Blueberries for Metabolic Syndrome

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMarie-Claude Vohl

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Laval University

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?There is growing evidence that nutritional intervention with dietary polyphenols can positively modulate the gut microbiota to improve cardiometabolic health. Whether the beneficial effects of blueberries on obesity and the metabolic syndrome can be linked to their potential impact on the gut microbiota and intestinal integrity remains speculative at this time. Moreover, the mechanisms of action underlying health benefits associated to blueberry consumption are still unknown. The investigators are thus proposing to combine the study of metagenomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics to test whether a prebiotic activity of highbush blueberries can play a role in the prevention of obesity-linked metabolic syndrome in a clinical setting.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Caucasian men and premenopausal women in good health, with a BMI of 25-40 or waist circumference over 80 cm for women and 94 cm for men. Participants must have high triglycerides or fasting insulin levels. Exclusions include heavy drinkers, recent surgery or antibiotic use, smokers, certain medication users, metabolic disorder sufferers, blueberry allergies/intolerances, significant weight change recently, or special diets.

Inclusion Criteria

Your triglyceride levels are higher than 1.35 mmol/L, or your fasting insulin levels are higher than 42 pmol/L.

People of European descent.

My BMI is between 25 and 40, or my waist size meets the criteria.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

You drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks every day.

You have used natural health products in the last 3 months.

You have gained or lost more than 5% of your body weight in the last 3 months.

+8 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if daily consumption of either real blueberry powder or a placebo affects the gut microbiota and can help prevent obesity-related metabolic syndrome. It combines genetic material analysis (metagenomics), gene expression profiling (transcriptomics), and small molecule characterization (metabolomics) to understand how blueberries might benefit heart and metabolic health.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Blueberry powderExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: Blueberry placebo powderPlacebo Group1 Intervention