Call for participants: Postmenopausal women needed for nutrition study

5 February

• For Staff
• Research participant call-outs

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?

After menopause, women face a higher risk of heart disease. Dementia is also a growing concern, as it is more common in women and cognitive decline becomes more likely with age. Therefore, finding practical dietary strategies to support healthy ageing is increasingly important.

Some dairy fats contain natural substances (bioactive components) that may help maintain healthier blood lipids, blood vessel function, and aspects of brain health. 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 the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (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.

Contact Aisha Borkar a.s.borkar@lboro.ac.uk or Dr Oonagh Markey O.Markey@lboro.ac.uk for more information or to take part.

Posted by Oonagh Markey (extension +441509222737)