Study of Lean Pork and Plant-Based Diets on Heart and Menopause Symptoms in Overweight Perimenopausal Women Ages 40 to 55

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how a diet high in fresh lean pork compares to a plant-based diet in affecting cardiovascular health and menopause symptoms in perimenopausal women who are overweight or obese. The study focuses on how these diets impact blood lipids, blood pressure, endothelial function, and vasomotor symptoms during perimenopause. About 30 women aged 40 to 55 years will participate in this study conducted by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Participants will follow two different diets in a random order one diet rich in pork making up at least 80% of meat consumed and another plant-based Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian diet with limited animal protein. Each diet will be consumed for 4 weeks with a washout period of 2 to 6 weeks where participants return to their usual diet. They will receive weekly meal packages containing 7 days of meals and snacks during each diet period. During the study, participants will visit the clinic five times for assessments including weight, body composition, blood pressure, pulse, and ultrasound to measure endothelial function. Blood samples, physical activity monitoring, and questionnaires about menopause symptoms will also be collected. Researchers will measure changes in vascular function, blood lipids, blood pressure, and menopause-related symptoms over the 4-week diet periods. The entire study duration is expected to be 11 to 15 weeks.

Impact of Lean Pork on Endothelial Function in Perimenopause