Prebiotic Soda for Diabetes

Overseen By Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Olipop, PBC

Must not be taking: Steroids, Antibiotics, others

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled diabetes, CKD stage 4-5, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

224 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how replacing regular soda with prebiotic soda affects blood sugar markers in individuals with blood sugar issues. Participants will either switch to the prebiotic soda or continue drinking their usual soda. It suits adults who regularly consume non-diet soda (2-3 servings a day) and have slightly elevated blood sugar levels. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore the potential benefits of prebiotic soda on blood sugar levels.

Is there any evidence suggesting that prebiotic soda is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that prebiotic sodas might be a safer option compared to regular sodas. These sodas often contain less added sugar, which can benefit those concerned about weight gain or diabetes. Regular sodas high in sugar can harm gut health and increase diabetes risk.

While specific information about the safety of prebiotic sodas for individuals with blood sugar issues is limited, their lower sugar content could make them a healthier choice. The trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, indicating limited direct safety data. However, testing prebiotic sodas suggests they are expected to be safe based on their ingredients. For any concerns, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard diabetes treatments, which often include medications like metformin or insulin therapy, prebiotic soda introduces a new way to manage the condition. This soda is unique because it contains prebiotics, which are dietary fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This approach could potentially improve gut health and insulin sensitivity, offering a natural and non-invasive alternative to traditional medications. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could provide a simple dietary change with significant health benefits, potentially transforming how we manage diabetes.

What evidence suggests that prebiotic soda might be an effective treatment for diabetes?

Research has shown that prebiotic soda, which participants in this trial may receive, can manage blood sugar levels more effectively than regular soda. Studies indicate that it reduces blood sugar spikes after meals. High spikes can be harmful, particularly for individuals with diabetes. The soda encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which helps control blood sugar. This makes prebiotic soda a promising option for improving blood sugar management in those with glucose issues. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults aged 40-70 with glucose dysregulation who regularly drink non-diet soda, have a BMI of 25-35 kg/m², and meet specific waist-to-hip ratios. Participants must consume low fiber, not use tobacco or nicotine for at least a year, and avoid marijuana or hemp products for 60 days.

Inclusion Criteria

Fasting plasma glucose between 100 - 125 mg/dL

Consumes ≤16 g total fiber per day to align with the current average dietary fiber intake of American adults

Non-user or former user (cessation ≥ 12 months) of tobacco or nicotine products

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to consume a standard 12 fl. oz. carbonated beverage twice daily

Currently engaged or planning to be on an intensive weight loss regimen program

Extreme dietary habits or has been diagnosed with an eating disorder

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants replace traditional non-diet soda with prebiotic soda or continue with traditional soda for 8 weeks

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Prebiotic Soda

Trial Overview

The trial is testing if drinking prebiotic soda instead of regular non-diet soda can improve blood sugar control in adults with early signs of diabetes. It compares the effects on various health markers related to blood sugar levels.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be randomized to replace traditional non-diet soda with prebiotic soda

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will be randomized to continue consumption of traditional non-diet soda.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Olipop, PBC

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Lindus Health

Industry Sponsor

Trials

12

Recruited

17,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07298135

A Study to Evaluate the Effects of a Prebiotic Soda ...

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the chronic effects of replacing traditional non-diet soda with a prebiotic soda on biomarkers ...

2.

medrxiv.org

medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.18.25326077v1.full-text

Prebiotic soda lowers postprandial glucose compared to ...

A prebiotic soda is a favorable alternative to traditional soda formulations for managing postprandial blood glucose levels and maximal glucose excursion.

3.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07105826

Impact of Prebiotic Sodas on Satiety and Metabolic ...

The study aims to study healthy men aged 18-40 to explore how different beverages affect hunger, blood sugar, insulin, and a hormone called GLP-1, ...

4.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39458444/

Harnessing Prebiotics to Improve Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes

These prebiotics can directly impact blood sugar levels while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus enhancing glycemic control.

5.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/390956645_Prebiotic_soda_lowers_postprandial_glucose_compared_to_traditional_soda_pop_a_randomized_controlled_trial

Prebiotic soda lowers postprandial glucose compared to ...

Modern sodas with lower sugar and supplemented with prebiotic fiber may serve as functionally beneficial alternatives to traditional sugar- ...

6.

hartfordhospital.org

hartfordhospital.org/about-hh/news-center/news-detail?articleId=52208&publicid=461

Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for Your Health?

“Prebiotic or probiotic soda may be a better alternative to conventional soda by typically containing less added sugar,” says Emily Lewis, RD, ...

7.

today.com

today.com/health/diet-fitness/is-poppi-good-for-you-rcna156765

Is Poppi Good For You? Dietitians Explain Gut Health ...

The sugar content of the average soda can contribute to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease, TODAY.com previously reported. ... “A prebiotic ...

8.

biocodexmicrobiotainstitute.com

biocodexmicrobiotainstitute.com/en/when-sodas-harm-your-microbiota-and-your-health

When sodas harm your microbiota and your health

The sugar found in sodas disrupts the microbiota and could increase a person's risk of diabetes, according to a recent study.