NCT06273592 · Montefiore Medical Center
The Impact of a Plant-based Meat Meal Versus an Animal Meat Meal on Erectile Function in Healthy Men.
(ERECTION 2)
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to determine whether erectile function is differentially impacted by a single plant-based meat meal versus a single animal meat meal in healthy men with normal erectile function.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to determine whether erectile function is differentially impacted by a single plant-based meat meal versus a single animal meat meal in healthy men with normal erectile function.
Interventions
OTHER
Animal-based meal
Consuming a single plant-based meat or a single animal meat meal and measuring the meals impact on erectile function with the Rigiscan™ device.
OTHER
Plant-based meat meal
Consuming a single plant-based meat or a single animal meat meal and measuring the meals impact on erectile function with the Rigiscan™ device.
Primary outcome measures
Percent of time with ≥70% erection during overnight sleep after 1 meal
Time frame: During overnight sleep directly after consuming the 1 meal. Up to 7 months.
Total time (in minutes) when penile rigidity is ≥70% at both the tip and the base of the penis as measured by Rigiscan™ during overnight sleep, divided by the total time (in minutes) of overnight sleep. Overnight sleep is defined as the time in minutes from the onset of the first nocturnal erection to the end of the last nocturnal erection (as measured by Rigiscan™).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subject provides written informed consent and HIPAA authorization in English before any study procedures are conducted. (If the subject is a fluent Spanish and/or other language speaker, subject must also be fluent in English (understanding and speaking) to be eligible for this study.)
- IIEF score greater or equal to 22
- Subject is currently taking no medication other than prn MDIs No change in supplements if applicable
- Subject will have had penile sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal penetration) within 12 weeks of enrollment
- Male (biological) aged 18-32 years old
- Lives within commuting distance of Montefiore Health System
- Subject's significant other (if applicable) agrees to support the subject during the study
- Subject agrees to avoid all illicit drugs, NSAIDS, and alcohol for at least two days prior to Rigiscan™ recording and on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording
- Subject agrees to refrain from sexual activity for at least 24 hours prior to Rigiscan™ placement and to have no sexual activity on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording
- Subject agrees to not view, read, or otherwise consume erotic or pornographic material for at least 24 hours prior to the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording and on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording
- Subject agrees to not have an orgasm for 24 hours prior to both the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording and on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording
- Subject agrees to come to Montefiore to undergo Rigiscan™ training
- Subject agrees to only consume/drink permitted food/beverages
- Subject agrees to attend all in person visits at Montefiore and to undergo all blood draws and other testing
- Subject agrees to not use mouthwash or mouth rinses or intentionally spit for the entire duration of the study. Subjects will be asked to refrain from using mouthwash for at least 2 days prior to enrollment. Subject agrees to not brush his teeth and to not use toothpaste for 24 hours preceding Rigiscan testing. Tooth brushing is otherwise permissible.
- BMI \<28.5, BMI \>=18.5, weight \>110 lbs
- Subject agrees to comply with the study procedures and visits
- Subject exercises for at least 15 minutes at least two times per week
- If exercise is done, subjects will exercise for the same amount of time and at a similar intensity each day of Rigiscan™ testing. Otherwise, no exercise will be performed on Rigiscan™ days.
- If enrolled, subjects agree to not modify their dietary habits throughout the duration of the study other than during the two evenings when food is provided.
- If enrolled, subjects agree to fast when requested to fast
Exclusion criteria
- Relevant dietary allergy
- Vegetarian or Vegan dietary pattern
- History of an eating disorder and/or food addiction
- Hypertension and or history of hypertension with or without medical treatment. Systolic blood pressure \> 150mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \>100mmHg on Visit one. Heart rate \>99 on Visit one. Systolic blood pressure \< 85mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \< 50mmHg on Visit one. Heart rate \< 35 on Visit one
- BMI \>=28.5, BMI \<18.5, or weight \<= 110lbs
- Known chronic medical disease other than non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disease, asthma
- Subjects who are taking benzodiazepines, stimulants (e.g. for ADHD), SSRI, anti-depressants and/or beta blockers
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis or an ongoing evaluation for possible OSA
- Score greater than 2 on the STOP-Bang OSA screening tool
- Having the diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome
- Having insomnia as defined by: Subject with insomnia would have difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep (30 minutes or more at sleep initiation or 30 minutes or more to fall back asleep if wakes during the night). The above occurs at least 3 times per week for at least 1 month. Furthermore, there must be adequate opportunity for sleep and there must be associated morbidity (feels tired during the day). Definition based on: The International Classification of Sleep Disorders - Third Edition (ICSD-3), 2014
- History of kidney disease or hyperkalemia
- Subject has received an investigational drug within 30 days prior to signing consent
- Erectile dysfunction
- Has any condition (e.g., psychiatric illness) or situation that, in the investigator's opinion, may confound the study results, or may interfere significantly with the patient's ability to adhere with study procedures
- Currently undergoing treatment for Peyronie's Disease
- Abnormal Testosterone or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone level
- Treated hypogonadism or hypothyroidism
- Planned travel during the study
- History of substance abuse in the last 12 months
- Illicit drug use, smoking, or vaping within 4 weeks
- Upper respiratory illness within two weeks on screening
- If profession requires being on call, no overnight or on call duties during the study
- Subject reports any communicable skin or venereal disease
- Transgender status (Individuals who have undergone or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy or who have undergone gender affirming surgery. Individuals who plan to begin hormone replacement therapy or to undergo gender affirming surgery during the study.)
- HIV positive status via direct medical history
- Subject reports rash or lesion on the penis or surrounding area
Where
- The Bronx, New York
Collaborators
Beyond Meat, San Diego Sexual Medicine
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations