Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of Herbs and Spices for Improving Dietary Quality in College Students: A Pilot Study
Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS · Jul 15, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of August 20, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is exploring whether a nutrition education program that encourages college students to add herbs and spices to their meals can help improve their overall diet and health. The program also teaches about following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are recommendations for healthy eating. Researchers want to see if this approach is practical and well-liked by students who currently have poor dietary habits, and if it might help with heart health, digestion, and inflammation. They also want to learn about any challenges students might face when trying to follow the program.
College students between 18 and 39 years old who have a body weight within a healthy to overweight range and currently eat a lower-quality diet may be eligible to join. Participants will attend several visits: an initial screening, assessments before and after the 6-week program to check heart and gut health, and two education sessions where they’ll learn about healthy eating, try different foods with herbs and spices, get easy recipes, and receive herbs and spices to take home. Throughout the study, they will also keep track of what they eat over several days. If you’re interested, it’s important to know that some health conditions or medications may exclude participation, and the study team will review eligibility carefully.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • College students (undergraduate and graduate)
- • Ages 18-39 years
- • BMI 18.5-40 kg/m
- • Having poor dietary quality (a Rapid Prime Diet Quality Score of 10 or below),
- • Maintain current lifestyle habits (e.g., medications/ supplement use, exercise, and sleep), and avoid taking new supplements or medications throughout the study.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Individuals diagnosed with myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
- • Uncontrolled hypertension
- • BMIs \<18.5 or \>40 kg/m2
- • Autoimmune disease or immune compromised
- • A recent diagnosis of cancer or under current treatment for cancer
- • A history of kidney stones
- • Having pacemaker
- • Participating in a weight loss program
- • Having a history of any significant GI disease
- • Insulin use
- • Currently on dialysis
- • Currently consuming pro-/pre-biotics or antiobiotics
- • Diagnosed with unstable chronic metabolic disease
- • Have allergies to any herbs and spices
- • Are pregnant/nursing
- • Participating in another investigational study
- • Unable or unwilling to give consent
About University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a prominent research institution committed to advancing healthcare through innovative clinical trials. With a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, UNLV engages in rigorous scientific inquiry to explore new treatments and interventions that address pressing health challenges. The university's dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities foster an environment conducive to cutting-edge research, ensuring the highest standards of ethical practice and patient care. Through its clinical trials, UNLV aims to contribute to the body of medical knowledge while improving health outcomes for diverse populations.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Neda S Akhavan, PhD, RD
Principal Investigator
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported