Effects of a 48-hour fast with or without exercise on immune function and blood sugar control
Official title: The Impact of a 48-hour Fast with or Without Exercise on Immune Cell Function, Bioenergetics, and Glycemic Control in Healthy Active Adults: a Randomized Crossover Trial
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT06737224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how a 48-hour fast, with and without exercise, affects the immune system and blood sugar levels in healthy, active adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | March 7, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06737224 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 19 to 35 who engage in regular physical activity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of cardiometabolic or inflammatory diseases, or those following specific dietary regimens, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a 48-hour fasting period on immune cell metabolism and glycemic control in healthy, active adults. Participants will undergo two fasting trials, one with exercise and one without, while their blood glucose levels are monitored using a continuous glucose monitor. The exercise trial involves cycling at varying intensities during the fasting period, while the control trial prohibits structured exercise. Blood samples will be collected at various intervals to assess metabolic responses and immune cell function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how fasting and exercise together influence immune health and blood sugar regulation.
How similar studies have gone: While fasting and exercise have been studied separately, this specific combination in healthy adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 19 and 35 years. * Physically active (engaging in ≥150 minutes of weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity). Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiometabolic diseases or inflammatory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease). * Individuals currently following a ketogenic diet, low-calorie diet, periodic fasting regimen, or consuming ketogenic supplements (e.g., exogenous ketone drinks). * Cigarette/vaping smoking. * Physical limitation that will impair the ability of the participant to perform exercise. * Individuals having a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2. * Cancer diagnosis in the past 5 years. * Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen). * Being unable to read or communicate in English.
Where it's running
-
University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Little Principal Investigator, Professor Little, Ph.D
- Email: jonathan.little@ubc.ca
- Phone: 250-807-9876
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.