Erectile DysfunctionERECTIONNCT04349059
The Impact of Dietary Pattern on Erectile Function
A study testing Animal based diet and Plant based diet in people with Erectile Dysfunction, run by Montefiore Medical Center at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this study is to determine whether erectile function is impacted by dietary patterns in healthy men with normal erectile function. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Erectile Dysfunction
- What is being tested?
- Animal based diet and Plant based diet
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 30 Oct 2023to 17 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Subject provides written informed consent and HIPAA authorization in English before any study procedures are conducted.
- Subject is taking no medical therapy other than: prn MDIs, medication(s) for anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD (these medications include, but are not limited to, SSRIs, SNRIs, Stimulants), no change in supplements if applicable.
- The anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD will have been controlled (per report of subject) for the last 6 months.
- IIEF score greater or equal to 22
- Subject will have had penile-sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal penetration) within 12 weeks of enrollment.
- Male aged 18-35 years old
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- 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 photograph and share all items consumed/drunk during the dietary intervention
- 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 24 hours prior to both 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 RigiscanTM 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, to begin fasting at 11pm the night before each visit, and to undergo all blood draws/salivary/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 in the morning of the day of each study visit. Tooth brushing is otherwise permissible.
- BMI <30, 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 and two full days when food is provided.
Who cannot join
- 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 >=30, BMI <18.5, or weight <= 110lbs
- Known chronic medical disease other than non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disease, asthma, anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD.
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- Subjects who have had changes in the dosage or type of their medication(s) for anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD within 3 months of enrollment.
- Subjects who have scheduled or planned medication and/or medication dose changes during the study period. These medication changes include the initiation of a new medication, discontinuation of a medication, modification of medication dose, and/or the route of administration of a medication.
- Subjects who are taking benzodiazepines and/or beta blockers
- 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
- The subject is trans-gender
- 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
- Subject reports rash or lesion on the penis or surrounding area.
- STOP-Bang score > 2
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Montefiore Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology
The Bronx, New York, 10467
About this study
Official title: The Impact of a Plant-Based Diet Versus an Animal-Based Diet on Erectile Function in Healthy Men With Normal Erectile Function: The ERECTION Study
The goal of this study is to determine whether erectile function is impacted by dietary patterns in healthy men with normal erectile function.
Read the detailed description
Visit 1:
After reviewing and signing consent, subjects will be screened for the study. Screening will consist of the following:
- Complete International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.
- Record medical history, concomitant medications
- Measure height and weight, calculate BMI
- Vitals
- Draw blood for total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- Query subject regarding the presence of genital rash or lesions. Subjects will be asked, "do you have a rash or lesion on your penis or surrounding area?"
If the IIEF score is abnormal, subjects will be advised to contact their primary care provider.
Each subject will be contacted by phone with their blood results. If abnormal subject will be given the recommendation to contact his primary care provider.
If an abnormal finding is identified during screening, such as an abnormal STOP-bang score, subject will be given the recommendation to contact his primary care provider.
If the subject has no primary care provider, contact information for primary care will be given.
Subjects meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized into the study, into either Sequence One or Sequence Two. Once enrolled, subjects will be asked to not modify their dietary habits throughout the duration of the study other than during the two evenings and two full days when food is provided (see below).
Sequence One:
Visit 2:
Subjects will return to the study center in the morning after having fasted (other than consuming water) since 11pm the night before. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be made. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will be taught how to use the Rigiscan™ device. Subjects will receive one plant-based dinner (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will then leave the study center and they will consume their usual diet until 5pm. For the rest of the evening until 11pm they will consume only the dinner provided. Water will be the only beverage allowed after 5pm. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm EST. Subjects will text pictures of everything they consume (eat or drink) after 5pm to Dr. Ostfeld or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least once that evening. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 3 Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been fasting other than drinking water since 11pm the night before. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will then receive one full day of plant-based meals (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will be encouraged to eat breakfast at the study center after the initial anthropomorphic measures are made, saliva is obtained, and blood is drawn. Subjects will text pictures of all they consume during that day to Dr. Ostfeld and/or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least twice during that day. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm, EST. Subjects will fast other than water after 11pm. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. Black coffee and/or tea is permitted only before noon. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 4 Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
There will then be a washout period for 8-12 days and subjects will be instructed to return to their usual dietary habits during this washout period. Number of days of the washout period will be recorded.
Visit 5 After the washout period, subjects will return to the study center in the morning after having fasted (other than consuming water) since 11pm the night before. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will receive one animal-based dinner (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will then leave the study center and they will consume their usual diet until 5pm. For the rest of the evening until 11pm they will consume only the dinner provided. Water will be the only beverage consumed after 5pm. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm, EST. Subjects will text pictures of all they consume (eat or drink) after 5pm to Dr. Ostfeld or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least once that evening. Subjects will fast other than water after 11pm. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 6 Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will then receive one full day of animal-based meals (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will be encouraged to eat breakfast at the study center after the initial anthropomorphic measures are made, saliva is obtained, and blood is drawn. Subjects will text pictures of all they consume during that day to Dr. Ostfeld and/or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least twice during that day. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm, EST. Subjects will fast other than water after 11pm. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. Black coffee and/or tea is permitted only before noon. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 7 (End of Study) Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Sequence Two:
Sequence Two is identical to Sequence One, except that the order of the plant-based and animal-based meals is reversed.
Dr. Irwin Goldstein was a collaborator on this study.
- Conditions
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Being tested
- Animal based diet, Plant based diet
- Keywords
- Diet, Erectile function, Plant-based, Animal-based
- Medical subject headings
- Erectile Dysfunction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Animal based dietOther
Food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services
Plant based dietOther
Food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-based arm | Active comparator | The plant-based arm consists of 3 visits to the clinical research center, following a plant-based diet and using the Rigiscan™ device to measure the frequency, rigidity, and duration of nocturnal erections. Receives: Other: Plant based diet |
| Animal-based arm | Active comparator | The animal-based arm consists of 3 visits to the clinical research center, following an animal- based diet and using the Rigiscan™ device to measure the frequency, rigidity, and duration of nocturnal erections. Receives: Other: Animal based diet |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 4 meals.
The first 5 minutes of Rigiscan™ recording is discarded. Erection time is the total time (in minutes) when penile rigidity is ≥ 60% at both the tip and base of the penis with a concurrent increase in penile tumescence at both the tip and base of the penis compared to baseline tumescence as measured by Rigiscan™ during overnight Rigiscan™ use, divided by the total time (in minutes) of overnight Rigiscan™ use. Overnight Rigiscan™ use time is defined as starting 5 minutes after the start of the Rigiscan™ recording and the end of Rigiscan™ use is defined as the last time the tip or base was >=10% rigid with a corresponding concurrent increase in penile tumescence at the tip or base compared to baseline tumesence. This total time window from start to end is the Rigiscan™ use time.
Measured: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming the 4 meals. (The second night of Rigiscan™ use).
Secondary outcomes (3)
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 1 meal.
The first 5 minutes of Rigiscan™ recording is discarded. Erection time is the total time (in minutes) when penile rigidity is ≥ 60% at both the tip and base of the penis with a concurrent increase in penile tumescence at both the tip and base of the penis compared to baseline tumescence as measured by Rigiscan™ during overnight Rigiscan™ use, divided by the total time (in minutes) of overnight Rigiscan™ use. Overnight Rigiscan™ use time is defined as starting 5 minutes after the start of the Rigiscan™ recording and the end of Rigiscan™ use is defined as the last time the tip or base was >=10% rigid with a corresponding concurrent increase in penile tumescence at the tip or base compared to baseline tumesence. This total time window from start to end is the Rigiscan™ use time
Measured: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming 1 meal. (The first night of Rigiscan™ use).
