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Medically tailored meals

Medically tailored meals has been studied in 6 papers since 2024: 4 trials and 1 observational study in people, 1 review; 3 in the past year. The newest story, Nov 7, 2026: “Diet and blood sugar improved in adults given tailored meals”.

Intervention

6 papers study it20 findingsUpdated

1 new paper in 30 daysSee all 6 papers on medically tailored meals

At a glance

Independent labs found the same change in people. 5 independent labs in 1 country.

“across both arms, the MEPA score improved by 3.15 points (95%CI: 1.76, 5.63)”
Medically Tailored Meals Are an Effective Food is Medicine Intervention for Addressing Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: Findings from the MTM4CVH Community-Based Randomized Clinical TrialAHA Scientific Sessions 2026 abstract2026doi:10.1161/circ.154.suppl_1.13397

None of its findings points the other way.

Humans: replicated by independent labs. Cells, worms or flies and mice: nothing yet.

C, W, M, H: cells, worms or flies, mice, humans. Dark: independent labs found the same change there. Light: one lab or one study. Outline: nothing yet.

Labs are independent when their papers share no last author and no institution.

  • 5 independent labs in 1 country
  • Funders: Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland and 3 more
  • Human trial4
  • Humans1

Studies in people

4 studies gave medically tailored meals to people and measured what changed.

What changedDesignPeopleSource

up: Increases Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans score+3.15 points (95% CI 1.76–5.63)

up: Improves food security status>2-fold greater odds of higher food security status; p<0.001

down: Decreases HbA1c-0.5 percentage points (95% CI -0.81 to -0.16); p=0.003

Randomized trial8 months110 peopleBoth63y±10Older adults; Across both intervention arms, compared with baseline; co-existing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressureAHA Scientific Sessions 2026 abstract, Nov 2, 2026

down: Decreases systolic blood pressure-9.4 mmHg

no change: Has no effect on body mass index0.33 kg/m2

Trial12 weeks12 peopleBothmean age 52Midlife adults; hypertension or type 2 diabetesNutrients, Feb 11, 2026

down: Decreases malnutrition riskOR = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.05 – 0.99)

up: Improves AHA diet score+0.4773 ± 0.2311 units

down: Decreases sarcopenia risk-0.59 ± 0.21 units

Randomized trialtwo months46 peoplemean age of 67.8 ± 13.10 yearsAdults aged 18 to <90 years with heart failure and malnutrition or malnutrition riskBMC nutrition, Mar 18, 2025

up: Increases protein intakefrom 74.6 ± 25.1 g at baseline to 93.8 ± 24.3 g on MTM (P = 0.04)

up: Increases branched-chain amino acid intakeall P < 0.001

up: Improves Liver Frailty Indexfrom 4.42 ± 0.32 to 3.96 ± 0.82 (P = 0.03)

Trial12 weeks10 peoplePatient cohortsJournal of clinical and experimental hepatology, May 7, 2024

What did studies of medically tailored meals find?

14

Studies of medically tailored meals measured 14 outcomes; the most studied are systolic blood pressure (3 studies), HbA1c (2) and malnutrition risk (2).

Systolic blood pressure

downin humans3

3 studies

  1. Medically tailored meals decrease systolic blood pressure in humans (Systolic: -3.7 mmHg (95% CI -7.03 to -0.43); diastolic: -4.1 mmHg (95% CI -6.14 to -2.14)).

    “systolic and diastolic BP were reduced by 3.7 mmHg (95% CI: -7.03, -0.43) and 4.1 mmHg (95% CI: -6.14, -2.14), respectively (p<0.001)”

    Human trialAcross both intervention arms, compared with baseline; co-existing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure8 monthsn = 110

    Diet and blood sugar improved in adults given tailored meals

    AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 abstract

  2. Medically tailored meals decrease systolic blood pressure in humans (hypertension or type 2 diabetes) (-9.4 mmHg).

    “There was a significant mean decrease in systolic blood pressure from 137.5 to 128.1 mmHg (-9.4 mmHg).”

