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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.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan or plant-based diet | Individuals who identify as adhering to a vegan or plant-based diet habitually for a minimum period of six months. | ||
| Carnivore diet | Individuals who identify as adhering to a carnivore diet composed exclusively of animal-based products habitually for a minimum period of six months. | ||
| Omnivore diet | Individuals who identify as adhering to an omnivorous (animal and plant-based) diet habitually for a minimum period of six months. |
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| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Baseline upon enrollment. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Baseline upon enrollment. |
| Lipoprotein particle size |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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Individuals based in or around the Liverpool and North West area that habitually follow one of the three pre-specified dietary patterns.
| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megan L Wilson, BSc Nutrition | Contact | +447362317430 | M.L.Wilson@ljmu.ac.uk | |
| Dr Richie Kirwan | Contact | R.P.Kirwan@ljmu.ac.uk |
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Richie Kirwan | Liverpool John Moores University | Study Director |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Reilly Building, Liverpool John Moores University | Liverpool | ENG | L3 3AF | United Kingdom |
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Whole blood, serum, plasma and urine will be collected and retained for analysis.
Changes in lipoprotein particle size (diameter) will be measured via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and expressed in nanometers. |
| Baseline upon enrollment. |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Baseline prior to enrollment. |
| Pulse wave velocity (PWV) | Non-invasive ultrasound measurement of how quickly blood pressure waves move through the carotid artery. | 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. | Baseline upon enrollment. |
| Height | Height will be measured in metres using a stadiometer. | Baseline upon enrollment. |
| Body weight | Changes in body weight will be measured in kilograms using a SECA bioelectrical impedance analyser. | 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. | 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. | 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). | 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. | 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. | 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). | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Baseline upon enrollment. |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D024821 | Metabolic Syndrome |
| D050171 | Dyslipidemias |
| D050197 | Atherosclerosis |
| D002318 | Cardiovascular Diseases |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D007333 | Insulin Resistance |
| D006946 | Hyperinsulinism |
| D044882 | Glucose Metabolism Disorders |
| D008659 | Metabolic Diseases |
| D009750 | Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases |
| D052439 | Lipid Metabolism Disorders |
| D001161 | Arteriosclerosis |
| D001157 | Arterial Occlusive Diseases |
| D014652 | Vascular Diseases |
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