Barley and kefir to support gut health in active adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates a practical four-week dietary intervention using barley and kefir to modulate gut microbiota in endurance athletes or active adults. Participants will consume a daily meal containing barley and kefir, with analysis of gut microbiota diversity and composition before and after the intervention, alongside circulating and urinary metabolite measurements. The study aims to link diet-induced microbial changes to metabolomic profiles, shedding light on how everyday foods may influence metabolism and health in active individuals. Eligibility targets adults aged 18–55 with high aerobic capacity, excluding those with conditions or allergies that affect gut health or dairy intake. The lead sponsor is Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, with the trial conducted at their Bergen campus.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 - 55 years
* High aerobic capacity defined by the following minimum estimated VO₂max values:

Men:

* 20-29 years: ≥ 51 mL/kg/min
* 30-39 years: ≥ 47 mL/kg/min
* 40-49 years: ≥ 43 mL/kg/min
* 50-55 years: ≥ 38 mL/kg/min

Women:

* 20-29 years: ≥ 44 mL/kg/min
* 30-39 years: ≥ 40 mL/kg/min
* 40-49 years: ≥ 36 mL/kg/min
* 50-55 years: ≥ 32 mL/kg/min

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Ulcerative colitis
* Crohn's disease
* Coeliac disease
* Milk allergy
* Lactose intolerance
* Use of antibiotics within the previous 6 months

Where it's running

• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
  Bergen, Norway Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Iselin T Vildmyren, PhD — Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
• Study coordinator: Iselin T Vildmyren, PhD
• Email: isvi@hvl.no
• Phone: +4798699287

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.