Comparing the metabolic effects of sucrose, glucose, and fructose

Assessments of Metabolic Responses to Acute Oral Administration of Sucrose, Glucose, and Fructose in Healthy Humans

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06799715

This study is testing how different types of sugar, like sucrose, glucose, and fructose, affect the metabolism and health of healthy adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT06799715 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the acute metabolic responses to the oral administration of sucrose, glucose, and fructose in healthy, non-diabetic adults. It aims to compare their effects on gastrointestinal hormones, glycemic control, blood coagulation function, and gastric emptying, among other parameters. The study will involve measuring various metabolic markers and appetite-related sensations to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these sweeteners impact health. By differentiating the metabolic effects based on chemical structure rather than origin, the study seeks to clarify inconsistencies in existing literature.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, non-diabetic adults aged 18-55 with a normal weight and stable body weight.

Not a fit: Patients with fructose intolerance or those on restrictive diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how different sweeteners affect metabolic health, potentially guiding dietary recommendations.

How similar studies have performed: While the metabolic effects of these sweeteners have been studied, this comprehensive comparison is novel and has not been extensively tested in this manner.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy, non-diabetic (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) \< 5.7%, fasting glucose \< 5.6 mmol/L), and normal weight participants with a body-mass index (BMI) of 19.0-24.9 kg/m2, parameters of complete blood count within normal range
* Age 18-55 years
* Stable body weight (± 5%) for at least three months
* Able to give informed consent as documented by signature

Exclusion Criteria:

* Fructose intolerance
* Any pre-existing diet (e.g., vegetarian diet, vegan diet, sugar free diet, paleo diet, Atkins diet, ketogenic diet) that deviates from normal eating habits
* Regular consumption (\>1/ week) of erythritol or xylitol
* Regular intake of medications, except contraceptives
* Pre-existing impairment of blood coagulation/thrombocyte function (e.g. hereditary, regular intake of anti-coagulant agents (e.g. NSAIDs, heparin, warfarin, etc.))Chronic or clinically relevant acute infections/diseases
* Substance abuse (more than 1 glass wine/beer per day; regular consumption of cannabis, consumption of cocaine, heroin, etc.), regular smoking
* Pregnancy: although no contraindication, pregnancy might influence metabolic state. Women who are pregnant or have the intention to become pregnant during the course of the study are excluded. In female participants a urine pregnancy test is carried out upon screening.
* Shift worker
* Participation in another study with investigational drug within the 30 days preceding and during the present study

Where this trial is running

Basel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gastrointestinal HormonesGlycemic ControlBlood Coagulation FunctionGastric Emptying
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.