    Human trialhypertension or type 2 diabetes10 meals weekly12 weeksn = 12

    Developing a Community-Driven, Locally Sourced Medically Tailored Meal Model: A Pilot Linking Healthcare, Farmers, and Patients

    Nutrients

  3. Medically tailored meals are linked with lower systolic blood pressure in clients with hypertension (p < .001).

    “Clients with hypertension experienced significant improvements in systolic blood pressure (p < .001).”

    Humansin clients with hypertension3-6 months

    Health outcomes reported by healthcare providers and clients of a community-based medically tailored meal program

    BMC nutrition

More on Systolic blood pressure

HbA1c

downin humans2

2 studies

  1. Medically tailored meals decrease HbA1c in humans (-0.5 percentage points (95% CI -0.81 to -0.16); p=0.003).

    “HbA1c fell by 0.5% (95%CI: -0.81, -0.16) (p=0.003)”

    Human trialAcross both intervention arms, compared with baseline; co-existing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure8 monthsn = 110

    Diet and blood sugar improved in adults given tailored meals

    AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 abstract

  2. Medically tailored meals are linked with lower HbA1c in clients with diabetes (p = .005).

    “Clients with diabetes and available data (n = 45) demonstrated significant reduction in hemoglobin A1C (p = .005).”

    Humansin clients with diabetes3-6 monthsn = 45

    Health outcomes reported by healthcare providers and clients of a community-based medically tailored meal program

    BMC nutrition

More on HbA1c

Malnutrition risk

downin humans2OR 0.21

2 studies

  1. Medically tailored meals decrease malnutrition risk in humans (OR = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.05 – 0.99)).

    “However, regardless of the treatment group, by model-based estimates, patients had reduced odds of having high malnutrition risk (MST score ≥ 2) after one month, OR = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.04 – 0.74) or two months of MTM OR = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.05 – 0.99) respectively, each compared to the baseline score (p = 0.04”

    Human trialtwo monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

  2. Medically tailored meals are linked with lower malnutrition risk in humans (over program duration (3-6 months)) (p < .001).

    “Self-reported malnutrition risk decreased significantly over program duration (p < .001).”

    Humansover program duration (3-6 months)3-6 monthsn = 1,959

    Health outcomes reported by healthcare providers and clients of a community-based medically tailored meal program

    BMC nutrition

30-day readmissions

no changein humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals showed no clear effect on 30-day readmissions in humans.

    “The number of MTM/week (7 vs. 21) was not a significant predictor of hospital readmissions across time (p = 0.76).”

    Human trialtwo monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

  2. Medically tailored meals showed no clear effect on 30-day readmissions in humans (9% for 21 MTM vs 12.5% for 7 MTM).

    “Readmissions by 30 days were not significantly different based on the number of MTM provided (9% for 21 MTM vs 12.5% for 7 MTM)”

    Human trial30 daysn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

AHA diet score

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals improve AHA diet score in humans (+0.4773 ± 0.2311 units).

    “Specifically, mean AHA score was estimated to increase by 0.7275 ± 0.2173 units from baseline to one month (p = 0.0014), and by 0.4773 ± 0.2311 units from baseline to two months (p = 0.0430).”

    Human trialtwo monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

  2. Medically tailored meals improve AHA diet score in humans (+0.73 ± 0.22 units at one month (p = 0.0014); +0.48 ± 0.23 units at two months (p = 0.0430)).

    “The AHA diet score improved over time from baseline by 0.73 ± 0.22 units at one month (p = 0.0014), and by 0.48 ± 0.23 units at two months (p = 0.0430)”

    Human trialone and two monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

More on AHA diet score

Food security status

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals improve food security status in humans Across both intervention arms, compared with baseline (>2-fold greater odds of higher food security status; p<0.001).

    “participants had >2-fold greater odds of having a higher food security status than baseline (p<0.001)”

    Human trialAcross both intervention arms, compared with baseline8 monthsn = 110

    Diet and blood sugar improved in adults given tailored meals

    AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 abstract

Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans score

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals increase Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans score in humans (+3.15 points (95% CI 1.76–5.63)).

