Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Mediterranean Diet Uptake and Nutrition on Child Health, Inflammation, and Early-life Symbiosis (MUNCHIES) Study

The MUNCHIES study wants to see if a Mediterranean diet can improve the gut health, body shape, and reduce inflammation in toddlers aged 2-3. This is an important age when children's tummies are still developing and they're learning to eat. Many young children eat foods high in sugar and salt, which isn't ideal for their long-term health. The study will provide some families with a Mediterranean diet and a special programme to help them stick to it for three weeks. Other families will continue their usual diet with general advice. Researchers will then compare the groups to understand how early diet can shape a child's health for life.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of New Brunswick

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2027

Gut Microbiome Body Composition Adherence Metabolites Inflammation

What is this study about?

This study, called MUNCHIES, is looking into how the food young children eat affects their health, especially their gut, which is where all the good and bad bacteria live. For children aged 2 and 3, this is a really important time because their tummy health is still changing, and they're forming their eating habits. Sadly, many toddlers in places like Canada eat a lot of sugary and salty foods, which might not be good for their health in the long run.

The main idea of this research is to see if giving toddlers a Mediterranean-style diet can help improve their tummy health, keep their body in good shape, and reduce any unwanted swelling inside their body (called inflammation). The study also wants to find out if giving parents a special programme about healthy eating can help families keep up good eating habits over time. The researchers hope that by understanding this, they can help create better advice for all families to prevent long-term health problems from a young age.

To do this, some toddlers will follow a Mediterranean diet for three weeks, and their families will get free meal boxes and guidance from a nutrition expert. Other toddlers will continue their usual eating habits and receive general healthy eating advice. The researchers will then compare the two groups by collecting information on what the children eat, measuring their body shape, and checking their poo samples to understand their gut health. This is the first study of its kind to look at a controlled diet in toddlers, combining practical support with detailed gut analysis.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how a Mediterranean diet impacts toddlers' gut health and overall well-being.
It targets children aged 2-3, a crucial time for developing eating habits and gut health.
Families in one group will receive free Mediterranean meals and expert nutritional guidance for 3 weeks.
The study aims to understand how early diet can shape long-term health and inform public health advice.
Participation involves dietary changes, body measurements, and poo sample collection over 3 months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, the child must be aged between 2 and 3 years old. Their parent needs to be at least 19 years old and able to speak English. The child should have been born full-term and had a healthy birth weight. It's important that the parent is happy for their toddler to follow a Mediterranean diet for three weeks and to take part in a healthy eating programme for three months. They also need to be willing to provide a poo sample from their toddler and attend all the study appointments.

There are some reasons why a child might not be able to join. For example, if they have allergies to foods common in the Mediterranean diet or other dietary restrictions. Children who are already following a Mediterranean diet, or those who have recently taken antibiotics, probiotics, or have an illness like a fever or diarrhoea, won't be able to take part.

Also, if a child was born with a long-term illness or a problem that affects their diet or gut health, they won't be eligible. Lastly, if the child is still being breastfed or formula-fed, they can't join this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 2 and 3 years old?
Are you, as the parent, at least 19 years old and comfortable communicating in English?
Was your child born full-term (37 weeks or more) with a healthy birth weight (2,500g to 4,500g)?
Does your child NOT have any food allergies or severe dietary restrictions, and are they NOT already on a Mediterranean diet?
Has your child NOT recently taken antibiotics, probiotics, or currently have a fever, diarrhoea, or constipation?
Is your child currently NOT being breastfed or formula-fed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your toddler will be randomly placed into one of two groups: either a Mediterranean diet group or a standard diet group. This part of the study lasts for three weeks. If your child is in the Mediterranean diet group, you'll receive free, ready-made meals and snacks for them for those three weeks, prepared by experts. You'll also get guidance from a nutrition researcher through a special education programme. If your child is in the standard diet group, they'll continue their usual diet, and you'll receive general healthy eating advice.

Throughout the study, which lasts for 3 months in total for the nutrition education aspect, researchers will collect information about what your child eats and their body measurements. You'll also need to collect a poo sample from your toddler at certain times for testing. There will be initial checks to make sure your family doesn't already follow a Mediterranean diet. The education programme will run for three months after the study begins.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, such as receiving free healthy meals for your toddler for three weeks and getting expert advice on nutrition, which could help establish good eating habits. You'll also be contributing to important research that could help other families in the future. As for risks, there are no known serious risks associated with following a Mediterranean diet. However, if your child has an allergy or dietary restriction that wasn't previously known, it could cause issues. The study has screening processes to try and prevent this. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect their medical care.

Locations (1)

University of New Brunswick
Verified postcode
Fredericton, Canada

Common questions

What is a Mediterranean diet?

It's a healthy eating pattern based on traditional foods from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lean protein like fish and chicken, with less red meat and processed foods.

What is the 'gut microbiome'?

This refers to the trillions of helpful bacteria, viruses, and other tiny living things that live in your digestive system. They play a big part in your health, including digestion and your body's defence system.

Will my child have to eat food they don't like?

The study aims to provide tasty, healthy meals. However, children can be fussy. The researchers will offer guidance within the education programme, but you ultimately decide what your child eats from the provided meals.

How much time will this study take?

The main diet part is for 3 weeks, but the nutrition education programme and follow-up will last for a total of 3 months from when you start. This includes appointments and providing samples.

What are 'inflammation' and 'metabolites'?

Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection, but long-term inflammation isn't good. Metabolites are tiny substances made when your body breaks down food, chemicals, or its own tissues. They can give clues about your health.

How to find out more

Dr. Maryam Kebbe, PhD, CLC

maryam.kebbe@unb.ca 15064516872 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.