Clinical Research Directory

Cardiometabolic Effects of the Recommended Daily Pecan Intake Dose

Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including higher BMIs and poor cholesterol profiles, are on the rise and contribute to the United States' growing disease burden. The bioactive compounds contained in tree nuts have been shown to beneficially affect cardiometabolic health outcomes. Pecans contain more total phenols, sterols, and flavonoids than any other tree nut. They also are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These bioactive components in pecans are likely the reason for the previously documented improvements in cardiometabolic health. This study aims to examine the impact of a low dose of pecans on changes in fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism/blood lipids and markers of chronic disease risk. The specific aims of this study are to: * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at a dose of 6% of total energy needs for 12 weeks on fasting and postprandial blood lipids. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at a dose of 6% of total energy needs for 12 weeks on other markers of chronic disease risk. Participants will be asked to: * Consume pecans daily for 12 weeks or maintain their current habitual diet. * Attend two short visits at 4 and 8 weeks for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and to collect their next 4 weeks' supply of study materials. * Attend two longer (5 h) testing visits, which include eating a standard breakfast meal and having their blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare the Pecan and Control groups to examine the physiologic effects of incorporating a low dose of pecans into one's diet.

GreenArt: Nutrikinetics and Bioavailability Studies

The aim of this study is to investigate phenolic compounds from GreenArt, a baccharis-type propolis ingredient, bioavailability and nutrikinetics by measuring urinary excretion and metabolic profile over 48h by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The study follows a cross-over, double-blind, randomized and placebo control design on 10 healthy subjects.

Time Restricted Eating, Eating Behaviors, and Cardiometabolic Risk in Emerging Adult Women

The purpose of this study is to assess how time restricted eating interventions impact eating behaviors, diet quality, and body composition in women ages 20-29 years. Participants will be asked to limit all food and drinks (except water and some non-caloric beverages) to a 10-hour period during the day for four weeks. Participants 1-36 will follow their usual eating and activity patterns for one week before starting, and follow whatever eating pattern they want for 4 weeks after finishing. Participants 37-51 will follow their usual eating and activity patterns for one week before starting, and will not complete a follow up period.

Early Time-Restricted Eating in Young Judo Athletes

This study investigates the effects of a 5-month early time-restricted eating (e-TRE) intervention on body composition, muscle damage biomarkers, and psychological variables in highly trained young male judo athletes. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to either an e-TRE group or a control group. The e-TRE group followed a 16:8 fasting protocol (07:00-15:00 eating window) while maintaining their usual training program, whereas the control group maintained habitual dietary patterns. Outcomes included changes in body composition (BMI, body fat, skeletal muscle mass), muscle damage biomarkers (CK, LDH, ASAT, ALAT, uric acid, CRP, total bilirubin), and psychological measures (cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence assessed using CSAI-2). Measurements were taken at baseline and after the intervention period. The aim of the study is to determine whether e-TRE can improve physiological recovery and psychological readiness in combat sport athletes without negatively affecting performance-related variables.

Families Implementing Good Health Traditions for Life

This study will provide evidence for the utility of using a community-engaged research approach to implement a tailored, family-oriented adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program that will have positive effects on risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality among Black families in a Southwest Georgia community.

Starting Early to Prevent Obesity Using Telehealth (StEP OUT): Intervention Development Trial

The goal of this intervention development study is to optimize the Starting Early to Prevent Obesity Using Telehealth (StEP OUT) intervention for feasibility and acceptability, using human-centered design and community-engaged research methods.

Mobile Apps for Preschool Parents (MAPP) Study

The purpose of Mobile Apps for Preschool Parents (MAPP) Study is to test the effectiveness of two mobile applications for parents of preschool aged children: 1) an app focused on child and family nutrition and wellness, and 2) an app focused on parents reading to their children.