    “across both arms, the MEPA score improved by 3.15 points (95%CI: 1.76, 5.63)”

    Human trialAcross both intervention arms, compared with baseline; co-existing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure8 months68% femalesn = 110

    Diet and blood sugar improved in adults given tailored meals

    AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 abstract

More on Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans score

Body mass index

no changein humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals showed no clear effect on body mass index in humans (hypertension or type 2 diabetes) (0.33 kg/m2).

    “There was no significant change in diastolic blood pressure, which went from 79.8 to 70.2 mmHg (-9.2 mmHg), and BMI, which went from 37.59 to 37.93 kg/m2 (0.33 BMI).”

    Human trialhypertension or type 2 diabetes10 meals weekly12 weeksn = 12

    Developing a Community-Driven, Locally Sourced Medically Tailored Meal Model: A Pilot Linking Healthcare, Farmers, and Patients

    Nutrients

More on Body mass index

Sarcopenia risk

downin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals decrease sarcopenia risk in humans (-0.59 ± 0.21 units).

    “Specifically, SARC-F scores decreased by 0.43 ± 0.20 units from baseline to one month (p = 0.03) and by 0.59 ± 0.21 units from baseline to two months (p = 0.0067), indicating continued improvement in physical functioning.”

    Human trialtwo monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

Sarcopenia risk

downin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals decrease sarcopenia risk in humans (-0.43 ± 0.2 units at one month (p = 0.03); -0.59 ± 0.21 units at two months (p = 0.007)).

    “Sarcopenia risk improved over time (p = 0.01), decreasing by 0.43 ± 0.2 units by one (p = 0.03) and 0.59 ± 0.21 units by two months (p = 0.007)”

    Human trialone and two monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

More on Sarcopenia risk

Malnutrition risk

downin humans1OR 0.18

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals decrease malnutrition risk in humans (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.74 at one month; OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.99 at two months).

    “Patients had reduced odds of having malnutrition risk relative to the baseline score at one and two months (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.74 and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.99, respectively).”

    Human trialone and two monthsn = 46

    The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

    BMC nutrition

More on Malnutrition risk

Liver Frailty Index

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals improve Liver Frailty Index in humans (from 4.42 ± 0.32 to 3.96 ± 0.82 (P = 0.03)).

    “The LFI score improved from 4.42 ± 0.32 to 3.96 ± 0.82 by the end of the MTM phase (P = 0.03).”

    Human trial12 weeksn = 10

    Medically Tailored Meals for Patients With Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy: The BRAINFOOD Proof-of-concept Trial

    Journal of clinical and experimental hepatology

More on Liver Frailty Index

Branched-chain amino acid intake

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals increase branched-chain amino acid intake in humans (all P < 0.001).

    “valine 3.73 ± 1.26 g to 5.17 ± 1.28 g, isoleucine 3.32 ± 1.18 to 4.69 ± 1.55, leucine 5.83 ± 2.00 to 7.49 ± 2.07, all P < 0.001.”

    Human trial12 weeksn = 10

    Medically Tailored Meals for Patients With Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy: The BRAINFOOD Proof-of-concept Trial

    Journal of clinical and experimental hepatology

Protein intake

upin humans1

1 study

  1. Medically tailored meals increase protein intake in humans (from 74.6 ± 25.1 g at baseline to 93.8 ± 24.3 g on MTM (P = 0.04)).

    “Protein intake rose from 74.6 ± 25.1 g at baseline to 93.8 ± 24.3 g on MTM (P = 0.04).”

    Human trial12 weeksn = 10

    Medically Tailored Meals for Patients With Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy: The BRAINFOOD Proof-of-concept Trial

    Journal of clinical and experimental hepatology

Latest

Dec 2025: 0Jan 2026: 1Feb 2026: 1Mar 2026: 0Apr 2026: 0May 2026: 0Jun 2026: 0Jul 2026: 0Aug 2026: 0Sep 2026: 0Oct 2026: 0Nov 2026: 13 papers in 12 months
AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 Abstract

Diet and blood sugar improved in adults given tailored meals

Diet-quality scores rose 3.15 points from baseline over eight months across two meal programs for adults with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.Diet-quality scores rose 3.15 points from baseline over eight months across two meal programs for adults with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Randomized trial · 110 peopleInterventions
Paper

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