Snacks for Aging

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to determine if daily consumption of 2 oz of pecans compared to 3.5 oz pretzel snacks for 12 weeks will 1) contribute to the body's ability to protect itself from oxidative damage (caused by oxygen radicals created by ultraviolet (UV) B light) by evaluating skin resistance to UV light irritation, skin fats/oils degradation and "rusting", and oxidative damage to the skin genes; and 2) explore the mechanisms of how snack consumption may affect aging by analyzing blood markers of aging as well as the microbes living in the gut (gut microbiome).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for women aged 55-75 with a BMI of 18.5-34.9, who have a certain skin type and eat a Western diet low in polyphenols and fiber. They must be generally healthy, not use makeup during visits, and keep their usual diet and exercise routine. Exclusions include vegetarians/vegans, nut allergies, pregnancy, significant lab abnormalities, high alcohol intake or recent weight changes.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 55 and 75 years old.

BMI 18.5-34.9 kg/m2

Fitzpatrick Skin type II-IV

Exclusion Criteria

Vegetarian/vegan

Known nut allergy

I am unable to give consent by myself.

Participant Groups

The study tests if eating pecans versus pretzels daily over 12 weeks affects aging by improving skin's defense against UV light damage and oxidative stress to fats/oils and genes in the skin. It also examines blood markers of aging and gut microbiome changes.

Group I: Pretzel arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will consume 3.5 oz of pretzel snacks daily for 12 weeks

Group II: Pecan arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participats in this arm will be comsuming 2 oz of pecans daily for 12 wekks

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

UCLA Center for Human Nutrition Los Angeles, CA

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles Lead Sponsor

American Pecan Promotion Board Collaborator

References