Appetite Response to Meals With Different Protein Sources in Women With PCOS

Conditions

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

FEMALE

Age

18 Years - 50 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• Metabolic response to protein source — OTHER
  Participants will be given a 350-400 kcal meal challenge containing 30% energy from animal protein. They will be given 10 minutes to consume the meal and meal response will be measured 240 minutes following the meal.

Study Details

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and reproductive dysfunction. Dietary strategies that improve postprandial insulin and glucose responses are central to managing metabolic symptoms in PCOS. Meals higher in protein can attenuate postprandial glycemia and enhance satiety, but the effects may vary by protein source. Animal sources of protein typically have higher essential amino acid content and insulinogenic potential, whereas plant proteins offer fiber and phytochemicals that may influence glycemic dynamics differently. Few studies have directly compared the acute metabolic effects of plant versus animal protein in women with PCOS. Given the distinct pathophysiology of PCOS, extrapolating findings from healthy populations may be misleading. Understanding protein-specific effects on postprandial insulin, glucose, and appetite-regulating hormones in this group is essential for targeted nutrition guidance. Additionally, plant-based diets are increasingly promoted for cardiometabolic health, but their acute effects in insulin-resistant women remain underexplored. This study will assess whether plant and animal protein meals elicit differential postprandial responses in women with PCOS. Findings may inform dietary recommendations aimed at improving metabolic outcomes in this high-risk population.

Key Dates

Start date

Aug 18, 2025

Status verified

Aug 2025

Primary completion

Dec 31, 2026

Completion

Jun 30, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment

30 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

• Active Comparator: Plant protein challenge
  After an overnight fast, participants will be given a 350-400 kcal meal containing 30% energy from plant protein sources. Participants will be given 10 minutes to consume the meal and appetite and metabolic response will be measured for 240 following the meal.
• Experimental: Animal Protein Challenge
  After an overnight fast, participants will be given a 350-400 kcal meal containing 30% energy from animal protein sources. Participants will be given 10 minutes to consume the meal and appetite and metabolic response will be measured for 240 following the meal.

Primary Outcome Measure

Energy expenditure [ Time Frame: Meal response over 240 minutes (0, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes post meal challenge). ]

Central Contacts

• Jamie I Baum, PhD
  479-575-4474
  [email protected]
• Sydney Boudrey, MS, RDN
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Fayetteville, AR

Related Studies

• Protein and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  Recruiting · University of Arkansas, Fayetteville · Fayetteville, Arkansas