High-Protein, Low-Glycemic Diet for Metabolic Syndrome
(MAPS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The prevalence of US adults with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is over 34%, impacting nearly 35% of all adults and 50% of those aged 60 years or older. MetS is characterized as a combination of underlying risk factors that when, occurring together, increase the risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer, resulting in an 1.6-fold increase in mortality. According the American Heart Association, health risks associated with Metabolic Syndrome can be significantly reduced by reducing body weight and eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Potatoes (e.g. skin-on white potatoes) are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 and a good source of magnesium and dietary fiber. In addition, the potato has greater dry matter and protein per unit growing area compared with cereals. Despite this, consumers tend to believe that potatoes are high in calories and in fat compared with other carbohydrate sources such as rice or pasta, an incorrect assumption since a potato has negligible fat and a low energy density similar to legumes. Data from short-term nutrition intervention trials, suggest that potatoes consumed as part of a low-glycemic load meal can play a role in the prevention or treatment of MetS. However, the impact of long-term potato consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors associated with MetS is not known. Therefore, there is a critical need to determine if regular (\> 4 times per week) potato consumption can improve cardiometabolic health in individuals with MetS.

Eligibility Criteria

Adults over 18 with Metabolic Syndrome, characterized by a combination of high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose levels or abdominal obesity. Participants should be from Northwest Arkansas and currently eating a diet high in glycemic load. Those on heart disease or diabetes medications, with needle phobia, food allergies or dietary restrictions like vegetarianism are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

Metabolic Syndrome (characterized by participant having three or more of the following measurements: abdominal obesity, triglyceride level over 150 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dl in men and 50 mg/dl in women, systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 85 mm Hg, and/or fasting glucose > 100 mg/dL)

People of all races and ethnicities are eligible.

+3 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as being a vegetarian or vegan.

You have been actively trying to lose weight in the past 3 months.

You are afraid of needles.

+2 more

Participant Groups

The trial is testing the effects of a higher protein, low glycemic load diet that includes potatoes more than four times per week on individuals with Metabolic Syndrome to see if it improves their cardiometabolic health.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: Higher Protein, Low Glycemic Load with PotatoesExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Higher Protein, Low Glycemic Load with Potatoes (HPLG-P): low- to moderate- glycemic load meals containing white potatoes. Participants will consume low- to moderate-glycemic meals for 16 weeks and will need to consume at least 4 meals containing white potatoes.

Group II: Higher Protein, Low Glycemic Load with Processed PotatoesActive Control1 Intervention

Higher Protein, Low Glycemic Load with Processed Potatoes (HPLG-PP): low- to moderate- glycemic load meals containing processed white potato products. Participants will consume low- to moderate-glycemic meals for 16 weeks and will need to consume at least 4 meals containing white potatoes.

Group III: Higher Protein, Low Glycemic Load - ControlPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Higher Protein, Low Glycemic Load (HPLG-C): low- to moderate- glycemic load meals containing control carbohydrate (e.g. rice, pasta). Participants will consume low- to moderate-glycemic meals for 16 weeks and will need to consume at least 4 meals containing control carbohydrate sources.