Fasting for Immune Function Study

(Meta-SHIFT Trial)

Overseen By Larissa van der Zon, MS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Cornell University

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Blood thinners, GLP-1 agonists, others

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Diabetes, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

28 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

During fasting, the body shifts from using carbohydrates to relying more on fat as its main source of energy. This process is known as the 'metabolic shift'. Fat tissue helps supply this energy by breaking down stored fat into fatty acids, which are released into the bloodstream and transported to organs throughout the body. In addition to fatty acids, many other substances in the blood (such as metabolites) change during fasting to help maintain normal body function.

Immune cells also circulate in the blood and play an important role in protecting the body against infections and diseases such as cancer. However, it is not yet well understood how the metabolic shift during fasting affects immune cell function. The purpose of this study is to investigate how 24 hours of fasting influences immune cell metabolism and function.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sander Kersten, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Cornell University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 40 years old.

* BMI ≥ 18.5 and ≤ 24.9 kg/m2

* Apparently healthy

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline

Participants consume a standardized breakfast shake and are considered in the 'fed state'. Initial blood samples and optional adipose tissue biopsy are taken.

2 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Fasting

Participants undergo a 26-hour fasting period with only water and sugar-free tea allowed. Blood samples and optional adipose tissue biopsy are taken at 24 hours.

26 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Refeeding

Participants consume a second standardized breakfast shake to end the fasting period. Blood samples are collected 2 hours after refeeding.

2 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any delayed effects of fasting and refeeding on immune cell function and metabolism.

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Fasting

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Fasting Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

26-hour fasting

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cornell University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

179

Recruited

14,090,000+