Omega 3 Fatty AcidsNCT06768775
The Impact of Pastured Livestock Food Consumption on Fatty Acid and Metabolomic Profiles
A study testing Pastured Livestock Diet and Conventional Livestock Diet in people with Omega 3 Fatty Acids, run by Utah State University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of consuming meat and eggs from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on health biomarkers in middle-aged adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- What is being tested?
- Pastured Livestock Diet and Conventional Livestock Diet
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2025to 21 Sep 2025
- 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 30 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 30 and 65 years. BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m². Weight stability within the last three months (loss or gain < 4%). Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) ≤ 6.4%. Fasting plasma glucose concentration < 126 mg/dL. Ability to understand and communicate in English or Spanish.
Who cannot join
- Use of medications known to affect study outcomes (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids, anticoagulants) that cannot be discontinued temporarily.
- Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg without physician clearance. Unwillingness to forgo seafood consumption or omega-3 supplement intake during the study.
- Alcohol consumption > 14 drinks per week. Tobacco product use within the last three months. Receipt of a COVID vaccine within the last two weeks. Engagement in high-level competitive exercise (e.g., triathlon, marathon, powerlifting).
- Diagnosed inflammatory diseases (e.g., autoimmune disorders, coeliac disease, arthritis).
- Diagnoses of active malignancy, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Use of antibiotics within the last 60 days. Pregnancy or planning pregnancy within the next month. Lactating women. Allergies to meat or eggs. Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol, including adherence to study visits and dietary requirements.
- Dietary preferences that exclude meat or eggs (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, halal). Any condition that, in the opinion of the research team, makes the participant unsuitable for the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Center for Human Nutrition Studies
Logan, Utah, 84341
About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of consuming meat and eggs from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on health biomarkers in middle-aged adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
How does consumption of pastured animal products influence red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles compared to conventional animal products?
Read more
What are the potential metabolic health benefits or risks associated with consuming animal products from regenerative farming practices?
Researchers will compare participants consuming pastured meat and eggs to those consuming conventional meat and eggs to determine differences in health outcomes.
Participants will:
Consume study-provided chicken thighs, ground beef, ground pork, and eggs for 16 weeks.
Attend clinic visits for blood, urine, and stool sample collection before and after the intervention.
Complete dietary assessments to monitor compliance.
Read the detailed description
This randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial investigates the impact of consuming animal products from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on fatty acid composition, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles in adults aged 30-65 years. The study aims to address gaps in understanding the nutritional and health implications of farming practices by comparing postprandial inflammatory and metabolic responses to these diets.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and provided with weekly allocations of animal-source foods. Dietary compliance will be assessed through 24-hour dietary recalls and food logs. Blood, urine, and stool samples will be collected at baseline and end of study to measure the primary and secondary outcomes, including:
Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels as a marker of cardiovascular health. A panel of inflammatory markers, including IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP.
Plasma metabolites such as amino acids, organic acids, and vitamin derivatives.
Lipid profiles (LDL, HDL, VLDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides). Participants will be instructed to consume only the foods provided by the study to ensure dietary control and reduce confounding factors. Biospecimens will be stored for future analysis to examine broader metabolic impacts.
By addressing how different farming practices influence health markers, this study aims to provide evidence-based insights for public health and inform dietary recommendations for sustainable and health-conscious food systems.
- Conditions
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Being tested
- Pastured Livestock Diet, Conventional Livestock Diet
- Keywords
- Regenerative agriculture, Conventional farming, Fatty acid profiles, Omega-3, Inflammatory markers, Metabolomics, Pastured meat, Nutritional biomarkers, Diet intervention, Human health
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pastured Livestock DietDietary supplement
Participants will consume a diet consisting of animal-source foods (chicken, beef, pork, and eggs) from regenerative/pastured farming practices. Foods will be provided weekly in specific quantities for a 16-week intervention. Adherence will be monitored through dietary logs and ASA24 dietary assessments.