Use of Ritual Prenatal Multivitamins for Pregnancy

Prenatal multivitamin/multimineral supplements (MVI) provide important nutrition supplement to the diet of pregnant women to cover potential deficiencies and optimize nutrition status of both mom and baby, especially when the diet is suboptimal or nutrient demand is high while absorption is hindered by various factors such as genetic variance and gastrointestinal function. In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, the investigators will recruit 70 pregnant women at gestational week 12-14 and randomly assign them to either receive a Ritual prenatal MVI (n=40) or another commercially available prenatal MVI (n=40) through out pregnancy. Both supplements are over the counter and commercially available. The major differences between the two MVIs are the chemical form of folate as either 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate or folic acid, and the dosages of vitamin D, biotin, and docosahexaenoic acid. The investigators will collect blood samples in each trimester of pregnancy and the placenta and cord blood at delivery to assess differences in blood nutrient levels. The investigators hypothesize that consumption of Ritual MVI leads to better nutrition status and biomarkers in maternal-fetal dyads compared to control during the antepartum period.

Use of Ritual Epost Postnatal Multivitamins During the Postpartum Period

Multivitamin/multimineral supplements (MVI) provide important nutrition supplement to the diet of pregnant women to cover potential deficiencies and optimize nutrition status of both mom and baby, especially when the diet is suboptimal or nutrient demand is high while absorption is hindered by various factors such as genetic variance and gastrointestinal function. It is, however, largely unknown whether using an MVI during the lactating period helps improve nutrition status of mom and baby. In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, the investigators will recruit 7- postpartum women who exclusively breastfeed at week 5 postpartum and randomly assign them to either receive the Ritual MVI which is commercially available or a blank placebo for 10 weeks. A blank placebo is appropriate because there is currently no recommendation or scientific consensus that lactating women who are healthy and eat a normal diet would have improved nutrition status or maternal-infant health outcomes from a nutrition supplement. The investigators will collect blood and breastmilk samples at baseline and end of the study to assess nutrient status. The investigators hypothesize that consumption of a Ritual MVI leads to better nutrition status and biomarkers in maternal-child dyads compared to control.

Nutritional Status and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Common Malignancies(NCOM)

This multicenter, prospective cohort study investigates the long-term impact of nutritional status on clinical outcomes in cancer patients undergoing treatment in Shaanxi Province, China. It evaluates how malnutrition, dietary patterns, and nutritional interventions affect treatment tolerance, quality of life, and survival. The study tracks dynamic changes in nutritional health and related indicators throughout various stages of chemoradiotherapy, aiming to inform evidence-based strategies for precision nutrition in oncology care.

Effect of L. Plantarum Probiotic Supplementation on Broccoli Sulforaphane Bioavailability: Randomised Double-blind Placebo-controlled Crossover Study

Broccoli has the precursor of an active compound (sulforaphane) that has shown a wide range of health promoting benefits. Sulforaphane formation depends on the conversion of glucoraphanin (precursor) by myrosinase enzyme. Thus, the bioavailability of sulforaphane is affected by myrosinase activity. Some bacteria, such as L. plantarum (probiotic), have shown they can also convert glucoraphanin to sulforaphane in vitro. This study investigates the effect of short-term L. plantarum supplementation on broccoli sulforaphane bioavailability in humans using a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Dose Response Effects of Pecan Consumption

The bioactive compounds contained in tree nuts have been shown to beneficially affect cardiometabolic health outcomes. Pecans contain more total phenols, sterols, and flavonoids than any other tree nut. They also are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These bioactive components in pecans are likely the reason for the previously documented improvements in cardiometabolic health. The specific aims of this study are to: * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on fasting and postprandial blood lipids. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on plasma markers associated with overall health. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on subjective and physiologic postprandial measures of hunger and satiety. Participants will be asked to: * Consume pecans daily for 28 days or maintain their current habitual diet. * Attend three short weekly visits for fasting blood craws, body measurements, and collect their next week's supply of study materials. * Attend two longer (5 h) testing visits which include consuming a standard breakfast meal and having their blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare pecan LOW, pecan MID, pecan HIGH, and the Control group to examine the physiologic effects of incorporating various dosages of pecans into one's diet.

Cottonseed Oil Dose Response

Adding cottonseed oil to the diet has been shown to improve cholesterol profiles and other markers of chronic disease risk in both healthy and at-risk adults. However, CSO has only been tested in the context of high-fat diets. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the health effects of lower amounts of cottonseed oil (CSO) added to the diet in adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How do different amounts of CSO in the diet affect fasting cholesterol profiles and markers of liver function? * How do different amounts of CSO in the diet affect fasting and post-meal markers of lipid metabolism (i.e. triglycerides) and glycemic control (i.e. blood sugar and insulin)? * How do different amounts of CSO in the diet affect fasting and post-meal markers of chronic disease risk factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, coagulation potential, and appetite control? Participants will be asked to: * Consume provided breakfast shakes and snacks daily for 28-days. * Attend three weekly short visits for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and collect the next week of study materials. * Attend two longer (5.5 h) testing visits which include eating a standardized breakfast meal and having blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare CSO LOW, CSO MID, CSO HIGH, and Control groups (receiving a mixture of oils) to see if lower doses of CSO in the diet impart the same health benefits as previously shown with high doses of CSO.

CHW Intervention to Improve Nutrition Security of Patients With Hypertension

The goal of this study is to implement and evaluate a randomized pilot study of a 4-month Nutrition-enhanced community health worker (CHW) intervention for primary care patients with nutrition insecurity and poorly controlled hypertension. The nutrition intervention will be added to the pre-existing Massachusetts General Hospital CHW hypertension (Basic CHW) program that provides hypertension education, coaching about adherence to medications and primary care visits, and home BP cuffs and promotion of BP self-monitoring over the course of approximately 4 months.

Pilot Study of Capacity-oriented Intervention to Promote Food Security and Diet Quality Among Hispanics/Latinos

Despite a large proportion exhibiting cardiovascular disease risk factors and experiencing food insecurity, U.S. Hispanics/Latinos demonstrate low cardiovascular mortality, which may indicate existing capital (e.g., assets) protecting health and diet. The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and short-term efficacy of a pilot intervention aimed at improving diet quality through strengthening food- and diet-related capital and food security among low-income, Hispanic/Latino adults in San Diego, California. The pilot intervention will be integrated into an existing local health or nutrition program serving low-income Hispanic/Latino adults. Participants will be asked to: * Complete questionnaires before and after the intervention * Engage in nutrition education activities * Engage in food access-related activities

Bioavailability of Vitamin D(25(OH)D) and Omega-3 Fatty Acid (DHA) Enhanced Chicken

The purpose of the research is to evaluate if chicken or eggs obtained from chickens that are fed a diet that contains omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA), or vitamin D (as 25(OH)D) provides additional health benefits by improving the status of omega-3 fatty acids or 25(OH)D in healthy adults who eat this bioenhanced chicken or eggs.

mHealth India Postnatal Health Intervention Effectiveness

The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a culturally-tailored mobile interactive education and support group intervention to supplement standard postpartum care activities in comparison to standard care alone on health-related behaviors and health outcomes in a randomized controlled trial among 2100 postpartum Indian women living in 3 geographically diverse Indian states to estimate the impact on maternal and neonatal health-related knowledge, health-related behaviors, and health outcomes. The investigators also seek to characterize mechanisms of impact including knowledge, social support, self-efficacy, and behavior change, and determine the cost-effectiveness.

Toddler Biomarker of Nutrition Study

This is a study of how accurate different methods to assess young children's dietary intake are, so that researchers and health professionals can better understand how children's nutrition relates to their health. The study will compare food surveys, measurements of nutrients in the blood, and optical measurements of nutrients in the skin.

Food FARMacia: Reducing Childhood Obesity in Households With Food Insecurity

The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether the Food FARMacia intervention to reduce food insecurity is feasible and accepted among families with an infant age 6 to less than 18 months receiving pediatric primary care. All participants will receive nutrition education and anticipatory guidance to support healthy meal preparation in addition to usual care.

Effect of a Postbiotic Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial (PARABIOTICS-2).

