The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether following a Mediterranean-style diet or a Carnivore-style diet can improve heart and metabolic health in men and women aged 30-60 years with high LDL cholesterol.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does following a Mediterranean or Carnivore diet change how easily LDL cholesterol particles clump together (LDL aggregation susceptibility)? 2. Do these two diets have different effects on other measures of heart and metabolic health, such as blood fats, blood vessel function, and overall wellbeing?
Researchers will compare people who follow the Mediterranean-style diet with those who follow the Carnivore-style diet to see which diet produces more beneficial changes in cholesterol and heart health markers.
Participants will:
* Attend three visits at Liverpool John Moores University for screening and data collection. * Be randomly assigned to follow either the Mediterranean or Carnivore diet for 3 weeks, matched for calories and protein. * Provide fasting blood, urine, and stool samples before and after the diet period. * Complete non-invasive cardiovascular tests to measure blood vessel and heart function. * Take part in a short interview and complete questionnaires about their experience of following the diet.
Male or female
30-60 years of age
Elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL >3mmol/L and/or non-HDL cholesterol > 4mmol/L)
Not following any specific diet for health reasons.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Known food allergies or intolerances.
Previous history of disordered eating.
Currently taking cholesterol-lowering medication or supplements.
Liverpool John Moores University
Lead sponsor
Wihuri Research Institute
Collaborator
University of Helsinki
Collaborator