Conventional Livestock DietDietary supplement
Participants will consume a diet consisting of animal-source foods (chicken, ground, pork, and eggs) from conventional farming practices. Foods will be provided weekly in specific quantities for a 16-week intervention. Adherence will be monitored through dietary logs and ASA24 dietary assessments.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pastured Livestock Products Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will consume meat and eggs sourced from regenerative/pastured farming practices. Weekly allocations include chicken (300-500g), beef (500-700g), pork (300-500g), and 8-12 eggs, depending on the habitual caloric intake of participants. These products are provided for the 16-week intervention, with adherence monitored through dietary logs and 24-hour recalls. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Pastured Livestock Diet |
| Conventional Livestock Products Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will consume meat and eggs sourced from conventional farming practices. Weekly allocations include chicken (300-500g), beef (500-700g), pork (300-500g), and 8-12 eggs, depending on the habitual caloric intake of participants. These products are provided for the 16-week intervention, with adherence monitored through dietary logs and 24-hour recalls. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Conventional Livestock Diet |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels
Assessment of changes in red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid composition as a marker of cardiovascular health. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and after the 16-week intervention to measure levels using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC and LC/MS).
Measured: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of intervention).
Secondary outcomes (1)
Metabolomics Profile Analysis
Changes in plasma metabolomic profiles will be assessed to identify variations in metabolites, such as amino acids, organic acids, and vitamin derivatives, associated with the consumption of pastured versus conventional animal products. This analysis will provide insights into the biochemical impacts of dietary interventions on metabolic pathways, inflammation, and overall health. Samples will be analyzed using mass spectrometry for untargeted and/or targeted metabolomics profiling.
Measured: Baseline to Week 16 (End of Study)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jan 2025
- Study start1 Mar 2025
- Primary completion21 Sep 2025
- Study completion21 Sep 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Omega 3 Fatty AcidsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Utah State University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Stephanvanvliet, Utah State University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06768775
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 14156
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 28 Oct 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Decoded metabolomics data will be shared through public repositories such as Metabolomics Workbench to ensure accessibility. Decoded data on inflammatory biomarkers, gut microbiome profiles, and bloodwork results will be included as supplemental information in peer-reviewed publications resulting from this study.
Publications
McAfee AJ, McSorley EM, Cuskelly GJ, Fearon AM, Moss BW, Beattie JA, Wallace JM, Bonham MP, Strain JJ. Red meat from animals offered a grass diet increases plasma and platelet n-3 PUFA in healthy consumers. Br J Nutr. 2011 Jan;105(1):80-9. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510003090.
PubMed 20807460
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Oct 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Impact of Pastured Livestock Food Consumption on Fatty Acid and Metabolomic Profiles
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06768775
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 14156
- Conditions
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Keywords
- Regenerative agriculture, Conventional farming, Fatty acid profiles, Omega-3, Inflammatory markers, Metabolomics, Pastured meat, Nutritional biomarkers
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Utah State UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 21 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Sep 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of consuming meat and eggs from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on health biomarkers in middle-aged adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
How does consumption of pastured animal products influence red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles compared to conventional animal products?
What are the potential metabolic health benefits or risks associated with consuming animal products from regenerative farming practices?
Researchers will compare participants consuming pastured meat and eggs to those consuming conventional meat and eggs to determine differences in health outcomes.
Participants will:
Consume study-provided chicken thighs, ground beef, ground pork, and eggs for 16 weeks.
Attend clinic visits for blood, urine, and stool sample collection before and after the intervention.
Complete dietary assessments to monitor compliance.
Detailed description
This randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial investigates the impact of consuming animal products from regenerative/pastured versus conventional farming practices on fatty acid composition, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles in adults aged 30-65 years. The study aims to address gaps in understanding the nutritional and health implications of farming practices by comparing postprandial inflammatory and metabolic responses to these diets.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and provided with weekly allocations of animal-source foods. Dietary compliance will be assessed through 24-hour dietary recalls and food logs. Blood, urine, and stool samples will be collected at baseline and end of study to measure the primary and secondary outcomes, including:
Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels as a marker of cardiovascular health. A panel of inflammatory markers, including IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP.
