Peanut Meal for Healthy Aging

(PIN Trial)

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Rebecca Serrano, MPH, RD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Gastrointestinal medications

Disqualifiers: Anemia, Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 6 hours per meal test

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how peanut-based meals might help older adults maintain health and prevent diseases. It compares two meals: one high in healthy fats from peanuts (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, or MUFA, Peanut Meal) and another high in less healthy fats. Researchers will examine how each meal affects inflammation and satiety. Older men and postmenopausal women without major health issues like liver disease or diabetes may be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased study, this trial allows participants to contribute to valuable research on nutrition and health.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you regularly use medications that affect the gastrointestinal tract or have severe health conditions, you may be excluded from participating.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that peanuts, high in healthy fats, are generally safe and beneficial for health. These fats help keep arteries clear, reducing the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks. Peanuts also offer a good balance of other fats, making them a heart-healthy choice.

Regularly eating nuts, including peanuts, is linked to a lower risk of frailty with age. This suggests that peanuts not only are safe but may also enhance health over time. Overall, studies have found that peanuts are well-tolerated with no major safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the MUFA peanut meal because it introduces a natural dietary approach to healthy aging, focusing on the benefits of monounsaturated fatty acids. Unlike traditional options that might include supplements or medications aimed at specific aging-related conditions, this meal-based approach leverages the nutritional profile of peanuts to potentially improve health outcomes. Monounsaturated fatty acids are known for their heart health benefits, and incorporating them into a regular diet could offer a simple, holistic way to support overall well-being as we age. This method shifts the focus from treating symptoms to enhancing everyday nutrition, making it a promising area of exploration.

What evidence suggests that the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) peanut meal might be an effective treatment for healthy aging?

Research has shown that eating peanuts, which contain healthy fats found in many nuts, may help prevent heart disease. In this trial, participants will receive either a monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) peanut meal or a saturated fatty acids (SFA) meal. One study found that people who added more peanuts and peanut butter to their diet delayed harmful health changes more effectively than those who did not. Consuming these healthy fats from peanuts can help keep arteries clear, reducing the risk of heart issues like a heart attack. Peanuts are also linked to lowering inflammation and aiding in weight control. Overall, peanuts can be a healthy choice for older adults aiming to improve heart health and manage weight. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sue Shapses, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rutgers, the State University of NJ

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults who are generally healthy but may be dealing with obesity. Participants should be interested in how different types of fats in their diet might affect inflammation and overall health as they age.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a man or a woman who has been postmenopausal for over 2 years.

I am an older adult.

Exclusion Criteria

My high blood pressure or cholesterol is not under control.

I have or had liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.

I have or had cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Baseline measurements include body composition and serum lipids and glucose

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo mixed meal tests with low SFA and high SFA meals over 6 hours each

6 hours per meal test

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in endotoxin, inflammatory markers, and other outcomes post-treatment

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) Peanut Meal

Trial Overview The study is testing the effects of a peanut meal rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) compared to meals high in saturated fatty acids (SFA). It's designed to see if peanuts can help reduce inflammation after eating and improve feelings of fullness.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) peanut meal Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

mixed meal test over 6 hours

Group II: saturated fatty acids (SFA) meal Active Control 1 Intervention

mixed meal test over 6 hours

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 28 healthy young men, a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from corn oil significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels compared to a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) rich oil mixture over a two-week period.

The PUFA-rich corn oil diet not only lowered LDL cholesterol but also showed reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, suggesting it has a more favorable impact on lipoprotein metabolism than the MUFA-rich diet.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of diets containing corn oil or olive/sunflower oil mixture on the human plasma and lipoprotein lipid metabolism. Wagner, KH., Tomasch, R., Elmadfa, I.[2019]

Feeding Peking ducks a flaxseed diet for more than 10 days negatively impacted their growth performance, as indicated by decreased body weight and increased feed conversion ratios, but it enriched their meat with beneficial long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

A 20-day flaxseed diet was found to be optimal for producing Peking duck meat with a favorable n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio, making it a healthier option for consumers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Duration of the flaxseed diet promotes deposition of n-3 fatty acids in the meat and skin of Peking ducks. Shahid, MS., Wu, Y., Xiao, Z., et al.[2023]

A study involving 20 participants found that diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), such as olive oil and peanuts, can reduce the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation, which is important for preventing atherosclerosis.

Both high MUFA diets and lower-fat cholesterol-lowering diets showed similar effects on LDL oxidative resistance, indicating that incorporating various MUFA sources does not increase LDL oxidation risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low fat and high monounsaturated fat diets decrease human low density lipoprotein oxidative susceptibility in vitro. Hargrove, RL., Etherton, TD., Pearson, TA., et al.[2018]

In a study involving 63,442 women and 29,942 men over 22 years, higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids from plant sources (MUFA-P) was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), particularly when replacing saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats.