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 4 meals, where each erection lasts >=5 minutes as measured by Rigiscan™
The first 5 minutes of Rigiscan™ recording is discarded. Erection time is the total time (in minutes) when penile rigidity is ≥ 60% at both the tip and the base of the penis with a concurrent increase in penile tumescence at both the tip and base of the penis compared to baseline tumescence, and the erection lasts >= 5 minutes, as measured by Rigiscan™ during overnight Rigiscan™ use, divided by the total time (in minutes) of overnight Rigiscan™ use. Overnight Rigiscan™ use time is defined as starting 5 minutes after the start of the Rigiscan™ recording and the end of Rigiscan™ use is defined as the last time the tip or base was >=10% rigid with a corresponding concurrent increase in penile tumescence at the tip or base compared to baseline tumesence. This total time window from start to end is the Rigiscan™ use time.
Measured: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming 4 meals. (The second night of Rigiscan™ use).
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 1 meal, where each erection lasts >=5 minutes as measured by Rigiscan™
The first 5 minutes of Rigiscan™ recording is discarded. Erection time is the total time (in minutes) when penile rigidity is ≥ 60% at both the tip and the base of the penis with a concurrent increase in penile tumescence at both the tip and base of the penis compared to baseline tumescence, and the erection lasts >= 5 minutes, as measured by Rigiscan™ during overnight Rigiscan™ use, divided by the total time (in minutes) of overnight Rigiscan™ use. Overnight Rigiscan™ use time is defined as starting 5 minutes after the start of the Rigiscan™ recording and the end of Rigiscan™ use is defined as the last time the tip or base was >=10% rigid with a corresponding concurrent increase in penile tumescence at the tip or base compared to baseline tumesence. This total time window from start to end is the Rigiscan™ use time.
Measured: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming 1 meal. (The first night of Rigiscan™ use).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Apr 2020
- Study start30 Oct 2023
- Primary completion17 Sep 2026
- Study completion17 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (17)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Erectile DysfunctionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Randomized crossover design
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Montefiore Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Purjes Foundation, The Greenbaum Foundation, Nitric Oxide Innovations LLC
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Robert Ostfeld, MD, Principal investigator, Montefiore Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04349059
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2019-10465
- Other IDs
- 2019
- Acronym
- ERECTION
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Mar 2020
- Last updated
- 25 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, Krane RJ, McKinlay JB. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)34871-1.
PubMed 8254833Nehra A. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in men with both conditions. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Feb;84(2):139-48. doi: 10.4065/84.2.139.
PubMed 19181648Thompson IM, Tangen CM, Goodman PJ, Probstfield JL, Moinpour CM, Coltman CA. Erectile dysfunction and subsequent cardiovascular disease. JAMA. 2005 Dec 21;294(23):2996-3002. doi: 10.1001/jama.294.23.2996.
PubMed 16414947Vogel RA, Corretti MC, Plotnick GD. Effect of a single high-fat meal on endothelial function in healthy subjects. Am J Cardiol. 1997 Feb 1;79(3):350-4. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(96)00760-6.
PubMed 9036757Ong PJ, Dean TS, Hayward CS, Della Monica PL, Sanders TA, Collins P. Effect of fat and carbohydrate consumption on endothelial function. Lancet. 1999 Dec 18-25;354(9196):2134. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)03374-7.
PubMed 10609824Esposito K, Nappo F, Giugliano F, Giugliano G, Marfella R, Giugliano D. Effect of dietary antioxidants on postprandial endothelial dysfunction induced by a high-fat meal in healthy subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;77(1):139-43. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/77.1.139.
PubMed 12499333Shimabukuro M, Chinen I, Higa N, Takasu N, Yamakawa K, Ueda S. Effects of dietary composition on postprandial endothelial function and adiponectin concentrations in healthy humans: a crossover controlled study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):923-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/86.4.923.
PubMed 17921366Sakakibara S, Murakami R, Takahashi M, Fushimi T, Murohara T, Kishi M, Kajimoto Y, Kitakaze M, Kaga T. Vinegar intake enhances flow-mediated vasodilatation via upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(5):1055-61. doi: 10.1271/bbb.90953. Epub 2010 May 7.
PubMed 20460711Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, De Sio M, Giugliano G, D'armiento M, Giugliano D. Mediterranean diet improves erectile function in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug;18(4):405-10. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901447. Epub 2006 Jan 5.
