Actively Recruiting
The Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in Healthy Adults
Led by University of Glasgow · Updated on 2026-02-04
23
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
34 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Glasgow
Lead Sponsor
P
Professor Konstantinos Gerasimidis, University of Glasgow
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The aim of this dietary intervention study is to explore how vitamin C affects the bacteria that live in our gut. Vitamins are essential nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Our bodies cannot make them on their own, but we need them to function correctly. Vitamins play various roles, including supporting the immune system and assisting with energy production. Some vitamins in our diet can reach the large intestine, where they may be used by gut bacteria to promote their growth. In this study, we aim to investigate how our gut bacteria interact with vitamin C and how this interaction affects their growth and activity. For this study, participants will follow their habitual diet for one-week (run-in period), followed by two consecutive two-week supplementation periods in which they will first take a moderate dose (200 mg/day) and then a high-dose (1000 mg/day) of vitamin C. A final one-week period follow up period will involve a return to their habitual diet. Faecal, blood and urine samples will be collected at the start and end of each supplementation period to explore changes in gut microbiota composition, activity and markers of inflammation.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
The Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in Healthy Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy individuals aged 18-65 years with a BMI between 18.5-35 Kg/m2
- Self-reported good health with no chronic conditions requiring regular medical care
- Willing to provide blood, urine, and stool samples at multiple time points
You will not qualify if you...
- Aged under 18 or over 65 years
- Smoking
- Chronic illness requiring regular medication or GP visits
- Current or recent medication affecting gut transit or digestion
- Major gastrointestinal surgery
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Regular use of pre/probiotics, vitamins, or minerals unless willing to discontinue 2-4 weeks prior
- Antibiotics in past 3 months
- Weight change greater than ±2 kg in past month
- Participation in other research likely to interfere with this study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, G31 2ER
Glasgow, United Kingdom, G31 2ER
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Raihana Halim
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
SEQUENTIAL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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