Study of Daily Smooth Peanut Butter Intake on Gut and Metabolic Health in Children Ages 6 to 13

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of daily smooth peanut butter consumption on the gut and metabolic health of children aged 6 to 13 years. This randomized clinical trial aims primarily to assess the prebiotic impact of peanut butter over eight weeks on gut health, including changes in microbiome-metabolome arrays, gut barrier function, and transit time. Secondary goals include examining effects on metabolic and inflammatory markers and sleep quality, as well as exploring the feasibility of adding peanut butter to childrens diets for personalized nutrition. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The Peanut Butter PB group consumes a personalized portion of smooth peanut butter, limited to 16 grams per two crackers, daily between two unsalted saltine crackers. The Control CTL group receives an isocaloric amount of a nut-free, vegetable oil-based chocolate spread in the same manner. Both groups receive a daily snack equivalent to 20% of their individual daily caloric intake, based on age and gender guidelines. The intervention lasts for eight weeks. Throughout the study, children undergo assessments at baseline, midpoint week 4, and endpoint week 8, including analyses of gut and oral microbiome diversity, serum and fecal metabolome, body measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose, and biomarkers related to inflammation, intestinal barrier function, appetite, and sleep. Dietary adherence is monitored daily. These comprehensive evaluations help researchers understand the biological and metabolic effects of peanut butter consumption in school-aged children over the trial period.

Effect of Peanut Butter on Gut and Metabolic Health