Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of a Legume-rich Diet in the Context of the Planetary Health Diet Compared to a Western-oriented Dietary Pattern in Participants with Increased Cardiometabolic Risk

This study wants to find out if eating more peas, beans, and lentils (called legumes) as part of a 'Planetary Health Diet' can improve the health of older people. These individuals, aged 50 to 75, are currently at a higher risk of developing heart and brain-related health issues. Researchers will compare this legume-rich diet to a more common Western diet that doesn't include many legumes. Over six weeks, 100 participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two diets. Scientists will then check various health markers, like blood sugar, cholesterol, and signs of inflammation, to see if the legume-rich diet has a positive effect. They'll also look at blood vessel health and how participants feel about their hunger and fullness.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Bonn

Enrolment target

100

Start

06 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Cardiovascular Diseases

What is this study about?

This study aims to understand how different diets can affect the heart and overall health of older people. Doctors have noticed that some older individuals have certain health markers that put them at a higher risk for conditions like heart disease and problems with memory or thinking. This research focuses on whether a specific type of diet, called the 'Planetary Health Diet', which includes a lot of legumes (like peas, beans, and lentils), can help improve these health risks.

Researchers want to see if this plant-focused diet, which gets a lot of its protein from plants, is better than a typical Western diet that often includes more animal products and fewer legumes. By carefully comparing these two eating styles over a six-week period, the study hopes to learn more about how food choices can impact our bodies as we get older, especially concerning our heart and brain health.

They're particularly interested in measuring things like blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which are important for heart health. They'll also look at signs of inflammation in the body and how well blood vessels are working. In addition, participants will fill out questionnaires to share how the diets affect their feelings of hunger and fullness, giving a complete picture of the diet's effects.

Key takeaways

Compares a legume-rich diet to a typical Western diet.
Aimed at people aged 50-75 with heart health risks.
Investigates effects on blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation.
Participation involves three visits over six weeks.
Helps scientists understand food's impact on healthy aging.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy volunteers aged between 50 and 75 years old. To be considered, you should not smoke. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 27 and 34.9, and your waist size should be at least 80 cm for women or 94 cm for men. Your blood pressure should also be slightly elevated, specifically 120 or higher for the top number (systolic) and 80 or higher for the bottom number (diastolic).

Additionally, you need to meet at least one of several blood test criteria related to blood fats (like triglycerides or LDL cholesterol) or blood sugar. For example, your fasting blood sugar might be 100 mg/dL or higher. These criteria help ensure the study includes individuals who are at a slightly higher risk for heart-related conditions, making the study's findings more relevant to this group.

However, you can't take part if you have allergies or intolerances to legumes, or if you have certain health conditions like heart failure, kidney or liver disease, diabetes that requires insulin, ongoing inflammatory diseases, or cancer. You also can't participate if you're taking certain supplements like fish oil, or if you are currently involved in another research study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 50 and 75 years old?
Do you currently not smoke?
Have you been told you have slightly elevated blood pressure or certain blood fat/sugar levels?
Do you NOT have allergies to peas, beans, or lentils?
Do you NOT have serious health conditions like heart failure or active cancer?
Are you NOT currently participating in another research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be randomly assigned to follow one of two diets for six weeks: either a legume-rich 'Planetary Health Diet' or a control diet similar to a typical Western diet. This means the researchers will decide which diet you follow, like flipping a coin. You'll need to visit the study centre three times: once at the very beginning to get checked, once after three weeks, and again at the end of the six weeks. During these visits, the research team will measure various aspects of your health, including blood tests for sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation markers, and they'll also check your blood vessel health. You will also fill out questionnaires about how you feel, for example, about your hunger throughout the study. The total duration of your active participation will be six weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies can have potential benefits, like gaining a deeper understanding of your own health from the assessments involved, and contributing to medical knowledge that could help others in the future. However, there might be some minor inconveniences like regular visits to the study centre or giving blood samples. It’s important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Nutrition Physiology
Verified postcode
Bonn, Germany

Common questions

What are legumes?

Legumes are plants grown for their seeds or pods, like peas, beans (e.g., kidney beans, chickpeas), and lentils.

What is the 'Planetary Health Diet'?

It's a way of eating that focuses on plant-based foods, especially protein from plants like legumes, to be healthy for both people and the planet.

Will I have to prepare all my own meals?

The study description focuses on the diet's content, but you would likely receive guidance on meals. Specific details would be given by the study team.

Why are people with a higher risk of heart problems being studied?

The study wants to see if this diet can help improve health markers in people who could benefit most from changes to their diet.

How will I know what diet to follow?

If you're chosen for the study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of the two diets, and the study team will provide all the necessary instructions.

How to find out more

Sarah Egert, Prof PhD

s.egert@uni-bonn.de + 49 (0) 228 / 73 59 53 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.