PubMed 16395320Wing RR, Rosen RC, Fava JL, Bahnson J, Brancati F, Gendrano Iii IN, Kitabchi A, Schneider SH, Wadden TA. Effects of weight loss intervention on erectile function in older men with type 2 diabetes in the Look AHEAD trial. J Sex Med. 2010 Jan;7(1 Pt 1):156-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01458.x. Epub 2009 Aug 17.
PubMed 19694925Gupta BP, Murad MH, Clifton MM, Prokop L, Nehra A, Kopecky SL. The effect of lifestyle modification and cardiovascular risk factor reduction on erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2011 Nov 14;171(20):1797-803. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.440. Epub 2011 Sep 12.
PubMed 21911624Cassidy A, Franz M, Rimm EB. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb;103(2):534-41. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.122010. Epub 2016 Jan 13.
PubMed 26762373Yaman O, Tokath Z, Inal T, Anafarta K. Effect of sildenafil on nocturnal erections of potent men. Int J Impot Res. 2003 Apr;15(2):117-21. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3900978.
PubMed 12789391Corbin JD, Francis SH. Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase-5: target of sildenafil. J Biol Chem. 1999 May 14;274(20):13729-32. doi: 10.1074/jbc.274.20.13729. No abstract available.
PubMed 10318772Greenstein A, Chen J, Salonia A, Sofer M, Matzkin H, Montorsi F. Does sildenafil enhance quality of nocturnal erections in healthy young men? A NPT-RigiScan study. J Sex Med. 2004 Nov;1(3):314-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.04045.x.
PubMed 16422962
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Impact of a Plant-Based Diet Versus an Animal-Based Diet on Erectile Function in Healthy Men With Normal Erectile Function: The ERECTION Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04349059
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ERECTION / 2019-10465
- Conditions
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Keywords
- Diet, Erectile function, Plant-based, Animal-based
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Montefiore Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Purjes Foundation, The Greenbaum Foundation, Nitric Oxide Innovations LLC
- Study start
- 30 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 17 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 17 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Apr 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this study is to determine whether erectile function is impacted by dietary patterns in healthy men with normal erectile function.
Detailed description
Visit 1:
After reviewing and signing consent, subjects will be screened for the study. Screening will consist of the following:
- Complete International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.
- Record medical history, concomitant medications
- Measure height and weight, calculate BMI
- Vitals
- Draw blood for total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- Query subject regarding the presence of genital rash or lesions. Subjects will be asked, "do you have a rash or lesion on your penis or surrounding area?"
If the IIEF score is abnormal, subjects will be advised to contact their primary care provider.
Each subject will be contacted by phone with their blood results. If abnormal subject will be given the recommendation to contact his primary care provider.
If an abnormal finding is identified during screening, such as an abnormal STOP-bang score, subject will be given the recommendation to contact his primary care provider.
If the subject has no primary care provider, contact information for primary care will be given.
Subjects meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized into the study, into either Sequence One or Sequence Two. Once enrolled, subjects will be asked to not modify their dietary habits throughout the duration of the study other than during the two evenings and two full days when food is provided (see below).
Sequence One:
Visit 2:
Subjects will return to the study center in the morning after having fasted (other than consuming water) since 11pm the night before. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be made. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will be taught how to use the Rigiscan™ device. Subjects will receive one plant-based dinner (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will then leave the study center and they will consume their usual diet until 5pm. For the rest of the evening until 11pm they will consume only the dinner provided. Water will be the only beverage allowed after 5pm. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm EST. Subjects will text pictures of everything they consume (eat or drink) after 5pm to Dr. Ostfeld or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least once that evening. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 3 Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been fasting other than drinking water since 11pm the night before. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will then receive one full day of plant-based meals (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will be encouraged to eat breakfast at the study center after the initial anthropomorphic measures are made, saliva is obtained, and blood is drawn. Subjects will text pictures of all they consume during that day to Dr. Ostfeld and/or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least twice during that day. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm, EST. Subjects will fast other than water after 11pm. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. Black coffee and/or tea is permitted only before noon. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 4 Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
There will then be a washout period for 8-12 days and subjects will be instructed to return to their usual dietary habits during this washout period. Number of days of the washout period will be recorded.
