Effects of an Elderberry-Based Functional Beverage on Exercise Performance, Muscle Structure, and the Gut-Muscle Axis
Launched by BURDUR MEHMET AKIF ERSOY UNIVERSITY · Jun 27, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of July 21, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying whether drinking a special elderberry-based beverage, combined with regular exercise, can improve muscle strength, reduce tiredness, and benefit gut health in healthy adults. The beverage is rich in natural compounds called anthocyanins and polyphenols, which are thought to help both muscles and the gut. Researchers want to see how this drink affects muscle size and performance, fatigue levels, and the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which may all work together to support better physical health.
People between 18 and 65 years old who already exercise at least twice a week, have a healthy body weight, and don’t have chronic illnesses or recent antibiotic use may be able to join. Participants will follow a berry-free diet during the study to avoid other sources of similar compounds. They will be randomly given either the elderberry drink or a placebo drink that looks and tastes the same but doesn’t have the active ingredients. Everyone will do a supervised exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the study, their muscle health, exercise ability, gut bacteria, and body composition will be checked. This research will help us understand how functional foods like elderberry drinks might support muscle and gut health during exercise.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Engaging in regular physical activity at least 2 days per week
- • Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m²
- • No use of antibiotics, probiotics, or prebiotics within the past 3 months
- • No history of chronic illness or autoimmune disorders
- • Physically able and eligible to participate in exercise training
- • Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- • Known food allergies
- • Regular use of medications such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, or immunosuppressants
- • Professional-level athletes
- • All participants will be instructed to avoid consuming any products containing berries (fresh, frozen, dried, jam, juice, or supplements) during the intervention period. A "berry-free diet" will be implemented as part of the study protocol. At baseline, a short Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) will be administered to assess participants' berry consumption habits over the past month. The FFQ will include 10 commonly consumed berries in Türkiye: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, elderberry, mulberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, aronia, and goji berry. Each item will be scored on a scale from 0 (never) to 4 (daily), and the total score will represent the individual's berry consumption score. Participants with a total baseline score of ≥10 will be excluded to minimize confounding from prior polyphenol exposure. The FFQ will only be used to assess baseline habits and ensure compliance with the berry-free protocol; it will not be used in primary outcome analyses.
About Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University is a distinguished academic institution committed to advancing medical research and clinical trials. With a focus on innovative healthcare solutions, the university fosters a collaborative environment that integrates cutting-edge scientific inquiry with practical applications. Its dedicated research faculty and state-of-the-art facilities position the institution as a leading sponsor of clinical trials, aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and contributing to the broader medical community. Through rigorous ethical standards and a commitment to excellence, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University plays a pivotal role in the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of effective therapeutic interventions.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Burdur, , Turkey
Patients applied
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported