Actively Recruiting
Effects of Daily Beef Intake, as a Component of a Heart-Healthy Diet, on Cellular Zinc Status and Vascular Function in Older Adults
Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2026-02-09
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Davis
Lead Sponsor
N
National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating whether daily beef intake can help improve how zinc from the diet is absorbed into cells and support better metabolic and cardiovascular health in adults aged 55 to 70. This study focuses on older individuals who may have a higher risk of zinc deficiency and cardiovascular problems. The goal is to see if beef, as part of a heart-healthy diet, affects zinc-dependent processes that benefit blood vessel function. The study uses a randomized crossover design comparing two 4-week diet periods. One diet includes a beef stew providing 8.8 mg zinc and 37.9 mg protein, while the other uses a plant protein stew with the same zinc and protein content. Participants will switch between these diets to evaluate the effects of beef versus non-meat protein sources on zinc absorption and vascular health. Participants will undergo assessments of cellular zinc status using a novel zinc tracer in red blood cells and measurements of microvascular function through digital peripheral tonometry. Additional lab tests will monitor plasma lipids, fatty acids, and oxylipins. The study includes close dietary control and monitoring over the two 4-week periods, with outcomes focused on zinc uptake into cells and blood vessel health, lasting about 8 weeks in total.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Daily Beef Intake, as a Component of a Heart-Healthy Diet on Cellular Zinc
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or postmenopausal female aged 55 to 70 years
- Women must have not had menses for at least two years
- Willing and able to comply with all study protocols and procedures
- Stable dose of prescribed medications for at least 6 months
- Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2
You will not qualify if you...
- Use of daily anticoagulation agents including aspirin and NSAIDs
- Use of metformin, statins, or medications affecting zinc, protein, or lipid metabolism
- Vegan, vegetarian, food faddists, or those on non-traditional diets like Adkins, Keto, or Paleo
- High fruit consumption (3 or more cups per day)
- Regular consumption of strawberries (2 to 3 servings per week)
- High vegetable consumption (4 or more cups per day)
- High intake of coffee or tea (3 or more cups per day)
- Consumption of dark chocolate (3 or more ounces per day)
- Alcohol intake exceeding 2 drinks per day for men or 1 drink per day for women
- Physical activity restrictions due to chronic health conditions or routine high-intensity exercise
- Self-reported diabetes, blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg or higher
- Self-reported renal, liver, or heart disease including cardiovascular events and stroke
- Peripheral artery disease or Raynaud's syndrome
- Inability to properly wear PAT probes or abnormal pre-screening PAT measurements
- Cancer diagnosis within past 5 years
- Self-reported malabsorption
- Unwillingness to stop supplement use six weeks before study start
- Smoking, vaping, or cannabis use
- Current enrollment in another clinical research study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Two 4-week periods
Participants will follow two 4-week diet periods in a crossover design, consuming either a beef protein stew or a plant protein stew as part of a heart-healthy diet to assess effects on cellular zinc status and vascular function.
1 baseline visit and multiple visits during each 4-week diet period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California, Davis; Department of Nutrition
Davis, California, United States, 95616
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Roberta R Holt, PhD
A
Andrew Hall, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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