Daily intake of short-chain fatty acids and its effects on metabolic health

The Impact of 12 Weeks Intervention With Plant-based Oat Drink Rich in Short-chain Fatty Acids on Postprandial Lipidemia in Individuals at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional KU Leuven · NCT06951386

This study is testing whether drinking a daily beverage with short-chain fatty acids can help people at risk for metabolic syndrome improve their heart and metabolic health over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant)
Trial IDNCT06951386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a daily drink enriched with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on cardiometabolic health in individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome over a 12-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either the SCFA-enriched drink or a control oat drink. Key metabolic parameters such as blood pressure, body weight, waist and hip circumference, body composition, energy expenditure, glucose, insulin, and blood lipids will be measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine if daily SCFA intake can improve these health markers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with central obesity and at least one additional risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal disorders or those on specific diets such as weight loss or vegan may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve cardiometabolic health and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with dietary interventions involving short-chain fatty acids, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* male and female participants
* central obesity ( BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² or waist circumference ≥ 80 cm for women/ ≥ 94 cm for men)
* One additional risk factor for metabolic syndrome:

  1. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥ 1.7 or fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl)
  2. Triglyceride concentration ≥ 150 mg/dl
  3. HDL-cholesterol \< 40 mg/dl for women/ \< 50 mg/dl for men
  4. Systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg
* knowledge of English

Exclusion Criteria:

* gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, IBS, celiac disease, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhoea
* history of abdominal surgery, except for appendectomy
* Use of antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, glucose-regulating drugs and corticosteroids
* Use of antibiotics 3 months prior to the start or during the study
* Use of probiotics and prebiotics 2 weeks prior to the start of the study/ during the study
* Being on weight loss, gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diet
* Pregnancy, lactation or wish to become pregnant
* Previous or current substance/ alcohol dependence or abuse
* Hyper- or hypothyroidism
* Allergy or intolerance to oat milk

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant

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 Energy ExpenditureMetabolic SyndromeAnthropometryBody CompositionGlycemiaLipaemiaMetabolomicsBlood Pressure
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.