Actively Recruiting
How Animal and Plant Protein Shakes Change the Body's Nutrient and Health Responses
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-03-25
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
27 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how different protein types affect the body's metabolism and immune system in healthy adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does drinking smoothies with animal-based or plant-based protein change the level of amino acids like leucine in the blood? Does adding leucine to a plant-based smoothie make the body respond like it does to an animal-based smoothie? Participants will: Come to the research clinic for 3 study visits Drink a high-protein smoothie at each visit (one with animal protein, one with plant protein, and one with plant protein + leucine) Give blood samples before and 1 and 3 hours after each smoothie Researchers will look at how the body's metabolism and immune system respond. They are especially interested in a pathway called mTOR, which helps control how cells use nutrients and may be involved in heart disease like atherosclerosis. All smoothies are prepared to meet Halal and Kosher dietary guidelines.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
How Animal and Plant Protein Shakes Change the Body's Nutrient and Health Responses
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 65 years
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m²
- Generally healthy without known chronic illness or chronic medication use
- Willing to follow dietary restrictions and study procedures
- Not currently on a prescribed or restrictive diet or regularly taking high-protein supplements
You will not qualify if you...
- History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders
- Current use of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or lipid-lowering medications
- Kidney or liver dysfunction
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergies or intolerances to any study meal components
- Participation in another interventional study within the past 30 days
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UPMC Montefiore - Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Ali Ajam, MD
CONTACT
B
Babak Razani, MD-PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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