Acute Effects of Ultra-processed Versus Unprocessed Foods on Glucocorticoid Secretion in Healthy Individuals

Launched by ELEONORA SEELIG · Dec 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand how our bodies respond to different types of food, specifically comparing ultra-processed foods (like packaged snacks) to unprocessed foods (like fresh fruits and vegetables). Researchers want to see if eating these foods affects the release of cortisol, a hormone that helps manage stress and metabolism, in healthy individuals. The study will involve 20 healthy male volunteers, aged 18 to 40, who will try two meals that have the same calories and nutrients but are made from different types of food.

To participate, men must have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9, which is considered a healthy weight range. However, those with certain health issues, severe food allergies, or who smoke or drink heavily might not qualify. Participants can expect to eat both types of meals and have their blood tested to measure changes in cortisol levels and other health markers. This study is currently recruiting and aims to gather insights that could help us better understand the effects of food processing on our bodies.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Males aged 18 to 40 years
• • BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe acute or chronic disease
• • Lactose intolerance
• • Severe food allergy
• • Casual smoking (more than six cigarettes per day)
• • Frequent, heavy alcohol consumption (more than 30g/day)
• • Frequent, heavy caffeine consumption (more than 4 caffeinated drinks/day)
• • Regular physical exercise (more than 4hrs per week)
• • Shift work
• • Previous enrollment in a clinical trial within the past two months
• • Intake of any steroid-containing drugs, including topical steroids and inhalers, within four weeks of the study initiation
• • Contradictions to undergo the investigated intervention
• • Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent