RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07623785

Assessing the Influence of Habitual Beef Intake on Key Molecular Markers of Brain Health

Sponsor

South Dakota State University

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jun 3, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cardiometabolic health Healthy Aging Brain Health Normal Aging Cognitive Decline Prevention in Robust Older Adults

Summary

his study investigates whether eating lean beef every day can help support brain health and healthy aging in older adults. As people age, protecting memory and cognitive function becomes increasingly important. Lean beef is a rich source of essential nutrients-such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and creatine-that are known to support brain function. However, the direct biological effects of a beef-rich diet on brain health markers are not fully understood. In this study, researchers will recruit 20 generally healthy older adults (aged 65 and older) to participate in a dietary feeding trial. Participants will complete two separate 2-week dietary phases. During one phase, participants will consume 5.5 ounces (156 grams) of provided lean beef daily. During the other phase, they will consume an iso-caloric, protein-matched, non-beef control food daily. A two-week "washout" period, where participants return to their normal diets, will separate the two phases to ensure there are no overlapping effects. Researchers will collect blood, urine, stool, and saliva samples at the beginning and end of each 2-week dietary phase. These samples will be analyzed to see if the lean beef diet improves specific biological markers in the blood related to memory, nerve protection, and overall brain aging. Ultimately, the findings from this study will help determine if incorporating lean beef into a regular diet can be a natural, food-based strategy to help preserve neurological health in older adults.

Eligibility

Min Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

Adults aged 65 years and older.
Generally healthy with no acute illnesses.
Fluent in English.
Willing to consume lean beef and dairy products (cottage cheese and whey protein) daily during the intervention phases.
Willing to maintain current, habitual diet, physical activity levels, and body weight throughout the study.
Willing to fast for 12 hours prior to clinical visits and provide blood, urine, stool, and saliva samples.

Exclusion Criteria7

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other severe cognitive disorders.
History of gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease) or major gastrointestinal surgery.
Uncontrolled diabetes, severe liver or kidney disease, or a recent cardiovascular event (within the past 6 months).
Allergies or severe intolerances to beef or dairy, or adherence to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.
Body weight fluctuation of >5% within the past 3 months.
Use of systemic antibiotics within the 2 months prior to baseline.
Current heavy smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

OTHERLean Beef

Participants will be provided with and instructed to consume 156 grams (5.5 ounces) of cooked lean beef daily for 14 days.

OTHERNon-Beef Control

Participants will be provided with and instructed to consume an iso-caloric, macronutrient- and protein-matched non-beef control consisting of a mixture of cottage cheese and whey protein daily for 14 days.