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HypercholesterolemiaNCT05267522

Independent Effects of High-cholesterol (High-egg) and High-saturated Fat Diets on LDL-cholesterol

A study testing Egg diet and Egg-free Diet in people with Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemias, run by University of South Australia at 1 site in Australia.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study will comprise a randomized controlled, counter-balanced, cross-over trial to evaluate the independent effects of a high cholesterol (high egg), low saturated fat diet and a high saturated fat, low cholesterol diet on blood lipids. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Egg diet and Egg-free Diet
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
77 participants
Where
1 siteAustralia
Study dates
1 Mar 2022to 31 Aug 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Male or female, aged 18 - 60 years
  • Blood LDL-C <3.5 mmol/L (measured at screening using an automated analyser (Cholestech LDX System).
  • Non-smoker (or other nicotine products) (minimum 6 months).

Who cannot join

  • Have diagnosed cardiovascular disease (including uncontrolled high blood pressure) or a chronic disease, including Type-1 or -2 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders requiring medical nutrition therapy (e.g., Crohn's disease, irritable bowel, coeliac disease) or any other condition that may have an impact on study outcomes.
  • Have allergies or strong aversion to eggs or other components of the test foods (diets are not suitable for vegetarians).
  • Consume more than 5 eggs per week in the month prior to beginning the trial.
  • Participant has a recent history (within 12 months) or strong potential for alcohol abuse. Defined as >14 standard drinks per week.
  • Have changed medication or supplementation that might affect study outcomes in the last 3 months.
  • Take vitamin, mineral, herbal supplementation, or medications that may have an impact on study outcomes.
Show all 11Show fewer
  • Are already involved in another research project within 30 days of commencement of the present study that in the opinion of the investigators will be unsuitable for this study.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Show unwillingness to be randomized to either experimental group.
  • Failure to satisfy the investigator regarding suitability to participate for any other reason.
  • Are unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Australia1 site
  • University of South Australia Clinical Trial Facility

    Adelaide, South Australia, 5000

Other trials in Australia

About this study

This study will comprise a randomized controlled, counter-balanced, cross-over trial to evaluate the independent effects of a high cholesterol (high egg), low saturated fat diet and a high saturated fat, low cholesterol diet on blood lipids. Evaluations also include analysis of physical activity as there is emerging evidence that the lutein and zeaxanthin in egg yolk may increase physical activity levels by crossing the blood-brain barrier and altering neuronal function. The study will also investigate effects on a number of novel lipoprotein parameters (particle size and particle concentrations).

Read the detailed description

Eggs are high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat. Data from cross-sectional, prospective, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), suggest that egg intake does not adversely affect blood lipids or increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In fact, there is some evidence that egg consumption may reduce CVD risk. However, to date there has been no direct comparison of the effects of a high cholesterol (high egg), low saturated fat diet and a low cholesterol, high-saturated fat diet on blood lipids, and no studies have accounted for potential effects of differences in physical activity, which can also influence the blood lipid profile. Evaluations of the effect of egg consumption on blood lipids should include analysis of physical activity as there is emerging evidence that the lutein and zeaxanthin in egg yolk may increase physical activity levels by crossing the blood-brain barrier and altering neuronal function. We will directly compare the effects of a high cholesterol, low saturated fat diet and a low cholesterol, high saturated fat diet on blood lipids, using egg consumption to manipulate dietary cholesterol intake, while also accounting for physical activity levels. The study will investigate effects on a number of novel lipoprotein parameters (particle size and particle concentrations).

Being tested
Egg diet, Egg-free Diet, Control Diet
Keywords
Cholesterol, Eggs, Saturated Fat, Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, lutein, physical activity
Medical subject headings
Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemias, Sedentary Behavior, Motor Activity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Egg dietOther

    Also called High cholesterol + low saturated fat diet

    30% fat [6% saturated fat], 20% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 600 mg cholesterol

  • Egg-free DietOther

    Also called Low cholesterol + high saturated fat diet

    30% fat [12% saturated fat], 25% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 300 mg cholesterol

  • Control DietOther

    Also called Average Australian Diet

    30% fat [12% saturated fat], 25% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 600 mg cholesterol

Study groups in NCT05267522
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Egg DietExperimentalEgg diet, contains 2 eggs per day and limits saturated fat to 6% of energy intake. Cholesterol intake is 600mg/day. Protein and carbohydrate levels will be maintained at 20% and 40% of energy intake, respectively. This diet will be followed for 5 weeks.
Receives: Other: Egg diet
Egg-free DietActive comparatorEgg-free diet, limits cholesterol to 300 mg/day (no eggs) with saturated fat intake at 12% of energy intake. Protein and carbohydrate levels will be maintained at 25% and 40% of energy intake, respectively. This diet will be followed for 5 weeks.
Receives: Other: Egg-free Diet
Control DietActive comparatorComparator diet based on the average Australian diet, limited to 1 egg per week, with saturated fat intake at 12% of energy intake. Cholesterol intake is 600 mg/day. Protein and carbohydrate levels will be maintained at 25% and 40% of energy intake, respectively. This diet will be followed for 5 weeks.
Receives: Other: Control Diet

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)

    Plasma LDL-C levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: Baseline

  2. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)

    Plasma LDL-C levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: 5 weeks

  3. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)

    Plasma LDL-C levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: 10 weeks

  4. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)

