Actively Recruiting
Immunomodulatory Effects of Fasting in Healthy Adults
Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2025-12-02
4
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of fasting on the immune system in healthy adults aged 20 to 40 years. This trial explores how a period of fasting might change immune cell populations and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study builds on evidence that dietary restrictions, including intermittent fasting, can influence immune responses and overall health. Participants will follow a fasting schedule consisting of two days on a controlled habitual diet followed by a 36-hour water-only fast, with water intake limited to 2 liters per day. Blood samples will be taken at four points: after an overnight fast, two hours after eating, after the 36-hour fast, and two hours after refeeding. Glucose levels will be monitored to ensure safety and compliance during fasting. During the study, participants will provide blood samples and collect bowel movement samples for microbiome analysis. Blood glucose will be checked using a home testing kit throughout fasting. The main outcome measured is the change in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after 7 months. The study includes safety monitoring and requires adherence to the fasting and sample collection procedures over the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Immunomodulatory Effects of Fasting in Healthy Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 20 and 40 years
- Male gender
- Body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 27 kg/m2
- Weight of 120 pounds or more
- Fasting blood glucose between 70 and 100 mg/dL
- Willingness to undergo a 36-hour water-only fast
- Willingness to collect samples of each bowel movement during the study
- Willingness to perform blood glucose testing during fasting using a provided kit
You will not qualify if you...
- Current smoking
- Anemia
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Chronic diseases including diabetes, thyroid disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, or past cardiovascular events
- Gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease
- Consumption of more than one alcoholic drink per day
- Extreme dietary or exercise patterns
- Significant recent weight changes (more than 10% in last six months)
- Regular use of allergy or pain medications more than once per week
- Use of prescription lipid medications or supplements affecting lipoprotein metabolism
- Use of hormonal birth control methods including pills, IUDs, rings, or patches
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 4 days
Participants follow a dietary fasting regimen including two days of controlled habitual diet and one 36-hour period of water-only fasting with glucose monitoring to assess immune system changes.
1 baseline visit with 4 blood draws and glucose monitoring during fasting
Duration - Up to 7 months
Participants are monitored for immune changes after completing the fasting period.
Periodic assessments depending on immune cell analysis schedule
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UC Davis
Sacramento, California, United States, 95816
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Antonio Ji
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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