An observational study in Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease, Metabolic Syndrome and Dyslipidaemia, sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in United Kingdom. Open to participants aged 25 Years to 60 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-26.
Sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University · Observational
This study aims to investigate the extent to which vegan or plant-based, omnivorous, and carnivore dietary patterns affect LDL aggregation susceptibility (the affinity for LDL cholesterol particles to clump together in the blood), which may promote plaque build-up in arteries. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, the study will measure LDL aggregation, blood lipids, and other metabolic biomarkers in individuals following these diets, and combine these data with dietary and behavioural information to examine links with cardiovascular and metabolic health.
2,116 studies on the registry are indexed under Metabolic Syndrome; 347 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 90 is below the median of 197 across 496 observational studies indexed under Metabolic Syndrome.
Browse Metabolic Syndrome studies →Liverpool John Moores University is the lead sponsor of 75 studies on the registry; 13 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Individuals based in or around the Liverpool and North West area that habitually follow one of the three pre-specified dietary patterns.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Individuals who identify as adhering to a vegan or plant-based diet habitually for a minimum period of six months.
Individuals who identify as adhering to a carnivore diet composed exclusively of animal-based products habitually for a minimum period of six months.
Individuals who identify as adhering to an omnivorous (animal and plant-based) diet habitually for a minimum period of six months.
LDL aggregation susceptibility
To measure changes in how easily LDL cholesterol particles 'clump' together in the blood vessels from baseline to post-intervention, assessed via plasma lipid and lipoprotein analysis.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile
Changes in plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides will be determined via enzymatic analysis and measured in mmol/L.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Lipoprotein particle size
Changes in lipoprotein particle size (diameter) will be measured via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and expressed in nanometers.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Qualitative interview
Participants will complete a semi-structured interview (\~30-45 minutes) to explore their experiences of their chosen dietary pattern. Interviews will assess eating behaviour, attitudes, motivation, and perceived impact of the chosen diet. Question subsections include overall experience, practical challenges, social and lifestyle factors, and intentions to continue the diet. Interviews will be conducted in person or online via Microsoft Teams, audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and anonymised prior to thematic analysis.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Blood pressure
Change in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure reflects cardiovascular function and may be influenced by dietary fat type and nutrient composition.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
Change in blood vessel function will be assessed using a non-invasive ultrasound test to measure how well the arteries widen (dilate) in response to increased blood flow.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Plasma glucose
Changes in fasting blood glucose will be assessed via biochemical plasma analysis of a venous blood sample and recorded in mmol/L.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Dietary adherence
Participants' self-reported adherence to the assigned diet will be collected through completion of a 3-day online food log/diary via a mobile phone application.
Time frame: Baseline prior to enrollment.
Pulse wave velocity (PWV)
Non-invasive ultrasound measurement of how quickly blood pressure waves move through the carotid artery.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT)
CIMT is a non-invasive ultrasound method used to measure the thickness of an artery wall which can give information about blood vessel health.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Height
Height will be measured in metres using a stadiometer.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Body weight
Changes in body weight will be measured in kilograms using a SECA bioelectrical impedance analyser.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI will be calculated calculated by dividing an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Body fat percentage
Using a SECA bioelectrical impedance analyser, body fat percentage will be estimated by sending a weak, painless electrical current through the body, measuring the resistance (impedance) encountered.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Waist to hip ratio
Waist to hip ratio will be measured using a measuring tape to measure the narrowest point of the waist and the widest point of the hips. The ratio will be calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference (WHR = Waist ÷ Hip) using the same unit of measurement (cm or inches).
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Plasma insulin
Changes in fasting blood insulin levels will be assessed via biochemical plasma analysis of a venous blood sample and recorded in mcU/mL.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
HOMA-IR measures insulin resistance using fasting blood glucose and insulin, with a score of \> 2.0 or 2.5 typically indicating resistance.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
A validated self-report questionnaire assessing physical activity performed during the previous 7 days. Participants report frequency and duration of vigorous activity, moderate activity, walking, and sedentary time. Responses are used to estimate total habitual physical activity (e.g., MET-minutes/week).
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Need for Cognition Scale (NCS)
An 18-item self-report scale measuring an individual's tendency to engage in and enjoy effortful cognitive activity. Items are rated on a Likert-type scale (1-5; strongly disagree to strongly agree). Scores are summed or averaged, with higher scores indicating greater need for cognition.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS)
A 15-item self-report questionnaire assessing general endorsement of conspiracy beliefs across multiple domains. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = definitely not true to 5 = definitely true). Higher scores indicate stronger conspiracist beliefs.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS)
A self-report measure assessing frequency of digital media and technology use and attitudes toward technology. Items assessing usage are rated on Likert-type frequency scales (e.g., 1 = never to 10 = all the time), while attitude items use agreement Likert scales. Higher scores reflect greater usage or stronger attitudes toward technology.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Belief in Science Scale (BISS)
A self-report questionnaire measuring the extent to which individuals view science as a reliable and authoritative source of knowledge. Items are rated on a 6-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree), with higher scores indicating stronger belief in science.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Scientific Determinism Scale (SDS)
A self-report scale assessing beliefs that human behaviour and events are determined by scientific and physical laws. Items are rated on a Likert-type agreement scale (e.g., 1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating stronger endorsement of scientific determinism.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Social Identification Scale (SIS)
A self-report measure assessing the degree to which individuals identify with a specific social group. Items are rated on a Likert-type agreement scale (typically 1-7), measuring aspects such as group belonging, attachment, and identification. Higher scores indicate stronger social identification.
Time frame: Baseline upon enrollment.
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Start is estimated for Oct 2026; primary completion for May 2027, 7 months later.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Liverpool John Moores University