🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-05-05

Effect of Dairy Protein Yogourt vs Plant-based Yogourt on Body Weight, Body Composition, Bone Health and Gut Microbiota (NCT07578103)

A New Focus on Protein and the Gut Microbiota to Explain Health Benefits of Dairy Foods

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 📋 Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: Laval University

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The consumption of an adequate quantity of protein in the diet is essential to maintain a healthy body composition and functioning. It is also well established that all proteins are not equal regarding their ability to promote health benefits. Recently, we have innovated in that matter by showing that under the context of high intake of dietary fat, the dairy protein casein was more effective than a mix of proteins representative of a western diet to prevent body weight gain and insulin resistance. This was explained in part by modifications of the gut microbiota. This finding represents the main conceptual basis of the present research program that is aimed to determine the impact of dairy protein from yogurt compared to a plant-based equivalent on body composition indicators including muscle mass and bone mineral density, in relation to the profile of the gut microbiota, the production of newly discovered protein-derived metabolites, and markers of metabolic health. This program will include a human and an animal component requiring the testing of these variables before and after a standardized intervention. The human component will be a clinical study consisting of a 12-week diet-based weight loss intervention in postmenopausal overweight women being randomly assigned to one of the three following groups: yogurt, plant-based yogurt, or kept on diet without supplements. The animal experimentation will permit to causally determine the implication of the gut microbiota in the protein effects following transfer of the human bacteria to germ free mice and validate the benefits seen in humans. It is anticipated that these two complementary investigative approaches will allow a thorough documentation of the impact of fermented dairy protein on body composition and functioning, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and the identification of new biomarkers to better appreciate related health benefits.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: INAF, Université Laval — Québec, Quebec

Age range: 40 Years

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Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • INAF, Université Laval — Québec, Quebec

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (418) 656-5258

Email: julie.marois@fsaa.ulaval.ca

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

More studies in Body Composition Changes

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