Effects Of Dietary Fats on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Activity in Healthy Adults
This study aims to understand how different types of fats we eat affect the tiny living things, called microbes, in our gut. We'll also see if these changes impact our general health. For two weeks, healthy adults will be asked to include a specific type of fat – butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil – in their daily meals. During this time, researchers will collect stool and blood samples to measure things like the different kinds of gut bacteria, substances they produce, fats in the blood, and signs of inflammation. The goal is to discover if the type of fat we consume makes a real difference to our gut health and other body functions.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your gut is like a bustling city, full of tiny living creatures called bacteria, fungi, and viruses, all working together. This is your 'gut microbiome,' and it plays a huge role in your health, from how you digest food to how your immune system works. What you eat directly influences these gut residents.
This study wants to explore a specific part of our diet: fats. We know that different fats have different structures, and scientists believe these differences might affect our gut microbes in unique ways. For example, some fats might encourage beneficial bacteria, while others might not. This research will help us understand if choosing one type of fat over another could impact the health of our gut and potentially other areas of our well-being, like heart health and inflammation.
The researchers are particularly interested in substances produced by gut bacteria that are thought to be good for us. By carefully studying healthy adults who eat specific fats, they hope to get a clearer picture of how our diet, especially the fats we choose, interacts with our gut microbiome to influence our overall health.
Key takeaways
- Looks at how specific fats (butter, coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil) affect gut bacteria.
- Healthy adults in Glasgow aged 20-50 are needed.
- Involves adding 60ml of a specific fat to your daily diet for two weeks.
- Requires three visits for blood and stool samples over a three-week period.
- Aims to understand how fat choice impacts gut health and wider metabolic markers.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you should be a healthy adult aged between 20 and 50 years old. Your weight should be stable, and your Body Mass Index (BMI) needs to be between 20 and 30, which is considered a healthy range. You'll also need to live in the Glasgow area and not be a smoker.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For instance, if you've taken antibiotics recently (in the last three months) or are currently on medicines that affect your gut microbes or heart health, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you use certain dietary supplements regularly, like probiotics or fish oil, you'd need to be willing to stop them for the study.
You also can't have any major ongoing health conditions related to your gut, heart, or metabolism, or have had significant gut surgery. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or follow a very specific diet like vegan or keto, or have allergies to dairy or coconut, this study wouldn't be right for you.
- Are you between 20 and 50 years old?
- Do you have a stable weight and a BMI between 20 and 30?
- Do you live in the Glasgow area and not smoke?
- Have you avoided antibiotics for the last three months?
- Are you generally healthy, without major gut or heart conditions?
- Are you willing to avoid certain supplements and don't follow very restrictive diets?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be one of 64 healthy volunteers. After an initial period where you'll eat your normal diet for a week, you'll be asked to add a specific type of fat – either butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil (60ml each day) – to your daily meals for two weeks. While doing this, you'll try to keep your usual diet and lifestyle the same, just swapping out some of your regular fats for the study fat.
You will need to attend three visits at the New Lister Building, University of Glasgow, over a three-week period (on day 1, day 7, and day 22). At each visit, researchers will collect blood and stool samples to understand changes in your body and gut bacteria. They will also measure your height and weight. You will be asked to keep food diaries and fill out questionnaires about any symptoms and how well you are sticking to the study instructions.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, G31 2ERGlasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What will I have to eat?
You'll continue your usual diet, but for two weeks, you'll replace some of your regular fats with 60ml per day of either butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil, which will be provided to you.
How many times do I need to visit the study site?
You will need to attend three study visits at the University of Glasgow over a three-week period.
Will I know which fat I'm eating?
Yes, you will know which fat you are assigned to consume (butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil).
What kind of samples will be collected?
Blood samples (after an overnight fast) and stool samples will be collected at each visit.
Will I get results from my samples?
The study aims to understand general trends, not to provide individual health reports. You likely won't receive individual results from your samples.
How to find out more
Linah Alhomidan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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