In contrast, monounsaturated fatty acids from animal sources (MUFA-A) did not show a significant protective effect against CHD, indicating that plant-based MUFAs are the better choice for heart health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Monounsaturated fats from plant and animal sources in relation to risk of coronary heart disease among US men and women. Zong, G., Li, Y., Sampson, L., et al.[2023]

Frequent nut consumption is linked to a reduced risk of chronic age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, based on observational and clinical studies.

Nuts may offer protective effects against neurological disorders like depression and Alzheimer's disease, likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as beneficial fatty acids and fiber content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nut consumption and age-related disease. Grosso, G., Estruch, R.[2022]

In a study involving 32 elderly patients over 6 months, an enteral diet enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) improved their plasma lipid profiles and significantly lowered triglyceride levels, a key cardiovascular risk factor.

The enriched diet did not show any major changes in insulin resistance or related biomarkers, indicating that while it benefits cardiovascular health, it does not negatively impact metabolic health in elderly patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of an eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid-enriched enteral nutrition formula on plasma fatty acid composition and biomarkers of insulin resistance in the elderly. Olza, J., Mesa, MD., Aguilera, CM., et al.[2015]

In a study involving 22 middle-aged participants, different fatty acid compositions in meals had minimal impact on post-meal changes in plasma lipids, glucose, and insulin levels over a 6-hour period.

While meals high in linoleic acid and EPA+DHA increased their respective plasma concentrations, overall, the fatty acid composition did not significantly affect the maximum changes or timing of these metabolites in the blood.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lack of effect of meal fatty acid composition on postprandial lipid, glucose and insulin responses in men and women aged 50-65 years consuming their habitual diets. Burdge, GC., Powell, J., Calder, PC.[2013]

High intake of saturated fatty acids from meat is linked to increased blood cholesterol and higher risks of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, while unsaturated fatty acids from vegetable oils and fish improve heart health.

Substituting saturated fats with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats can lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, with nuts being a particularly beneficial source of healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fatty acid composition of nuts--implications for cardiovascular health. Ros, E., Mataix, J.[2022]

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) have been shown to positively influence serum lipid metabolism and reduce the risk of LDL cholesterol becoming oxidized, which is important for heart health.

MUFA also helps protect the artery lining and reduces conditions that promote blood clotting, highlighting their potential cardiovascular benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Protective effect of dietary monounsaturated fatty acid on cardiovascular system]. Liu, GS., Xu, GF.[2006]

In a study involving 119 adults with metabolic syndrome, diets containing canola oil and high-oleic acid canola oil (HOCO) significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to a control oil, suggesting cardiovascular benefits.

Both canola oil and HOCO showed similar positive effects on lipid profiles, indicating that high-MUFA oils can be a healthy alternative to traditional oils in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diets Enriched with Conventional or High-Oleic Acid Canola Oils Lower Atherogenic Lipids and Lipoproteins Compared to a Diet with a Western Fatty Acid Profile in Adults with Central Adiposity. Bowen, KJ., Kris-Etherton, PM., West, SG., et al.[2023]

An eight-week study with 77 participants showed that substituting common foods with versions higher in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in omega-6 fatty acids significantly improved the omega-3 index and increased levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the blood.

The intervention group not only achieved better fatty acid profiles but also reported improved or consistent satisfaction with the substituted foods, indicating that dietary changes can be both effective and enjoyable.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Food-Based Intervention in a Military Dining Facility Improves Blood Fatty Acid Profile. Bukhari, AS., Lutz, LJ., Smith, TJ., et al.[2022]

A review of recent clinical trials and studies indicates that diets rich in tree nuts and peanuts can help prevent or delay age-related diseases in people aged 55 and older by improving blood lipid levels, reducing inflammation, and enhancing endothelial function.

The antioxidants and healthy fats found in nuts may positively influence various health factors, suggesting that increasing nut consumption could extend both health span and lifespan for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health Benefits of Nut Consumption in Middle-Aged and Elderly Population. Rusu, ME., Mocan, A., Ferreira, ICFR., et al.[2020]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-overweight-2-2024-f75a5

Peanut Meal for Healthy Aging (PIN Trial) In a study, people who ate a diet high in MUFA from peanuts and peanut butter had better results in delaying these harmful changes compared to those on a ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4711439/

Peanuts as functional food: a review - PMC There is strong evidence supporting an association between monounsaturated fat as well as overall nut intake and reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453019301004

Health aspects of peanuts as an outcome of its chemical ... The consumption of monounsaturated fats promotes artery-clearing which keeps the blood flowing well and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack or ...

4. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.13728

Diet strategies for promoting healthy aging and longevity: ... This narrative review aims to summarize recent findings on the dietary factors influencing chronic diseases and longevity, primarily from large cohort studies.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5748761/

Nuts and Human Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review Several studies have reported beneficial effects after nut consumption, due to fatty acid profiles, vegetable proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10196568/

Long-Term Consumption of Nuts (Including Peanuts ... This large prospective cohort study showed a strong and consistent inverse association between regular nut consumption and incident frailty.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/peanut-meal

Peanut Meal - an overview Expeller-processed peanut meal contains about 5% fat. The fat in peanut meal is unsaturated and can develop rancidity easily. It is best to use solvent ...