Dairy vs Plant-Based Alternatives for Blood Sugar Levels

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byG. Harvey Anderson, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Toronto

Must not be taking: Supplements affecting study

Disqualifiers: Smoking, Diabetes, Cardiovascular, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the Dairy vs Plant study is to compare the effects of dairy and plant-based alternative products on blood sugar regulation and nutrient quality in adolescents and older adults. We are inviting healthy, non-diabetic participants aged 14-18 and 60-75, both males and females to participate. The study will take place in the Nutrition Intervention Center located at the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto St. George campus. Participants will be asked to come to the Nutrition Intervention Center on 3 separate occasions: once for an in-person screening lasting approximately 30min and 2 times for study visits lasting approximately 2.5 hrs each. The entire study will take a minimum of 2 weeks to complete. You will be asked to fast for 12hrs (overnight) prior to each study visit. You will also be instructed to maintain the same dietary and sleep patterns, refrain from exercise and alcohol consumption the days before the study visits. During these study visits, you will be asked to consume either a dairy or a plant-based alternative product, as well as a pizza meal. You will periodically fill out questionnaires rating your feelings and perceptions and provide blood samples through finger pricks and intravenously through forearm to measure blood sugar, insulin, hormones, and amino acids. You will be compensated for your time and travel expenses.

Research Team

G. Harvey Anderson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Toronto

Eligibility Criteria

Healthy adolescents (14-18) and older adults (60-75), non-diabetic, are invited to join this study at the University of Toronto. Participants will compare dairy with plant-based alternatives' effects on blood sugar and nutrient quality over a minimum of 2 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am either 14-18 or 60-75 years old.

Willing to maintain habitual diet, physical activity pattern, and body weight throughout the study

My BMI is slightly above average but not obese.

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Exclusion Criteria

Smoking

I have had a GI disorder or surgery in the last year.

Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure >120mmHg, diastolic blood pressure >80mmHg) as defined by the average blood pressure measured at screening

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Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

Approximately 30 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants consume either a dairy or a plant-based alternative product, as well as a pizza meal, and provide blood samples and fill out questionnaires.

2 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

Dairy vs Plant-based Alternatives (Nutritional Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe trial tests how dairy products versus plant-based alternatives affect blood sugar control and appetite in young and elderly individuals. It involves fasting, consuming test meals, providing blood samples, and filling out questionnaires during three visits.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Plant-based alternativeExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will consume 2 servings of a commercially available plant-based alternative product.

Group II: DairyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will consume 2 servings of a commerically available dairy product.