Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Raspberry on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Syndrome

This study is investigating whether eating raspberries can improve health, especially for people who are overweight or have early signs of metabolic syndrome. Doctors know that the tiny germs living in our gut (called gut microbiota) play a big role in our overall health, including how our body uses food. We believe that certain natural plant chemicals in raspberries might help these gut germs in a positive way. Researchers want to understand if taking raspberry supplements can change these gut germs and, in turn, help improve health conditions linked to being overweight. We're also trying to find out exactly how raspberries work in the body to have these good effects.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrolment target

Start

08 Jan 2018

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Gut Microbiota Metabolic Syndrome

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into a really interesting idea: Can eating raspberries actually make a difference to your health, particularly if you're struggling with your weight or have some early signs of what doctors call 'metabolic syndrome'? Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions, like a larger waistline or slightly off blood sugar levels, that can increase your risk of more serious health problems later on.

Scientists are increasingly finding out that the tiny living things in our gut, collectively known as our 'gut microbiota', have a huge impact on our health. They can affect how we digest food, how our body handles sugar, and even our immune system. In this study, we want to see if special natural chemicals found in raspberries, called polyphenols, can help improve health by changing these gut germs for the better. We're hoping to understand if raspberries act like a 'prebiotic', which means they feed the good bacteria in your gut.

We'll be using advanced techniques to study the make-up of gut bacteria, as well as looking at changes in the body that might show how raspberries are working. By doing this, we hope to discover exactly how raspberries might help prevent or manage health issues linked to being overweight and metabolic syndrome. This could lead to simple, natural ways to support people's health in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring if raspberry supplements improve gut health.
Aims to help people with early signs of metabolic syndrome.
Will study gut bacteria and body changes.
You'll take a raspberry supplement, not eat large amounts of fresh fruit.
Participation involves clinic visits and health assessments.
You can leave the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we're looking for generally healthy men and women (who haven't gone through menopause yet) between the ages of 18 and 60. You'd also need to be of Caucasian background. We're specifically inviting people who might be a bit overweight or have a larger waist measurement, or who have slightly higher levels of certain fats in their blood or higher insulin levels, even if they're otherwise healthy. This is because we want to see how raspberries might help with these specific early health signs.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you already have diagnosed conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, this study wouldn't be right for you. We also can't include you if you're taking any regular medication that could affect the study results, or if you've recently used other natural health products or antibiotics.

It's also important that you don't smoke, have an allergy or strong dislike for raspberries, or drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day. If you follow very specific diets (like vegan, gluten-free, or keto), have had a recent major weight change or surgery, or plan to have surgery during the study, you also wouldn't be eligible. We need people whose diet and health haven't changed much recently so we can clearly see the effect of the raspberry supplement.

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.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Are you generally healthy, but maybe a bit overweight or have a larger waist?
Do you not have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol?
Are you free from allergies to raspberries and don't strongly dislike them?
Have you not used antibiotics or other natural health products in the last 3 months?
Do you not smoke and don't drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to take a raspberry supplement. The study team will explain exactly how to take it. You will have several visits to the clinic where assessments will be done. These assessments will include providing samples (like blood or stool samples) so we can look at your gut bacteria and other health markers. We'll also measure things like your weight and waist circumference. The study will last for a set period, and the team will tell you the total duration upfront. There will be follow-up appointments to check on your progress and health throughout the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by helping to improve your gut health and possibly other aspects of your metabolic health, though we can't guarantee any specific personal benefit. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as discomfort from blood tests or potential mild side effects from the raspberry supplement, although raspberries are generally considered safe. You will be fully informed of all known risks before you decide to join. It is very important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Laval University
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada

Common questions

What is 'gut microbiota'?

It's the name for all the tiny germs, like bacteria, that live in your intestines. They're very important for your health.

What is 'metabolic syndrome'?

It's a group of conditions like having a larger waistline or slightly high blood sugar, which can increase your health risks.

Will I have to eat raspberries constantly?

No, you'll be taking a raspberry supplement, not necessarily eating fresh raspberries all the time.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll likely have blood tests and provide stool samples, and we'll check your weight and measurements.

How long will the study last?

The study team will tell you the exact duration, but it will be for a set period with follow-up visits.