Fructose Conversion for Overweight
(FIG Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how the small intestine converts fructose (a type of sugar) to glucose through a process called Fructose Intestinal Gluconeogenesis and whether this process protects the liver in overweight individuals. Researchers aim to determine if this protective effect varies in people with obesity. Participants will consume meals with different fructose levels, with some receiving fructose orally and others intravenously. This trial is ideal for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 38 who have not experienced major weight changes or diabetes recently. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on metabolic health.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that fructose can affect the body in various ways. Some studies suggest fructose might alter how cells in the digestive system absorb nutrients, raising potential health concerns. However, when the intestine converts fructose into glucose, some research indicates it might protect the liver, particularly in individuals with obesity.
To date, studies have not provided clear evidence of serious health risks from the amounts of fructose used in trials like this one. Both consuming fructose and receiving it through an IV seem to increase glucose production without raising blood sugar levels, suggesting the body might handle fructose well in these situations.
Overall, while concerns exist about consuming large amounts of fructose, the specific process under study—how fructose converts into glucose in the small intestine—has not shown risk at the levels used in clinical research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for overweight individuals because they explore a new approach called Fructose Intestinal Gluconeogenesis. Unlike standard weight-loss treatments that focus on diet, exercise, or medications like orlistat and phentermine, this approach investigates how the body converts fructose into glucose in the intestines, potentially impacting energy balance and weight management. The trial uses a novel method of administering fructose labeled with a carbon tracer, either orally or intravenously, to closely study this conversion process. Understanding this could lead to innovative strategies for managing weight by altering how the body processes certain sugars.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for overweight individuals?
This trial will explore how enhancing the conversion of fructose into glucose in the small intestine might help manage obesity and related health issues. Research has shown that this conversion process might protect the liver from fructose's harmful effects, but it may not function as effectively in people with obesity. Participants in this trial will receive different fructose meal treatments to study this process. Consuming high amounts of fructose has been linked to obesity, metabolic problems, and liver issues. Studies suggest that improper conversion of fructose can lead to weight gain and other health problems.45678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jean-Marc Schwarz, PhD
Principal Investigator
Touro University, California
Grace M Jones, PhD
Principal Investigator
Touro University, California
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo a sugar tolerance test at baseline
Treatment
Participants undergo four separate outpatient tracer/feeding studies in a crossover fashion with liquid meals containing stable isotopes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Fructose Intestinal Gluconeogenesis
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Liquid meals will be fed, containing 55% total carbohydrate (6% fructose), 30% fat, 15% protein, and a tracer amount of 13C fructose.
Liquid meals will be fed, containing 55% total carbohydrate (6% fructose), 30% fat, 15% protein. A tracer amount of 13C fructose will be administered intravenously.
Liquid meals will be fed, containing 55% total carbohydrate (16% fructose), 30% fat, 15% protein, and a tracer amount of 13C fructose.
Liquid meals will be fed, containing 55% total carbohydrate (16% fructose), 30% fat, 15% protein. A tracer amount of 13C fructose will be administered intravenously.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Touro University, California
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator
Citations
Fructose Consumption in the Development of Obesity and the ...
The high consumption of sugary beverages rich in fructose is directly related to the development of obesity and its consequences, such as metabolic syndrome [1, ...
The Impact of Excessive Fructose Intake on Adipose Tissue ...
Obesity development is strongly associated with high fructose intake since the excessive consumption of this highly lipogenic sugar leads to white fat ...
Metabolic Effects of Fructose and the Worldwide Increase ...
The evidence is less compelling in humans, but high fructose intake has indeed been shown to cause dyslipidemia and to impair hepatic insulin sensitivity.
Fructose Metabolism Effects on the Liver
Study investigates intestinal fructose-to-glucose conversion impairment in obesity and its protective hepatic role against fructose.
The impact of dietary fructose on gut permeability ...
Dietary high-fructose can increase intestinal permeability and circulatory endotoxin by changing the gut barrier function and microbial composition.
Intestinal Fructose and Glucose Metabolism in Health ... - PMC
We review fructose and glucose metabolism, as well as potential molecular mechanisms by which excessive sugar consumption is associated to metabolic diseases ...
The Small Intestine Converts Dietary Fructose into Glucose ...
Collectively, these data show that dietary fructose in excess of intestinal metabolic capacity spills over to liver and the microbiome ...
Metabolism of sugars: A window to the regulation ...
Surprisingly, however, oral or iv fructose results in an increased glucose synthesis, or gluconeogenesis, but did not actually increase glycemia [20,21].
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.