Visit 5 After the washout period, subjects will return to the study center in the morning after having fasted (other than consuming water) since 11pm the night before. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will receive one animal-based dinner (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will then leave the study center and they will consume their usual diet until 5pm. For the rest of the evening until 11pm they will consume only the dinner provided. Water will be the only beverage consumed after 5pm. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm, EST. Subjects will text pictures of all they consume (eat or drink) after 5pm to Dr. Ostfeld or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least once that evening. Subjects will fast other than water after 11pm. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 6 Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Subjects will then receive one full day of animal-based meals (food will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services.) Subjects will be encouraged to eat breakfast at the study center after the initial anthropomorphic measures are made, saliva is obtained, and blood is drawn. Subjects will text pictures of all they consume during that day to Dr. Ostfeld and/or to a study representative and s/he will have text or verbal contact with the subject at least twice during that day. Dinner should be consumed at 8:30pm, EST. Subjects will fast other than water after 11pm. That night, subjects will do a Rigiscan™ assessment overnight at their home. Black coffee and/or tea is permitted only before noon. The time the subject goes to bed and the time the subject wakes up for the day should be recorded. The subject agrees to be in bed with Rigiscan™ on (other than for emergency or needed trips to the bathroom) for at least seven hours.
Visit 7 (End of Study) Subjects will return to the study center the morning after the Rigiscan™ assessment and bring the Rigiscan™ device with them. They will have been asked to not brush their teeth or use mouthwash and/or other breath fresheners that morning. Anthropomorphic and blood pressure and heart rate recordings will be taken. Saliva will be stored for NO measurement. Blood will be drawn and stored. Urine will be collected and stored.
Sequence Two:
Sequence Two is identical to Sequence One, except that the order of the plant-based and animal-based meals is reversed.
Dr. Irwin Goldstein was a collaborator on this study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Randomized crossover design
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-based arm | Active comparator | Other: Plant based dietThe plant-based arm consists of 3 visits to the clinical research center, following a plant-based diet and using the Rigiscan™ device to measure the frequency, rigidity, and duration of nocturnal erections. |
| Animal-based arm | Active comparator | Other: Animal based dietThe animal-based arm consists of 3 visits to the clinical research center, following an animal- based diet and using the Rigiscan™ device to measure the frequency, rigidity, and duration of nocturnal erections. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (22 listed)
- Subject provides written informed consent and HIPAA authorization in English before any study procedures are conducted.
- Subject is taking no medical therapy other than: prn MDIs, medication(s) for anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD (these medications include, but are not limited to, SSRIs, SNRIs, Stimulants), no change in supplements if applicable.
- The anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD will have been controlled (per report of subject) for the last 6 months.
- IIEF score greater or equal to 22
- Subject will have had penile-sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal penetration) within 12 weeks of enrollment.
Key exclusion criteria (27 listed)
- 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 >=30, BMI <18.5, or weight <= 110lbs
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Animal based dietFood will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services | Other | Animal-based arm |
| Plant based dietFood will be provided by Montefiore-Einstein Food Services | Other | Plant-based arm |
Primary outcome
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 4 meals.
Time frame: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming the 4 meals. (The second night of Rigiscan™ use).
The first 5 minutes of Rigiscan™ recording is discarded. Erection time is the total time (in minutes) when penile rigidity is ≥ 60% at both the tip and base of the penis with a concurrent increase in penile tumescence at both the tip and base of the penis compared to baseline tumescence as measured by Rigiscan™ during overnight Rigiscan™ use, divided by the total time (in minutes) of overnight Rigiscan™ use. Overnight Rigiscan™ use time is defined as starting 5 minutes after the start of the Rigiscan™ recording and the end of Rigiscan™ use is defined as the last time the tip or base was >=10% rigid with a corresponding concurrent increase in penile tumescence at the tip or base compared to baseline tumesence. This total time window from start to end is the Rigiscan™ use time.
