Clinical Research Directory

A1-Free vs. Conventional Milk Metabolic Response Study

This study will examine how different types of milk affect blood sugar and insulin responses after eating. Specifically, the study compares milk that contains only A2 beta-casein protein (A1-free milk) to conventional milk, which contains both A1 and A2 proteins. Participants will complete four study visits in which they will consume different milk-based beverages. These include lactose-containing milk and lactose-free milk followed by a lactose drink given later. Blood samples will be collected over several hours to measure glucose and insulin responses. Breath tests and questionnaires will also be used to assess digestion and gastrointestinal symptoms. The goal of this study is to determine whether milk protein type influences metabolic responses and whether consuming lactose-free milk affects how the body processes lactose when it is consumed later.

Exercise Intensity and Postprandial Effects of Breaking Sedentary Behavior in Overweight Adults

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to determine whether breaking up prolonged sitting with aerobic or sprint cycling breaks reduces postprandial blood glucose, insulin, CRP, and blood pressure, which are established risk markers for cardiometabolic diseases; and (2) to assess substrate oxidation during this period in order to identify which exercise condition promotes the greatest increase in fat oxidation.

Bile Acids As Determinants of Postprandial Metabolism

This study aims to understand how bile acids (BAs) appear in the bloodstream after eating and how this might affect inflammation and metabolism. To do this, we will measure changes in BA levels in 100 healthy women after they eat a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal. Blood samples (a small amount of 500 µL) will be collected from a finger prick at 7 time points over 5 hours. In the second part of the study, 40 women will be invited back-20 with the highest and 20 with the lowest increases in BAs. These participants will eat the same test meal, and blood samples will be taken from a vein to study markers of health, metabolism, inflammation, and the gut microbiome. By exploring how BAs work in the body, this study hopes to find new ways to understand and prevent chronic diseases.

Postprandial Responses to Fish Intake

Fish consumption has been increasing in recent decades due to consumer interest in the positive health effects of regular food intake, among other factors. Previous studies have described significant results on the acute consumption of fish products, favoring the reduction of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, reduced insulin secretion, and increased plasma concentration of high-density lipoprotein during the postprandial period. Despite this scenario, studies investigating acute metabolic responses, such as postprandial physiological phenomena after consumption of the main fish species ingested by Brazilians, are still scarce. Thus, investigations of the acute effects of fish intake on postprandial metabolism may reveal new beneficial effects associated with this food group. The present proposal aims to compare the acute effects of the ingestion of two sources of fish and bovine protein on postprandial metabolism through the capillary blood sample collected within 5 hours after the ingestion of test meals, investigating hormones and inflammatory mediators and quantifying triglycerides, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and blood glucose, in addition to evaluating sensory aspects and satiety between different meals. It is expected to generate new data on postprandial physiology and investigate possible effects of fish ingestion that can contribute to public health management and healthy eating patterns.