Diet

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Diaberine, a berberine-based nutraceutical, on blood sugar regulation and metabolism in adults with metabolism disorder. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial will study 80 participants aged 18 to 70 over 24 weeks to assess how well this dietary supplement may aid in these health areas. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will take Diaberine capsules containing Vitamin B12, berberine, magnesium citrate, cinnamon bark extract, chromium, and other ingredients three times daily, 15 minutes before meals. The other group will take placebo capsules with similar appearance but without the active ingredients. Both treatments will continue for 24 weeks with regular monitoring. During the study, participants will have their blood sugar regulation and metabolism measured at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Additionally, quality of life and weight changes will be tracked at multiple points throughout the 24 weeks. Participants will be monitored through questionnaires, blood tests, and weight assessments to evaluate the supplement's effects and tolerance over time.

Researchers are evaluating two approaches to increase fruit consumption among students in Swedish schools. The study is part of a Europe-wide project aiming to promote healthier eating habits and prevent childhood obesity by improving fruit availability in school settings. It compares providing free fruit stands alone versus fruit stands combined with a health-awareness campaign to see which better supports healthy eating. Participating schools are randomly assigned to either have fruit stands offering two types of fruit during school hours or fruit stands plus an educational campaign promoting healthy eating. Digital scales in the fruit stands monitor fruit uptake, while school staff record these measurements. Students use a mobile app to photograph and log all their meals and snacks before, during, and after the intervention to track fruit intake and eating patterns. Students contribute data during three periods: before the fruit stands are introduced, immediately after their introduction, and after the intervention ends to assess lasting effects. Researchers analyze changes in fruit consumption and eating behaviors, as well as monitor food waste using weight-based digital tracking. The study aims to identify effective strategies for promoting fruit intake in schools and supports broader efforts to encourage healthy diets among children and adolescents.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a smartphone-based Healthy Lifestyle (HLS) intervention on the mental and physical health of firefighters in Tainan, Taiwan. This cluster randomized controlled trial aims to determine if the Traditional Chinese version of the HLS mobile app can improve firefighters' health compared to usual care. The study also seeks to find out whether the intervention can promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases among firefighters. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which uses the Traditional Chinese HLS mobile app designed specifically for firefighters, or the control group, which receives usual care. The intervention period lasts from 3 to 6 months, during which firefighters in the intervention group will use the app to support healthier behaviors. The control group will continue with their standard practices without the app. Throughout the study, firefighters will undergo health and fitness assessments at the start and again 3 to 6 months after the intervention begins. Measurements include blood pressure, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, body mass index, smoking habits, diet patterns, physical activity levels, sitting time, sleep duration and napping frequency, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profiles, C-reactive protein, and physical performance. The study will monitor these outcomes to assess changes in mental and physical health. Safety and progress will be observed through these regular evaluations during the study period.

Researchers are studying pregnant women to understand how microbiome, proteomics, and serum markers might help predict preeclampsia, a condition that can affect pregnancy. This multicenter, prospective cohort study also aims to explore how these biological markers relate to pregnancy outcomes such as complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the newborn's health. The study is conducted by Zhujiang Hospital and focuses on maternal and infant microecology in China. Pregnant women who come to the hospital before 14 weeks of gestation are invited to participate. After consenting, they will complete a questionnaire and provide samples including urine, serum, saliva, vaginal swabs, and feces at several points during pregnancy: 11-14 weeks, 22-28 weeks, 32-34 weeks, and at delivery. If possible, placenta, cord blood, and amniotic fluid will also be collected at delivery. Women with preeclampsia during pregnancy will be followed up with similar sampling up to two years after their child is born. Participants will be monitored through various laboratory assessments including 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome analysis and advanced techniques like MALDI-TOF peptidomics and mass spectrometry metabonomics. The study will also evaluate patient-specific risk of preeclampsia using clinical measurements such as mean arterial pressure and serum placental growth factor. Follow-up visits after delivery will occur at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years to continue monitoring maternal and infant health. The primary outcomes include microbiome, proteomics, and metabonomics data collected over 34 months, with secondary outcomes assessed over 10 months.

Cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke remain leading causes of illness and death globally. Unhealthy diets and inactive lifestyles are key modifiable risks for these conditions. Researchers are studying the effects of wild rice, a functional food with possible health benefits, on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy adults aged 20 to 40 over a 4-week period. This pilot study aims to explore wild rice's impact and underlying mechanisms to support future larger trials. Participants will consume one serving daily of specially prepared foods containing about 30 grams of wild rice, including fruit/vegetable salad, energy cookies, and casserole, for 28 days. These "test foods" are provided by Tall Grass Bakery. The study focuses on how regular wild rice intake may influence cardiovascular health by assessing changes in blood lipids, inflammatory markers, and gut bacteria. Throughout the study, researchers will collect blood and urine samples and perform vascular measurements at the start (day 0) and end (day 28). They will analyze serum lipids, inflammation markers, and types and amounts of fecal bacteria. The primary outcomes include changes in the gut microbiome and related macronutrient metabolism. Secondary outcomes examine improvements in blood lipid profiles and endothelial cell function. Participation lasts 4 weeks with close monitoring to assess these health indicators.

Childhood obesity is a growing public health issue worldwide and especially in Spain, where it is more prevalent in southern regions. Factors contributing to this include dietary habits, physical inactivity, socioeconomic status, and family environment. The study aims to evaluate the impact of a nutritional intervention administered by school nurses to address childhood obesity and its health consequences, including heart and musculoskeletal issues. The study compares two groups of schoolchildren aged 6 to 16. One group receives a technological intervention using podcasts, gamification, and virtual reality to promote nutrition education and healthy behaviors. The control group receives traditional brochures with nutritional information. Both groups are monitored through various measurements and biometric data collected over a 15-month period. Participants will be assessed regularly for weight, height, body composition, circumference measures, blood pressure, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet using questionnaires. Additional evaluations include a 3D avatar system for anthropometric measures. The study includes data collection at multiple timepoints from 12 weeks up to 15 months, with ongoing monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and potential health improvements.

Researchers are exploring how giving pregnant individuals a choice among different nutrition and exercise programs affects their ability to stick to the program and maintain healthy pregnancy outcomes. The study focuses on preventing excessive gestational weight gain by comparing adherence to three lifestyle intervention strategies within the Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP). This research uses a pseudo-randomized design to examine if choice improves participation compared to no choice in pregnant individuals between 12 and 18 weeks of pregnancy with a single fetus. Participants are divided into two groups: one group chooses from three intervention strategies and the other group is matched to a choice participant and receives the same strategy without choice. The three strategies vary in timing of introducing nutrition and exercise components; either both simultaneously starting at 12-18 weeks, or nutrition first followed by exercise at 25 weeks, or exercise first followed by nutrition at 25 weeks. The exercise involves a supervised walking program with gradually increasing duration, and nutrition is based on a modified gestational diabetic meal plan tailored per participant. The full program continues until delivery, with final intervention measures between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. Participants will be monitored weekly for adherence using a point system, with additional assessments of satisfaction and health outcomes like weight gain, birth measurements, and pregnancy complications. Follow-up visits occur at birth and at 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum to track maternal and infant health. The study collects detailed data on nutrition, exercise, and pregnancy progress to understand how choice impacts adherence and outcomes over this extended timeline.

Researchers are studying oral ecnoglutide tablets to understand their safety, tolerability, how the body processes the drug, and its effects in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity. This trial aims to provide information on these tablets for weight management and metabolic health. The study is a Phase Ib/IIa randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sponsored by Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd.

Researchers are studying the effects of a low-protein diet on cancer patients receiving immunotherapy treatments. The study aims to see if reducing protein intake can change the tumor environment and boost the body's immune response, potentially enhancing the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This is a randomized, open-label study conducted at a single center to explore the feasibility of this dietary approach. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving immunotherapy plus a control diet containing about 20% protein, and the other receiving immunotherapy combined with a low-protein diet containing 10% protein. The study intervention lasts for 4 months, during which the dietary impact on immune response and treatment effects will be evaluated. Throughout the 4-month study period, participants will be monitored for their ability to follow the dietary plan and for any changes in immune response to immunotherapy. Researchers will assess safety, tolerability, clinical efficacy using RECIST v1.1 criteria, and enrollment and drop-out rates. Laboratory tests and imaging scans will also be conducted to evaluate disease progression and treatment impact.

Researchers are studying the effects of intermittent caloric restriction combined with a plant-based diet in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. This pilot trial aims to assess whether this dietary approach is feasible and safe alongside standard chemotherapy, and whether it may reduce side effects while potentially enhancing the chemotherapy's antitumor effects. Participants will follow a protocol involving alternate-day intermittent caloric restriction along with a plant-based protein diet during their chemotherapy treatment. The study evaluates how this combined dietary intervention interacts with standard chemotherapy regimens over the course of treatment. During the study, participants will be monitored for adherence to the dietary plan and chemotherapy treatment. Researchers will assess feasibility over 12 months, including safety and preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy. Evaluations may include health assessments, laboratory tests, and monitoring of side effects throughout the study period.