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Ultra-processed Food Consumption, Gut Microbiota, and Glucose Homeostasis

Study Purpose

Advancing age is associated with gut dysbiosis, low-grade chronic inflammation, progressive insulin resistance, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Prediabetes is present in 45-50% of middle-aged/older adults, and declines in glucose tolerance are evident in the third or fourth decade of life. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify new approaches for the prevention of type 2 diabetes among middle-aged adults. Observational research has linked intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF), which comprise ~60% of total energy intake in US adults, with increased risk of T2D. Ex vivo and animal research suggests that components of UPF alter gut microbiota composition and initiate a cascade of events leading to intestinal inflammation and impaired glycemic control. Whether mid-life adults (aged 45-65 yrs) are susceptible to the adverse impact of UPF consumption on glucose homeostasis is unknown. The overall objective of this study is to establish proof-of-concept for an impairment in glucose homeostasis following increases in UPF consumption in mid-life adults, in order to conduct a larger, more comprehensive and mechanistic trial in the future. In addition, changes in gut microbial composition and function, intestinal inflammation and permeability, serum endotoxin concentrations, and inflammatory cytokines as potential mechanisms by which UPF consumption influences glucose homeostasis will be investigated.

Recruitment Criteria

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Healthy volunteers are participants who do not have a disease or condition, or related conditions or symptoms

Yes
Study Type

An interventional clinical study is where participants are assigned to receive one or more interventions (or no intervention) so that researchers can evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or health-related outcomes.


An observational clinical study is where participants identified as belonging to study groups are assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.


Searching Both is inclusive of interventional and observational studies.

Interventional
Eligible Ages 40 Years - 65 Years
Gender All
More Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • - Weight stable for previous 6 months.
  • - Sedentary to recreationally active.
  • - No plans to gain/lose weight or change physical activity level.
  • - Willing to pick up food daily and consume foods provided for an 8-week period.
  • - Verbal and written informed consent.
  • - Approval by Medical Director.
  • - Estrogen or testosterone usage is acceptable, if on stable dose for >6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • - BMI >35 kg/m2.
  • - Diabetes or diabetes medication.
  • - Antibiotic, prebiotic or prebiotic use in prior 3 months.
  • - TCHOL >6.2 mmol/L; TG >4.5 mmol/L.
  • - Blood pressure (BP) > 159/99 mmHg (Stable BP on antihypertensive medications used for >6 months is acceptable) - Diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease.
  • - Past or current heart diseases, stroke, respiratory disease, endocrine or metabolic disease, or hematological-oncological disease.
  • - Vegetarian or vegan.
  • - Pregnant or plans to become pregnant.
  • - Food allergies or aversions.
- 3 or fewer stools per week or regular laxative use

Trial Details

Trial ID:

This trial id was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, providing information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants with locations in all 50 States and in 196 countries.

NCT05358171
Phase

Phase 1: Studies that emphasize safety and how the drug is metabolized and excreted in humans.

Phase 2: Studies that gather preliminary data on effectiveness (whether the drug works in people who have a certain disease or condition) and additional safety data.

Phase 3: Studies that gather more information about safety and effectiveness by studying different populations and different dosages and by using the drug in combination with other drugs.

Phase 4: Studies occurring after FDA has approved a drug for marketing, efficacy, or optimal use.

N/A
Lead Sponsor

The sponsor is the organization or person who oversees the clinical study and is responsible for analyzing the study data.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Principal Investigator

The person who is responsible for the scientific and technical direction of the entire clinical study.

Brenda Davy, PhD RDN
Principal Investigator Affiliation Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Agency Class

Category of organization(s) involved as sponsor (and collaborator) supporting the trial.

Other
Overall Status Recruiting
Countries United States
Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied.

Insulin Sensitivity, 24-hour Glucose Control
Arms & Interventions

Arms

Experimental: HIgh UPF (Ultra-processed foods)

Participants will consume a diet containing 81% total energy from UPF for 6 weeks

Active Comparator: No UPF

Participants will consume a diet containing 0% total energy from UPF for 6 weeks

Interventions

Other: - HIgh UPF controlled diet

Following a two- week eucaloric lead-in diet, participants will be provided and consume a diet emphasizing UPF (81% energy). Diets will be eucaloric (50% carbohydrate, 35% fat,15% protein) matched for dietary soluble and insoluble fiber, added sugar, mono- and polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, antioxidant nutrients, sodium, pre- and probiotics, and overall diet quality, for 6 weeks.

Other: - No UPF controlled diet

Following a two- week eucaloric lead-in diet, participants will be provided and consume a diet without UPF (0% energy). Diets will be eucaloric (50% carbohydrate, 35% fat,15% protein) matched for dietary soluble and insoluble fiber, added sugar, mono- and polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, antioxidant nutrients, sodium, pre- and probiotics, and overall diet quality, for 6 weeks.

Contact a Trial Team

If you are interested in learning more about this trial, find the trial site nearest to your location and contact the site coordinator via email or phone. We also strongly recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider about the trials that may interest you and refer to our terms of service below.

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia

Status

Recruiting

Address

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061

Site Contact

Brenda M Davy, PhD

bdavy@vt.edu

540-231-6784

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