About the study
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of eating three different diets, each with varying amounts of dietary cholesterol and saturated fats (animal and/or coconut fats). The proposed research will examine if a low-saturated fat diet containing eggs changes blood cholesterol or other blood lipid levels when compared to a high saturated fat, low cholesterol diet (without eggs) or an average Australian control diet (high saturated fat and cholesterol).
What it involves
Participants will consume three diets, in random order, for five weeks each:
- Control diet (representative of typical Australian diet)- High saturated fat + high cholesterol diet,
- Egg diet - High cholesterol + low saturated fat diet,
- Egg Free diet - Low cholesterol + high saturated fat diet.
You will be provided with weekly meal plans and be asked to follow the patterns of eating described by the dietitian. Foods that will be consumed during these diets include dairy, fish and seafood, meat and eggs. These diets will be easiest to follow if you are able to cook for yourself or have someone cook for you, following the meal plan.
Eligibility
In order to be included in the study you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Aged 18-60 years.
- Non-smoker (or other nicotine products) (minimum 6 months cessation).
- LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) <3.5 mmol/L (measured at the screening appointment via a finger prick blood sample).
Further eligibility will also be assessed after completing a health and diet questionnaire.
Benefits
There may be no direct benefits to you, but this study will provide valuable scientific knowledge. You will receive financial support to purchase the study foods required to follow the prescribed diet. Participants who complete all aspects of the study will receive an honorarium of $600 to compensate for your time and travel expenses. Participants who withdraw from the study will be provided with a pro rata of the $600 reimbursement for participation.
Getting involved
To go directly to more information about the study and to complete an eligibility survey please click on the link below.
Alternatively, please email unisa.researchvolunteers@unisa.edu.au or phone (08) 8302 1365 and request information about the Egg Diet Study and leave your contact details.
This project has been approved by the University of South Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol 204327).
