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Call for participants: Postmenopausal women needed for study

19 November

  • For Staff and Students

We are looking for participants to join a new research study at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Our research explores whether consuming a single high-fat meal enriched with a special milk fat can affect markers of heart health and brain function in postmenopausal women.

Why is this important?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and women’s risk rises after menopause. Dementia is also a major global health challenge. While preventing dementia is critical, cognitive decline affects everyone as we age, so finding strategies to preserve brain function and support heart health into older age is essential.

Milk fats contain naturally occurring bioactive compounds that may help support blood lipid and, blood vessel function, and benefit the brain. However, we need more evidence, especially in women at higher risk. Your participation could help shape future dietary guidance.

Who can take part? We are looking for women who are:

  • Postmenopausal women (no periods for at least 1 year)
  • Aged 50 and 70 years
  • Carrying more weight than they might like (body mass index (BMI) between 25-40 kg/m²)
  • Not on hormone replacement therapy
  • Not diabetic and not taking medications that could affect blood pressure or cholesterol (including statins)

What’s involved? You’ll visit NCSEM for:

  • A 60-minute screening visit
  • An 80-90 minute familiarisation visit
  • Two full study visits (about 8 hours each, after an overnight fast

On study visits, you will:

  • Consume of a high-fat meal (pancakes and a milkshake)
  • Have blood sample taken using a small flexible tube placed in your arm
  • Complete non-invasive tests of heart and blood vessel health
  • Do short computer-based tasks to assess mood and brain function

You will receive a small reimbursement for your time and participation.

Interested? To find out more, please contact:

Posted by Aisha Borkar

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