Plasma metabolites such as amino acids, organic acids, and vitamin derivatives.
Lipid profiles (LDL, HDL, VLDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides). Participants will be instructed to consume only the foods provided by the study to ensure dietary control and reduce confounding factors. Biospecimens will be stored for future analysis to examine broader metabolic impacts.
By addressing how different farming practices influence health markers, this study aims to provide evidence-based insights for public health and inform dietary recommendations for sustainable and health-conscious food systems.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pastured Livestock Products Group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Pastured Livestock DietParticipants in this group will consume meat and eggs sourced from regenerative/pastured farming practices. Weekly allocations include chicken (300-500g), beef (500-700g), pork (300-500g), and 8-12 eggs, depending on the habitual caloric intake of participants. These products are provided for the 16-week intervention, with adherence monitored through dietary logs and 24-hour recalls. |
| Conventional Livestock Products Group | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Conventional Livestock DietParticipants in this group will consume meat and eggs sourced from conventional farming practices. Weekly allocations include chicken (300-500g), beef (500-700g), pork (300-500g), and 8-12 eggs, depending on the habitual caloric intake of participants. These products are provided for the 16-week intervention, with adherence monitored through dietary logs and 24-hour recalls. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age between 30 and 65 years. BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m². Weight stability within the last three months (loss or gain < 4%). Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) ≤ 6.4%. Fasting plasma glucose concentration < 126 mg/dL. Ability to understand and communicate in English or Spanish.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Use of medications known to affect study outcomes (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids, anticoagulants) that cannot be discontinued temporarily.
- Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg without physician clearance. Unwillingness to forgo seafood consumption or omega-3 supplement intake during the study.
- Alcohol consumption > 14 drinks per week. Tobacco product use within the last three months. Receipt of a COVID vaccine within the last two weeks. Engagement in high-level competitive exercise (e.g., triathlon, marathon, powerlifting).
- Diagnosed inflammatory diseases (e.g., autoimmune disorders, coeliac disease, arthritis).
- Diagnoses of active malignancy, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pastured Livestock DietParticipants will consume a diet consisting of animal-source foods (chicken, beef, pork, and eggs) from regenerative/pastured farming practices. Foods will be provided weekly in specific quantities for a 16-week intervention. Adherence will be monitored through dietary logs and ASA24 dietary assessments. | Dietary supplement | Pastured Livestock Products Group |
| Conventional Livestock DietParticipants will consume a diet consisting of animal-source foods (chicken, ground, pork, and eggs) from conventional farming practices. Foods will be provided weekly in specific quantities for a 16-week intervention. Adherence will be monitored through dietary logs and ASA24 dietary assessments. | Dietary supplement | Conventional Livestock Products Group |
Primary outcome
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of intervention).
Assessment of changes in red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid composition as a marker of cardiovascular health. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and after the 16-week intervention to measure levels using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC and LC/MS).
1 secondary outcome
Metabolomics Profile Analysis
Time frame: Baseline to Week 16 (End of Study)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Oct 2025.
- Background: PubMed 20807460McAfee AJ, McSorley EM, Cuskelly GJ, Fearon AM, Moss BW, Beattie JA, Wallace JM, Bonham MP, Strain JJ. Red meat from animals offered a grass diet increases plasma and platelet n-3 PUFA in healthy consumers. Br J Nutr. 2011 Jan;105(1):80-9. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510003090.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Decoded metabolomics data will be shared through public repositories such as Metabolomics Workbench to ensure accessibility. Decoded data on inflammatory biomarkers, gut microbiome profiles, and bloodwork results will be included as supplemental information in peer-reviewed publications resulting from this study.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pastured Livestock Diet and Conventional Livestock Diet in people with Omega 3 Fatty Acids, run by Utah State University at 1 site in United States.
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 1 inclusion and 7 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 28 Oct 2025. 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 United States. 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?
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels (time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of intervention).). 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 NCT06768775, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 28 Oct 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.