What is this study trying to find out about zinc deficiency and vascular health?

This study is examining whether eating beef daily as part of a heart-healthy diet helps the body absorb zinc better into cells and improves blood vessel function. Researchers want to understand if beef specifically supports zinc-dependent processes that can benefit cardiovascular health. The University of California, Davis is leading this research to explore these effects in older adults.

Who may be eligible for this zinc and vascular health clinical trial?

Adults aged 55 to 70 who are male or postmenopausal female may be eligible. Participants should have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 and stable medication use for at least six months. People with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions may not qualify. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this zinc and vascular health clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study diets and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses to and from study visits may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for transportation costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 55Years - 70Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID05236374

Daily Beef Intake as Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet to Improve Cellular Zinc and Vascular Health in Adults Aged 55 to 70

Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2026-02-09

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

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

Age: 55Years - 70Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

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

Research Team

Roberta R Holt, PhD

Andrew Hall, PhD

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Daily Beef Intake as Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet to Improve Cellular Zinc and Vascular Health in Adults Aged 55 to 70

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Brief Title

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria

Research Team

Not the Right Trial for You?

On this page

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria