Clinical Research Directory

Long-term Effects of Avocado Consumption on Health in Pre-diabetic Individuals

Primary aim of the study is to assess the effect of 12-week daily avocado consumption on cerebral blood flow and markers of cardio- and vascular health in both, the periphery and the brain, in pre-diabetic individuals with overweight or obesity. Secondary objective is to assess the effects of 12-week daily avocado consumption on brain insulin sensitivity after intranasal insulin delivery, vascular function, markers of metabolic health, cognition, and psychological well-being. For that purpose a total of 34 men and women between the ages of 40-75 years old, will participate in a randomised crossover intervention study.

Effect of Probiotics on Appetite Regulation in Adults With Overweight/Obesity

The goal of this 16-week randomised, placebo-controlled parallel study is to investigate the effect of a newly formed probiotic supplement on satiety and gut microbiota composition in healthy men and women with overweight or obesity form 20-70 years old. The main question it aims to answer is: Does the probiotic supplement increase feelings of satiety and alter gut microbiota composition? Participants will: * Receive a daily dose of 6 g probiotic supplement (packed in sachets of 3 g) or placebo for 16 weeks. * Visit the research unit 3 times at baseline, week 8 and week 16 of the intervention for blood draws and delivering fecal samples. * Keep a study diary to report deviations from their daily habits and fill in food questionnaires.

Long-Term Effects of Walnut Consumption on Brain Function

Rationale: Healthy foods, including mixed nuts, may improve brain function, which is essential for cognitive and metabolic health, and may contribute to improved food intake regulation. It is therefore important to investigate the specific effects of walnuts on cerebral blood flow responses before and after intranasal insulin administration, as well as their associated functional benefits. The investigators hypothesize that long-term walnut consumption improves vascular function and insulin-sensitivity in the brain, thereby enhancing cognitive performance and appetite control in abdominally obese men and women. Objective: The primary objectives are to investigate in abdominally obese adults the effects of 24-week walnut consumption on (regional) vascular function and insulin-sensitivity in the brain, while the investigators will also assess changes in cognitive performance and appetite-related brain reward activity (secondary objectives). Cerebral blood flow responses before (brain vascular function) and after the administration of intranasal insulin spray (brain insulin-sensitivity) will be quantified by the non-invasive gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL). Study design: This intervention study will have a randomized, controlled parallel design. The total study duration will be 24 weeks. Study population: Fifty-five abdominally obese men and (postmenopausal) women (aged 45-75 years) without a history of cardiovascular diseases or complaints will participate. This study population is expected to have a decreased cerebral blood flow at baseline and are also at increased risk of cognitive impairment, allowing for improvement by the intervention. Intervention: Study participants will receive daily 50 g (about 15% of energy) of raw walnuts (walnut intervention) or no walnuts (control intervention) for 24 weeks. Main study parameters/endpoints: At baseline and after 24 weeks (follow-up), participants will visit the research facilities for assessments. The primary endpoint is the difference in the cerebral blood flow response before and after intranasal insulin administration between the walnut and control intervention. Cognitive performance will be assessed, while the investigators will also focus on appetite-related brain reward activity (secondary outcomes).

Sustainable and Inclusive Use of Alternative Proteins in Mediterranean Supply Chains (CIPROMED)

This study investigates the effects of foods enriched with alternative protein sources, including edible insects, microalgae, hemp, and legumes, on appetite regulation, satiety, food preferences, and metabolic health in healthy adults and individuals with overweight. The study is part of the CIPROMED project, which aims to support sustainable and circular food systems in the Mediterranean area. The study consists of two phases. In the acute phase, participants will consume different protein-enriched bread products in a controlled setting following a randomized crossover design. Each participant will be exposed to multiple test conditions, allowing within-subject comparisons of postprandial responses. Outcomes assessed during this phase include satiety, hunger, food preference, craving, and short-term energy intake, measured using validated scales and dietary assessment tools. In the chronic phase, participants will follow structured dietary interventions over a longer period within a Mediterranean dietary framework. Participants will be assigned to different dietary patterns including alternative protein-based foods and control products. This phase aims to evaluate the effects of repeated consumption of alternative protein sources on metabolic parameters, gastrointestinal tolerance, nutritional status, and behavioral responses. The study aims to assess the acceptability and physiological effects of alternative protein sources and to compare their impact with that of traditional protein sources commonly used in Mediterranean diets.

Adding Chondrus Crispus Seaweeds to a Meal: Effect on Sensory Perception, Physical Comfort, Satiety and Food Intake

The study investigates the sensory characteristics, consumer perception and the effect on satiety and food intake of the meal with added Chondrus crispus seaweed produced by Acadian Seaplants in Atlantic Canada.