Pecan Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The bioactive compounds contained in tree nuts have been shown to beneficially affect cardiometabolic health outcomes. Pecans contain more total phenols, sterols, and flavonoids than any other tree nut. They also are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These bioactive components in pecans are likely the reason for the previously documented improvements in cardiometabolic health. The specific aims of this study are to: * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on fasting and postprandial blood lipids. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on plasma markers associated with overall health. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on subjective and physiologic postprandial measures of hunger and satiety. Participants will be asked to: * Consume pecans daily for 28 days or maintain their current habitual diet. * Attend three short weekly visits for fasting blood craws, body measurements, and collect their next week's supply of study materials. * Attend two longer (5 h) testing visits which include consuming a standard breakfast meal and having their blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare pecan LOW, pecan MID, pecan HIGH, and the Control group to examine the physiologic effects of incorporating various dosages of pecans into one's diet.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants using medications that affect digestion, absorption, metabolism, lipid levels, diabetes, blood thinning, and steroid/hormone therapies.
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for cardiometabolic health?
Is pecan consumption safe for humans?
How does pecan consumption as a treatment for cardiometabolic health differ from other treatments?
Research Team
Jamie A Cooper, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Georgia
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for men and women aged 30-75 with overweight or obesity (BMI >28 kg/m2) and elevated cholesterol levels. It's not for those planning to change their diet/exercise, with food allergies to nuts/gluten/dairy, on special diets like keto or vegetarian, using certain medications, smokers, pregnant/lactating women, or with a history of serious health conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-intervention
Participants undergo baseline measurements and a high-saturated-fat meal challenge
Dietary Intervention
Participants consume pecans daily for 28 days or maintain their current habitual diet
Post-intervention
Participants undergo post-intervention measurements and repeat the high-saturated-fat meal challenge
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
Treatment Details
Interventions
- CONTROL
- Pecan HIGH
- Pecan LOW
- Pecan MID
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Georgia
Lead Sponsor