Associations Between Dietary Patterns, LDL Aggregation, and Cardiometabolic Health: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

NCT07474233 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 260106LJMUREC269
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the extent to which vegan or plant-based, omnivorous, and carnivore dietary patterns affect LDL aggregation susceptibility (the affinity for LDL cholesterol particles to clump together in the blood), which may promote plaque build-up in arteries. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, the study will measure LDL aggregation, blood lipids, and other metabolic biomarkers in individuals following these diets, and combine these data with dietary and behavioural information to examine links with cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Conditions

Dyslipidaemia; Endothelial Dysfunction; Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease; Metabolic Syndrome

Keywords

LDL aggregation; Dietary patterns; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular disease; Onmivore diet; Vegan diet; Carnivore diet; Lipid profile; Cardiometabolic health

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• LDL aggregation susceptibility

  To measure changes in how easily LDL cholesterol particles 'clump' together in the blood vessels from baseline to post-intervention, assessed via plasma lipid and lipoprotein analysis.

  Baseline upon enrollment.

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile

  Baseline upon enrollment.

• Lipoprotein particle size

  Baseline upon enrollment.

Other Outcomes (21)

• Qualitative interview

  Baseline upon enrollment.

• Blood pressure

  Baseline upon enrollment.

• Flow-mediated dilation (FMD)

  Baseline upon enrollment.

Study Arms (3)

Vegan or plant-based diet

Individuals who identify as adhering to a vegan or plant-based diet habitually for a minimum period of six months.

Carnivore diet

Individuals who identify as adhering to a carnivore diet composed exclusively of animal-based products habitually for a minimum period of six months.

Omnivore diet

Individuals who identify as adhering to an omnivorous (animal and plant-based) diet habitually for a minimum period of six months.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Individuals based in or around the Liverpool and North West area that habitually follow one of the three pre-specified dietary patterns.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 25-60 years.
• BMI range (18.5-29.9 kg/m²).
• Following one of the specified dietary patterns (vegan/plant-based, carnivore, or omnivorous) for a minimum of 6 months.
• Self-identified as health-focused (i.e., intentionally following the diet for perceived health benefits).

You may not qualify if:

• BMI outside the stated range (\<18.5 or ≥30 kg/m²).
• Use of lipid-lowering medications or supplements that may interfere with LDL levels.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Any significant deviation from the specified diet within the last month.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Liverpool John Moores University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool, ENG, L3 3AF, United Kingdom

Location

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITH DNA

Whole blood, serum, plasma and urine will be collected and retained for analysis.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Metabolic Syndrome; Dyslipidemias; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Insulin Resistance; Hyperinsulinism; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Lipid Metabolism Disorders; Arteriosclerosis; Arterial Occlusive Diseases; Vascular Diseases

Study Officials

• Richie Kirwan

  Liverpool John Moores University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Megan L Wilson, BSc Nutrition

CONTACT

+447362317430; M.L.Wilson@ljmu.ac.uk

Dr Richie Kirwan

CONTACT

R.P.Kirwan@ljmu.ac.uk

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 11, 2026
• First Posted: March 16, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2027
• Last Updated: March 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

GB (1)