Study on How Daily Consumption of Plant- or Dairy-Derived Fats Affects Immune Responses in Adults Aged 40 to 70

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how repeated daily intake of fats from the same source affects the bodys immune response after eating, focusing on healthy adults aged 40 to 70 with a normal to slightly overweight body mass index. The study investigates how different fats, specifically those from plant and dairy sources, influence inflammation markers like IL-6 in the blood, a key indicator of immune system activity after meals. This is important because ongoing inflammation triggered by diet may contribute to diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Participants will follow a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design where they consume high-fat shakes made from either dairy or plant lipids. Each intervention lasts four weeks, during which participants drink a breakfast shake daily containing the assigned fat type. Test days occur before and after each intervention, involving blood sampling over six hours after consuming a large high-fat shake. Between interventions, washout periods of two weeks to three months allow the body to reset before switching fat sources. During the study, participants will have blood drawn via a catheter for detailed immune and metabolic testing, including IL-6 levels, other inflammatory proteins, glucose, and lipid profiles. Glucose is monitored continuously with sensors, and body composition is assessed with DXA scans at key points. Researchers will analyze how immune cells and inflammation markers respond over time and after repeated fat exposure. The entire study involves multiple visits, measurements, and monitoring to understand the timing and magnitude of the bodys response to different dietary fats.

Modulating Immune Responses After Consistent Lipid Exposure