Effect of Snacks on Aging

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · Mar 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the aging process. Antioxidant potential of tree nuts, including pecans, has been previously reported. However, very few studies have evaluated the antioxidant effects and their underlying mechanisms of nut consumption in the aging population. Skin is the largest organ and is the first body part to exhibit signs of aging. Human skin exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) experiences a dramatic increase in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Moreover, skin aging is associated with increased levels of oxidative stres...

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Female
• • Generally healthy
• • Aged 55-75 years
• • BMI 18.5-34.9 kg/m2
• • Fitzpatrick Skin type II-IV
• • Consume a typical Western diet (low in polyphenols-rich foods and fiber)
• • Willing to maintain habitual dietary and exercise patterns for the study duration
• • Willing to maintain normal skin care products and pattern for the duration of the study
• • Willing to come to study visits without any makeup and skin products on
• • Subjects must read and sign the Institutional Review Board-approved written informed consent prior to the initiation of any study specific procedures or enrollment. A subject will be excluded for any condition that might compromise the ability to give truly informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Vegetarian/vegan
• • Known nut allergy
• • Skin-related prescription medication, supplements or non-prescription cosmeceutical agents
• • Initiation of topical or oral prescription steroids and/or anti-inflammatory medications within 30 days prior to study enrollment
• • Excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight
• • Screening laboratory values outside of the normal range that is considered clinically significant for study participation by the investigator
• • Documented chronic disease
• • Taking medications or supplements known to affect gut microbiota composition (antibiotics within the past 3 months, probiotics, fiber, etc.)
• • Taking exogenous hormones (e.g. hormone replacement therapy)
• • Recent weight fluctuations (\>10% in the last 6 months)
• • Smoker or living with a smoker
• • Use of \>20 g of alcohol per day
• • Unable or unwilling to comply with the study protocol (including unwillingness to avoid nuts for the whole duration of the study)
• • Unable to provide consent
• • Pregnancy and/or lactation

Trial Officials