Effects of Plant Foods on Gastrointestinal and Cardiometabolic Health
This study, called "Effects of Plant Foods on Gastrointestinal and Cardiometabolic Health," is looking for healthy adult volunteers aged 30 to 70. Researchers want to find out how eating different types of plant-based foods affects your gut health and your heart health. They'll compare two diets rich in plant foods over four weeks to see if they have different effects, especially on the types of bacteria in your gut. If you take part, you'll eat meals provided by the study team and attend clinic visits for health checks. This will help us understand better how what we eat impacts our body's health in important ways.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is all about understanding how different plant-based diets impact your gut and heart health. Your gut is home to billions of tiny bacteria, often called gut microbiota, which play a big role in your overall health. Your heart health, or 'cardiometabolic health', is also very important, affecting things like blood pressure and cholesterol.
The study aims to compare two different diets, both focused on plant foods, to see if they cause different changes in these areas. Researchers are particularly interested in how these diets might change the variety of bacteria in your gut, which is a sign of a healthy gut.
By taking part, you'd be helping scientists gain valuable insights that could lead to better advice for everyone on how to eat for a healthier gut and heart. This kind of research is crucial for developing better dietary guidelines in the future.
Key takeaways
- Study examines how plant-based diets affect gut and heart health.
- Healthy adults aged 30-70 are needed.
- Participants will eat provided meals for four weeks.
- Involves three clinic visits for health checks and samples.
- Helps understand diet's impact on gut bacteria and overall health.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy adults between 30 and 70 years old. You should not be eating a lot of plant-based foods yet, or taking certain gut-supportive supplements like prebiotics or probiotics when you apply. You also need to be willing to eat animal products daily as part of your usual diet before the study begins.
There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from taking part, such as diabetes, severe heart disease, kidney issues, or certain gut conditions like Crohn's disease or coeliac disease. If you've had major surgery on your gut (other than an appendix or gallbladder removal), or if you use certain medications that affect blood pressure, appetite, or gut movement, you might not be suitable either.
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 30 and 70 years old?
- Do you currently eat animal products daily?
- Are you able to store provided meals and snacks at home?
- Do you have any severe health conditions like diabetes or heart disease?
- Are you willing to avoid prebiotics/probiotics for a month before and during the study?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you'll be asked to replace all your meals, snacks, and drinks with those provided by the study team for four weeks (six days a week). This means eating only what they give you. You'll also need to visit the research facility three times over the study period. During these visits, the team will take blood, urine, and stool samples, measure your body composition (like how much fat and muscle you have), check your blood pressure, and use an ultrasound scan on an artery in your arm. You'll also be asked to fill out questionnaires about what you eat, your mood, how active you are, your quality of life, and how easy you found the diet to follow. You should be able to store the provided meals at home (e.g., in a freezer) and have access to an oven or microwave.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- King's College LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What exactly will I have to eat?
The study team will provide all your meals, snacks, and drinks for four weeks. These will be plant-based and you'll get two different types of diets to compare.
Do I need to be a vegetarian or vegan to join?
No, you don't. In fact, a requirement for the study is that you currently consume animal products daily, and don't already eat a very high amount of plant foods.
How many times do I need to visit the clinic?
You will need to visit the research facility three times over the course of the study.
Will I know my results?
The study aims to gather overall information. Individual results may be discussed, but the main goal is to understand general patterns across all participants.
What kind of health checks will I have?
You'll have blood, urine, and stool samples taken, body composition checked, blood pressure measured, and an ultrasound of an artery in your arm.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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