Effects of Red Meat Replacement in Protein Intake on Adults Aged 40-70 With Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how replacing part of the protein in a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet with red meat affects people aged 40 to 70 who have stage 3 chronic kidney disease. The study aims to explore changes in blood and urine levels of uremic toxins, including trimethylamine N-oxide, which may impact kidney health. This pilot crossover trial will involve up to 15 participants to better understand the effects of different protein sources. Participants will first have a 2-week baseline period consuming their usual diet, followed by two 3-week diet periods in random order. One period involves a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, and the other replaces 20% of the protein in that diet with red meat. Between these diet phases, there is a 5-week washout period where participants return to their typical diet. The study uses a single-blind crossover design to compare the metabolic effects of these diets. Throughout the 13-week study, participants will provide blood, urine, and stool samples at multiple points, including before and during the diet periods. Researchers will measure various health markers such as serum trimethylamine N-oxide, other uremic toxins, gut microbiota, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and kidney function indicators. Participants will also report gastrointestinal symptoms and stool consistency. These assessments will help evaluate how diet changes influence kidney disease-related factors.

Effects of Replacing High Protein Foods in People With Chronic Kidney Disease