What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Treatments for healthy aging, such as high-protein diets, amino acid supplementation, and omega-3 fatty acids, can have side effects. High-protein diets may strain the kidneys and cause dehydration if not paired with adequate fluid intake. Amino acid supplements, like BCAAs, can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and diarrhea. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually well-tolerated but may cause a fishy aftertaste, gastrointestinal upset, and increased bleeding risk at high doses. These side effects are typically mild and manageable with proper medical guidance.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved various treatments aimed at promoting healthy aging, focusing on enhancing nutrient adequacy and improving cognitive, muscular, and immuno-metabolic health. These include dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, which have been studied for their potential benefits in cognitive function and muscle health. Additionally, certain medications like statins are approved for managing cholesterol levels, which indirectly support cardiovascular health and overall aging. While specific FDA approvals for treatments exactly like the Lean Pork trial are not detailed, the general approach of using nutrient-rich diets and supplements to support healthy aging is well-recognized.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to lean pork for healthy aging patients include: 1) Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel) rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support cognitive function and cardiovascular health. 2) Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas) which provide plant-based protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. 3) Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, chia seeds) that offer healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. 4) Dairy or fortified plant-based milk alternatives for calcium, vitamin D, and protein. 5) Eggs, which are a good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline, important for brain health.

← Back to Search

Lean Pork in Plant-Based Diet for Healthy Aging

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Moul Dey, Ph.D.

Research Sponsored by South Dakota State University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up time frame:16 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing if adding lean pork to a plant-based diet can improve health in people aged 65 and older. The goal is to see if the extra nutrients from pork can help with brain function, muscle strength, and overall health.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for people aged 65 or older who are generally healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a normal HbA1C level. Participants should currently follow a meat-based diet without special dietary requirements and be willing to eat meals on-site and provide samples.

What is being tested?

The study tests if adding lean pork to a plant-only diet improves cognitive function, muscle fitness, and immune-metabolic functions in older adults. It's an all-food-provided study comparing two diets over 18 weeks with comprehensive health assessments.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves dietary changes rather than medication, side effects may include digestive adjustments or food sensitivities related to the introduction of lean pork into the participants' plant-based diets.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ time frame:16 weeks

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~time frame:16 weeks

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and time frame:16 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Concentration of Ferritin in blood

Homocysteine

Frequency of Sit-to-stand for strength assessment

Secondary study objectives

Balance assessment using balance and gait score

Blood pressure in mm Hg

Body Weight in kg

+17 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: VegetarianExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Lacto-ovo-vegetarian without any meat

Group II: OmnivorousExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Animal protein-lean pork

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Healthy Aging, such as dietary interventions and exercise programs, work through several mechanisms to enhance overall health. Dietary interventions, like the inclusion of lean pork in a plant-based diet, improve nutrient adequacy, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, muscle mass, and metabolic health. These nutrients, including high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, support brain health, muscle repair, and immune function. Exercise programs, particularly resistance-based training, enhance muscle strength, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls, which are critical for maintaining independence in older adults. Together, these treatments help mitigate age-related declines, promote physical and cognitive function, and improve quality of life, making them essential for Healthy Aging patients.

Effectiveness of a Supervised Group-Based Otago Exercise Program on Functional Performance in Frail Institutionalized Older Adults: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.Fresh and Fresh Lean Beef Intake in Relation to Functional Limitations among US Older Adults, 2005-2016.Effect of lean red meat combined with a multicomponent exercise program on muscle and cognitive function in older adults: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.