NCT06768775

The Impact of Pastured Livestock Food Consumption on Fatty Acid and Metabolomic Profiles

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (actual)
• Sponsor: Utah State University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of consuming meat and eggs from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on health biomarkers in middle-aged adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: How does consumption of pastured animal products influence red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles compared to conventional animal products? What are the potential metabolic health benefits or risks associated with consuming animal products from regenerative farming practices? Researchers will compare participants consuming pastured meat and eggs to those consuming conventional meat and eggs to determine differences in health outcomes. Participants will: Consume study-provided chicken thighs, ground beef, ground pork, and eggs for 16 weeks. Attend clinic visits for blood, urine, and stool sample collection before and after the intervention. Complete dietary assessments to monitor compliance.

Detailed description

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial investigates the impact of consuming animal products from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on fatty acid composition, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles in adults aged 30-65 years. The study aims to address gaps in understanding the nutritional and health implications of farming practices by comparing postprandial inflammatory and metabolic responses to these diets. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and provided with weekly allocations of animal-source foods. Dietary compliance will be assessed through 24-hour dietary recalls and food logs. Blood, urine, and stool samples will be collected at baseline and end of study to measure the primary and secondary outcomes, including: Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels as a marker of cardiovascular health. A panel of inflammatory markers, including IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP. Plasma metabolites such as amino acids, organic acids, and vitamin derivatives. Lipid profiles (LDL, HDL, VLDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides). Participants will be instructed to consume only the foods provided by the study to ensure dietary control and reduce confounding factors. Biospecimens will be stored for future analysis to examine broader metabolic impacts. By addressing how different farming practices influence health markers, this study aims to provide evidence-based insights for public health and inform dietary recommendations for sustainable and health-conscious food systems.

Conditions

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Pastured Livestock Diet	Participants will consume a diet consisting of animal-source foods (chicken, beef, pork, and eggs) from regenerative/pastured farming practices. Foods will be provided weekly in specific quantities for a 16-week intervention. Adherence will be monitored through dietary logs and ASA24 dietary assessments.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Conventional Livestock Diet	Participants will consume a diet consisting of animal-source foods (chicken, ground, pork, and eggs) from conventional farming practices. Foods will be provided weekly in specific quantities for a 16-week intervention. Adherence will be monitored through dietary logs and ASA24 dietary assessments.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-01
• Primary completion: 2025-09-21
• Completion: 2025-09-21
• First posted: 2025-01-10
• Last updated: 2025-10-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States