The Effect of Meal Composition on Blood Lipids

The Effect of Meal Composition on Blood Lipid Concentrations

The purpose of this study is to see if a high-protein meal leads to a better postprandial (after a meal) blood lipid profile compared to a high-monounsaturated meal.

The effect of a high-protein diet compared to a high-monounsaturated fat diet on fasting lipids is controversial (1,2), In addition, these studies did not examine the effect of a high-protein compared to a high-monounsaturated meal on postprandial lipid concentrations. Postprandial lipid responses are important to examine since they are associated with heart disease (3,4). In addition, most individuals in Western countries are in a postprandial state for majority of the day. The present study will compare the effect of a high-protein meal versus a high-monounsaturated fat meal on postprandial lipid responses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women ages 18-65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of medications or supplements that affect lipid levels, body weight, or blood glucose,
• following a weight loss diet,
• being a vegan,
• smoking,
• heavy alcohol use,
• pregnancy,
• lactation,
• severe depression,
• eating disorders,
• presence of liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, adrenal, or untreated thyroid disease,
• diabetes,
• lactose intolerance,
• documented mal-absorption, or
• bowel surgery that affects absorption.