(P19-007-24) The Effects of Regenerative Farming on Human Health: A Randomized Crossover Design Clinical Trial

Objectives: There is concern that shifts to modern farming techniques produce less nutrient-dense foods. Previous studies have found that regenerative-organic (ROC) farming systems improve the nutrient density of foods. To date, the translation to human health has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to compare conventional and ROC farming practices on biomarkers of human health.

Methods: Thirty-four (N=34) overweight (BMI=25-35) but otherwise healthy adults participated in a randomized crossover-design feeding trial. The study consisted of two interventions—1) a regeneratively-produced diet (grass-finished meats and organic produce) and, 2) a conventionally-produced diet (generic food production practices). The interventions lasted six weeks each with a two-week washout period between the diets. Foods were matched for macronutrient and caloric content across each intervention. At four time points (baseline, post-diet 1, pre-diet 2, post-diet 2), blood was drawn from participants for basic metabolic panel (BMP) analysis.

Results: The significant data indicated positive differences between participants’ habitual diet (baseline) and a whole-food diet that both interventions were based upon (post-12 week interventions). Specifically, VLDL (p=0.001), triglycerides (p=0.001), and hbA1c (p=0.03). There were no significant differences in glucose, lipid panel, HbA1c, or weight change between the regenerative or conventional diets.

Conclusions: The clinical trial suggests no differences in biomarkers of human health when consuming ROC foods compared to conventionally-produced foods. The work showed positive health indications from consuming a diet rich in whole foods versus a typical standard American diet.

Funding Sources: This work is funded by Greenacres Foundation, OH.