The principal objective of this project is to evaluate the effect of a postbiotic supplement (inactivated microorganism) on body composition and other physiological and metabolic parameters related to excess body weight in overweight or obese adult men and women, as well as to determine changes in the gut microbiota associated with these outcomes. Specific objectives are focus on evaluate the effect of the intervention on the following parameters: * Changes in body weight and composition. * Changes in glucose tolerance. * Changes in gut microbiota (metagenomics). * Changes in urinary and serum metabolites. * Changes in routine biochemical variables related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as liver parameters. * Changes in specific markers involved in obesity pathology, such as insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and cytokines MCP-1, TNF, CRP, and others. * Adherence to the nutritional recommendations and the gummy containing postbiotic formula. * Changes in the level of physical activity. Target sample size is 114 subjects, including a 10% of drop out. Participants will be allocated in two groups for 12 weeks: * Experimental group (n=57): nutritional recommendations + postbiotic supplement/gummy. * Placebo group (n=57): nutritional recommendations + placebo supplement/gummy. Participants will visit the nutritional intervention unit at weeks 1 and 12. A follow-up phone call will be conducted at week 6.

Addressing Food Insecurity: Plant-Based Food Prescription Program

Reduce food insecurity by improving plant-based health food consumption, access, health and nutrition literacy and the health of the food-insecure families we serve.

Intermittent Cottonseed Oil Consumption

Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including higher BMIs and poor cholesterol profiles, are on the rise and contribute to the United States' growing disease burden. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is found readily in the food supply, and the investigator's previous studies have demonstrated that incorporating CSO into the diet is sufficient to improve fasting and postprandial blood lipids and other markers of chronic disease risk in both healthy and at-risk populations. This study aims to examine the impact of intermittent CSO consumption at different doses (consumed three times per week (3x/wk)) on changes in fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism/blood lipids and markers of chronic disease risk. The specific aims are: \*Examine the impact of intermittent CSO consumption (3x/week) at two different doses on fasting and postprandial lipids. \*Examine the impact of intermittent CSO consumption (3x/week) at two different doses on other markers of chronic disease risk. Participants will be asked to: \*Consume provided meal replacement shakes and snacks 3 times per week for 56 days. \*Attend three bi-weekly (every other week) short visits for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and collection of the next two weeks' study materials. \*Attend two longer (5.5h) testing visits, which include eating a standardized breakfast meal and having blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare CSO-30, CSO-20, and Control groups (receiving no oil) to see if intermittent CSO consumption imparts the same health benefits as previously shown with daily doses of CSO.

Cooking for Your Health in Southern New Mexico: an 8-week, Bilingual (English and Spanish) Nutritional Intervention in Adults Living in Doña Ana and Otero Counties

This clinical trial evaluates a nutritional intervention called Cooking for Your Health in Southern New Mexico for improving diet quality and knowledge related to nutrition and cancer prevention among individuals living in the Southern region of New Mexico. New Mexico border communities have high rates of cancer and obesity, both exacerbated by poor diet quality. Traditional Mexican diets are high in fruit, vegetables, and fiber, but are intensive to prepare and not practical for many families living in New Mexico now. Vegetable oils, such as canola, safflower, and sunflower oils, are commonly used in cooking within the regional New Mexican community because they are inexpensive and readily available; however, they may not be as healthy as other options. Interventions focused on teaching proper cooking techniques and raising awareness about nutritious foods have shown positive behavior changes, including greater preference for healthier foods, increased confidence in food preparation and cooking a balanced meal, and higher vegetable variety and availability in the home. This study may help identify effective and culturally relevant real-world strategies to improve knowledge, skills, behaviors, and access to resources to improve nutrient intake, with the long-term goal of decreasing cancer risk and chronic disease risk in southern New Mexican communities.

Feasibility of a Nutrition Intervention for Patients With Prediabetes at a Federally Qualified Health Center

The purpose of the study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating hands-on nutritional demonstrations to enhance the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) curriculum among patients who are at-risk for prediabetes