    Plasma LDL-C levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: 15 weeks

Secondary outcomes (44)
  1. Blood lipid profiling

    Plasma lipid, lipoprotein subclasses, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins

    Measured: Baseline

  2. Blood lipid profiling

    Plasma lipid, lipoprotein subclasses, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins

    Measured: 5 weeks

  3. Blood lipid profiling

    Plasma lipid, lipoprotein subclasses, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins

    Measured: 10 weeks

  4. Blood lipid profiling

    Plasma lipid, lipoprotein subclasses, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins

    Measured: 15 weeks

  5. Fasting glucose

    Plasma glucose levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: Baseline

  6. Fasting glucose

    Plasma glucose levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: 5 weeks

  7. Fasting glucose

    Plasma glucose levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: 10 weeks

  8. Fasting glucose

    Plasma glucose levels (mmol/L)

    Measured: 15 weeks

  9. Physical activity levels

    Amount of time (min) spent sedentary and engaged in light or moderate-vigorous physical activity

    Measured: Baseline

  10. Physical activity levels

    Amount of time (min) spent sedentary and engaged in light or moderate-vigorous physical activity

    Measured: 5 weeks

  11. Physical activity levels

    Amount of time (min) spent sedentary and engaged in light or moderate-vigorous physical activity

    Measured: 10 weeks

  12. Physical activity levels

    Amount of time (min) spent sedentary and engaged in light or moderate-vigorous physical activity

    Measured: 15 weeks

  13. Waist circumference

    Waist circumference (cm) measured at the midpoint between the lower costal (10th rib) border and the iliac crest.

    Measured: Baseline

  14. Waist circumference

    Waist circumference (cm) measured at the midpoint between the lower costal (10th rib) border and the iliac crest.

    Measured: 5 weeks

  15. Waist circumference

    Waist circumference (cm) measured at the midpoint between the lower costal (10th rib) border and the iliac crest.

    Measured: 10 weeks

  16. Waist circumference

    Waist circumference (cm) measured at the midpoint between the lower costal (10th rib) border and the iliac crest.

    Measured: 15 weeks

  17. Blood Pressure

    Seated blood pressure (mmHg)

    Measured: Baseline

  18. Blood Pressure

    Seated blood pressure (mmHg)

    Measured: 5 weeks

  19. Blood Pressure

    Seated blood pressure (mmHg)

    Measured: 10 weeks

  20. Blood Pressure

    Seated blood pressure (mmHg)

    Measured: 15 weeks

  21. Dietary saturated fat intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: Baseline

  22. Dietary saturated fat intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 5 weeks

  23. Dietary saturated fat intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 10 weeks

  24. Dietary saturated fat intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 15 weeks

  25. Dietary cholesterol intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: Baseline

  26. Dietary cholesterol intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 5 weeks

  27. Dietary cholesterol intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 10 weeks

  28. Dietary cholesterol intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 15 weeks

  29. Dietary Energy intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: Baseline

  30. Dietary Energy intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 5 weeks

  31. Dietary Energy intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 10 weeks

  32. Dietary Energy intake

    Analysis of dietary intake based on 5-day food diaries

    Measured: 15 weeks

  33. Dietary Macronutrients

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: Baseline

  34. Dietary Macronutrients

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: 5 weeks

  35. Dietary Macronutrients

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: 10 weeks

  36. Dietary Macronutrients

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: 15 weeks

  37. Dietary Lutein+Zeaxanthin

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: Baseline

  38. Dietary Lutein+Zeaxanthin

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: 5 weeks

  39. Dietary Lutein+Zeaxanthin

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: 10 weeks

  40. Dietary Lutein+Zeaxanthin

    Analysis of dietary intake based on food diaries

    Measured: 15 weeks

  41. Sleep

    Sleep patterns assessed using accelerometers

    Measured: Baseline

  42. Sleep

    Sleep patterns assessed using accelerometers

    Measured: 5 weeks

  43. Sleep

    Sleep patterns assessed using accelerometers

    Measured: 10 weeks

  44. Sleep

    Sleep patterns assessed using accelerometers

    Measured: 15 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Mar 2022
  2. Study start1 Mar 2022
  3. Primary completion10 Aug 2023
  4. Study completion31 Aug 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Counter-balanced, cross-over trial with randomization to the starting diet will be via minimization, based on the LDL-C concentration at screening and sex. Minimization will ensure balanced LDL-C and sex between the treatment groups at commencement of each of the three diets.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
77 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05267522
Sponsor's protocol ID
204327
Status last verified
Mar 2022
First submitted
2 Feb 2022
Last updated
13 Dec 2023
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Carter S, Hill AM, Yandell C, Wood L, Coates AM, Buckley JD. Impact of dietary cholesterol from eggs and saturated fat on LDL cholesterol levels: a randomized cross-over study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 Jul;122(1):83-91. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.05.001. Epub 2025 May 6.

    PubMed 40339906
  • Carter S, Hill AM, Yandell C, Buckley JD, Coates AM. Study protocol for a 15-week randomised controlled trial assessing the independent effects of high-cholesterol and high-saturated fat diets on LDL cholesterol. BMJ Open. 2024 Jan 25;14(1):e081664. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081664.

    PubMed 38272555

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Egg diet and Egg-free Diet in people with Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemias, run by University of South Australia at 1 site in Australia.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Dec 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Australia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05267522, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Dec 2023.

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