glucose, hormones, and protein-related metabolites linked to metabolic problems. The study focuses on adults aged 21 to 70 with specific body mass index and protein intake criteria, aiming to understand impacts on metabolic syndrome and glucose metabolism disorders. Participants are randomly assigned to one of five groups a standard protein control group or one of four experimental groups increasing protein intake from animal or plant sources, either as isolates or whole foods. The study monitors changes up to 12 weeks after the dietary intervention, with careful control and comparison among these protein diets. During the study, participants undergo tests including a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to measure insulin sensitivity and blood sampling over 24 hours to assess glucose and hormone levels. Other assessments include post-meal glucose and insulin levels, amino acid concentrations, immune cell signaling, and blood vessel function. Researchers track these outcomes to better understand how protein sources influence metabolic health over the trial period.
CONDITIONS
Animal and Plant Proteins and Glucose Metabolism
B
BETTINA MITTENDORFER
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University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | High Animal Protein Isolate | Standard Protein (Control Diet) | High Animal Protein Whole Food | High Plant Protein Isolate | High Plant Protein Whole Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A diet with higher total protein, sourced mainly from isolated animal proteins. | A control diet where participants maintain their usual protein intake, with lower total protein compared to the other study arms. | A diet with higher total protein, primarily from animal whole foods such as meat, dairy, or eggs. | A diet with elevated protein intake, using plant-based protein isolates (such as soy or pea protein). | A diet with increased protein content, mainly from whole plant foods like legumes or grains. |
| Role in trial | Evaluates the effect of increasing dietary animal protein through isolates. | Serves as the comparator arm reflecting participants’ usual dietary protein intake. | Evaluates the effect of increased animal protein through whole foods. | Evaluates the effect of increasing dietary plant protein through isolates. | Evaluates increased whole-food plant protein in the diet. |
| Primary use in this trial | Assesses whether increased animal protein isolate affects glucose and insulin-mediated outcomes. | Serves as the baseline for assessing changes in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. | Determines the effect of higher animal protein from whole foods on glucose regulation and metabolite profiles. | Assesses metabolic and glucose effects of higher dietary plant protein isolate intake. | Investigates if higher whole-food plant protein intake benefits glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. |
| How is it given or performed? | Participants receive dietary counseling and meals to increase animal protein from isolates over the intervention period. | Participants continue their regular diet without altering their usual protein intake. | The diet is modified to include more whole-food animal proteins, with support from dietary guidance. | Participants increase their intake of plant protein isolates (such as soy or pea) under supervision. | The diet is adjusted to incorporate more whole-food plant proteins, with dietary counseling. |
| Evidence status | The effect of increasing animal protein isolates on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity is under clinical investigation. Prior work suggests differences in amino acid responses but not in glucose homeostasis. | No intervention effect is expected for the control group, but maintaining lower habitual protein serves as a baseline for metabolic and glucose markers. | The effect of whole-food animal protein on metabolic markers is still being studied. Existing research indicates protein source may influence amino acid profiles more than direct postprandial glucose changes. | The impact of plant protein isolates on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism is being evaluated. Prior research indicates plant protein alters amino acid profiles but has not shown changes in acute glucose levels. | Alterations in glucose and insulin outcomes due to whole-food plant protein are under study; available evidence supports differences in amino acid profiles rather than immediate glucose effects. |
| Important limitations | The study investigates intermediate metabolic measurements, but current evidence is from single-meal studies, which may not reflect long-term outcomes or risk-benefit balance. | Serves only as a reference group; no intervention or specific dietary change is implemented. | Long-term effects of high animal protein diets from whole foods remain uncertain, with current evidence mostly based on acute metabolic response rather than clinical outcomes. | Current evidence is limited to short-term changes in metabolism; effects on long-term outcomes such as cardiovascular risk are not established. | Short-term findings do not confirm benefit or risk of a high whole-food plant protein diet over months or years. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 12 weeks
Participants follow one of the dietary interventions involving increased protein intake from animal or plant sources.
1 baseline visit and periodic follow-up visits during the intervention
Duration - Up to 12 weeks after the intervention
Participants are monitored for glucose metabolism and related outcomes after completing the dietary intervention.
Periodic visits for outcome assessments
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
5
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Alan Fappi, Vasavi Shabrish, Hunter Hollomon...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42575285/University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead Sponsor
