Red Meat on the Menu: What Does It Mean for Your Health?

Recruiting
40 years - 70 years
All
1 Location

Brief description of study

Does swapping red meat for other protein foods make a difference for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?  That’s the question this study is trying to answer—and your participation can help.

We are comparing a red meat diet to a vegetarian diet to better understand how different protein choices may affect heart, blood vessel, and kidney health in people with this condition.  This study does not involve any medications or experimental products—it only focuses on diet.

You may qualify to take part if you are 40–70 years of age, have moderate chronic kidney disease (stage 3), and are willing to attend study visits at Purdue University.  Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease is defined as a condition in which a person's GFR lab result is between 30-59. 

Detailed description of study

What you can expect:

  • Participation lasts about 3 months and includes 9 total visits.  All study visits take place at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
  • Follow two different diets that are three weeks each—one that includes red meat and one that does not. Both diets include foods like dairy and eggs.
  • During these periods, you will eat only the meals and snacks provided by the study. You will also come in for testing visits and pick up food as scheduled.
  • All meals and snacks are provided to you at no cost.
  • Participants who complete the study will receive $500 in compensation for their time.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage 3), CKD
  • Age: 40 years - 70 years
  • Gender: All

Who can join if you are? 

  • a man or a postmenopausal woman
  • Willing to eat only the foods provided during the study
  • Willing to attend multiple study visits at Purdue University
  • Able to collect stool samples at home

You may not be able to take part if you:

  • Have poorly controlled diabetes
  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Have had a recent hospital stay or significant recent weight loss
  • Have serious digestive conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Have HIV
  • Have had cancer in the past year (except certain skin cancers)
  • Have had weight-loss surgery
  • Take immunosuppressive medications or steroids
  • Have food allergies that would prevent you from following the study diet
  • Have a history of high potassium levels

Updated on 20 Apr 2026. Study ID: CTSI-IIR-CKD-REDMEAT, 25168

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