Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Enrolling Participants in Plant-based Diet Study

    Invitation to participate in a study

    Evaluation of the role of eggs on antioxidant status, plasma choline and lipoprotein metabolism in adults with metabolic syndrome consuming a plant-based diet

    The University of Connecticut, Department of Nutritional Sciences is looking for volunteers to take part in a research study. The purpose of this study is to find out how the daily intake of 2 eggs in combination with a plant-based diet impacts risk for heart disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants will be asked to visit the Department of Nutritional Sciences in Storrs, CT, for 5 clinical visits over a period of 13 weeks. At these visits, we will measure your weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, as well as collect a blood sample.

     

    To participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria:

     

    • Healthy man or woman, age 35-70

     

    • Be classified with metabolic syndrome by having 3 out of the following characteristics: high waist circumference, high triglycerides, low HDL, high blood pressure or high fasting glucose. (Note these characteristic will be evaluated during screening)

     

    • Not have cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, liver or kidney disease

     

    • Willing to consume a spinach omelet made with 2 eggs or the equivalent egg substitute daily for 4 weeks each

     

    • Proficient in English

     

    Participation in this study will provide you with information about your BMI, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and other biomarkers that may impact your risk for heart disease. Additionally, you will help scientists better understand the risks and benefits of daily intake of varying amounts of eggs.

     

    Participants will receive up to $200 for completing the study.

     

    To learn more about this study, contact Maria Luz Fernandez

    Maria-luz.fernandez@uconn.edu

    Phone 860-486-5547

     

    This research is conducted under the direction of Maria Luz Fernandez and Minu S. Thomas in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. This research study was approved by the UConn IRB, Protocol H19-178

     

    For more information, contact: Minu Thomas at minu.thomas@uconn.edu