3 secondary outcomes
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 1 meal.
Time frame: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming 1 meal. (The first night of Rigiscan™ use).
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 4 meals, where each erection lasts >=5 minutes as measured by Rigiscan™
Time frame: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming 4 meals. (The second night of Rigiscan™ use).
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 1 meal, where each erection lasts >=5 minutes as measured by Rigiscan™
Time frame: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming 1 meal. (The first night of Rigiscan™ use).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 8254833Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, Krane RJ, McKinlay JB. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)34871-1.
- Background: PubMed 19181648Nehra A. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in men with both conditions. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Feb;84(2):139-48. doi: 10.4065/84.2.139.
- Background: PubMed 16414947Thompson IM, Tangen CM, Goodman PJ, Probstfield JL, Moinpour CM, Coltman CA. Erectile dysfunction and subsequent cardiovascular disease. JAMA. 2005 Dec 21;294(23):2996-3002. doi: 10.1001/jama.294.23.2996.
- Background: PubMed 9036757Vogel RA, Corretti MC, Plotnick GD. Effect of a single high-fat meal on endothelial function in healthy subjects. Am J Cardiol. 1997 Feb 1;79(3):350-4. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(96)00760-6.
- Background: PubMed 10609824Ong PJ, Dean TS, Hayward CS, Della Monica PL, Sanders TA, Collins P. Effect of fat and carbohydrate consumption on endothelial function. Lancet. 1999 Dec 18-25;354(9196):2134. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)03374-7.
- Background: PubMed 12499333Esposito K, Nappo F, Giugliano F, Giugliano G, Marfella R, Giugliano D. Effect of dietary antioxidants on postprandial endothelial dysfunction induced by a high-fat meal in healthy subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;77(1):139-43. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/77.1.139.
- Background: PubMed 17921366Shimabukuro M, Chinen I, Higa N, Takasu N, Yamakawa K, Ueda S. Effects of dietary composition on postprandial endothelial function and adiponectin concentrations in healthy humans: a crossover controlled study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):923-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/86.4.923.
- Background: PubMed 20460711Sakakibara S, Murakami R, Takahashi M, Fushimi T, Murohara T, Kishi M, Kajimoto Y, Kitakaze M, Kaga T. Vinegar intake enhances flow-mediated vasodilatation via upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(5):1055-61. doi: 10.1271/bbb.90953. Epub 2010 May 7.
- Background: PubMed 16395320Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, De Sio M, Giugliano G, D'armiento M, Giugliano D. Mediterranean diet improves erectile function in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Int J Impot Res. 2006 Jul-Aug;18(4):405-10. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901447. Epub 2006 Jan 5.
- Background: PubMed 19694925Wing RR, Rosen RC, Fava JL, Bahnson J, Brancati F, Gendrano Iii IN, Kitabchi A, Schneider SH, Wadden TA. Effects of weight loss intervention on erectile function in older men with type 2 diabetes in the Look AHEAD trial. J Sex Med. 2010 Jan;7(1 Pt 1):156-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01458.x. Epub 2009 Aug 17.
- Background: PubMed 21911624Gupta BP, Murad MH, Clifton MM, Prokop L, Nehra A, Kopecky SL. The effect of lifestyle modification and cardiovascular risk factor reduction on erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2011 Nov 14;171(20):1797-803. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.440. Epub 2011 Sep 12.
- Background: PubMed 26762373Cassidy A, Franz M, Rimm EB. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb;103(2):534-41. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.122010. Epub 2016 Jan 13.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Robert Ostfeld, MD principal investigator
Montefiore Medical Center
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Animal based diet and Plant based diet in people with Erectile Dysfunction, run by Montefiore Medical Center at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 22 inclusion and 27 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Percent of time ≥60% erect during overnight Rigiscan™ use after 4 meals. (time frame: During overnight Rigiscan™ use directly after consuming the 4 meals. (The second night of Rigiscan™ use).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04349059, which also lists 17 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.