Effects of different food processing on cortisol levels in healthy individuals
Acute Effects of Ultra-processed Versus Unprocessed Foods on Glucocorticoid Secretion in Healthy Individuals
This study tests how eating ultra-processed versus low-processed foods affects cortisol levels in healthy people.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel, Basel-Stadt) |
| Trial ID | NCT06724692 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how the acute cortisol response differs between ultra-processed and low-processed foods in healthy volunteers. In a randomized, cross-over design, 20 participants will consume two meals of similar caloric content but differing in processing. Blood cortisol levels and other metabolic parameters will be measured to assess the impact of food processing on hormone secretion. Participants will undergo a screening visit followed by two study visits, with specific dietary restrictions prior to each meal.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males aged 18 to 40 years with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2.
Not a fit: Patients with severe diseases, food allergies, or those who consume high amounts of alcohol or caffeine may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how food processing affects cortisol levels, potentially influencing dietary recommendations for weight management.
How similar studies have performed: While the effects of food processing on health are widely discussed, this specific investigation into cortisol response is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males aged 18 to 40 years * BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Severe acute or chronic disease * Lactose intolerance * Severe food allergy * Casual smoking (more than six cigarettes per day) * Frequent, heavy alcohol consumption (more than 30g/day) * Frequent, heavy caffeine consumption (more than 4 caffeinated drinks/day) * Regular physical exercise (more than 4hrs per week) * Shift work * Previous enrollment in a clinical trial within the past two months * Intake of any steroid-containing drugs, including topical steroids and inhalers, within four weeks of the study initiation * Contradictions to undergo the investigated intervention * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Basel, Basel-Stadt
- University Hospital Basel — Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eleonora Seelig, PD Dr. med. — Sponsor and principal investigator
- Study coordinator: Eleonora Seelig, PD Dr. med.
- Email: eleonora.seelig@usb.ch
- Phone: 0041 61 328 63 23
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.