Effects of a 48-hour fast with or without exercise on immune function and blood sugar control

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

NA · University of British Columbia · NCT06737224

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia (other)
Locations1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT06737224 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 19 to 35 who engage in regular physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiometabolic or inflammatory diseases, or those following specific dietary regimens, may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: While fasting and exercise have been studied separately, this specific combination in healthy adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Kelowna, British Columbia

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Fasting, Immune Function, Glucose Tolerance, Exercise, Immunometabolism, Glycemic control

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.