Effects of eating sourdough bread on energy intake and appetite

Impact of Sourdough Bread Consumption on Long-term Energy Intake: A Pilot Study of Feasibility (SOBER)

Not applicable Interventional KU Leuven · NCT05590611

This study is testing if eating sourdough bread regularly can help people manage their appetite and weight over four weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorKU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams Brabant)
Trial IDNCT05590611 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the impact of long-term sourdough bread consumption on energy intake and blood lipid levels over a four-week period. Participants, both normal-weight and overweight, will consume sourdough bread as part of their regular diet to assess changes in appetite regulation and body weight. The study aims to determine the feasibility of this dietary intervention and its potential effects on eating behavior. Participants will be monitored for their dietary habits and any changes in their health metrics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-50 with a BMI over 20 who regularly consume brown bread.

Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal disorders, gluten sensitivity, or those who already consume sourdough bread may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary strategies for managing appetite and body weight.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, similar dietary interventions have shown promise in managing energy intake and weight.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female and male participants
* Age range 18 - 50
* BMI range \>20 kg/m2 at screening visit
* Regular eating pattern (3 meals per day on at least 5 days per week)
* Habitual brown bread consumption of at least 1 slice per day (assessed by The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) Norfolk FFQ)
* Stable body weight for the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently smoking or willingness to smoke during the study period
* Pregnancy, lactation or wish to become pregnant during the study period
* Previous or current gastrointestinal or endocrine disorders
* Previous or current substance/alcohol dependence or abuse (\> 2 units per day/14 units per week)
* Coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity
* Allergy/intolerance to milk, egg, nuts, soy or sesame
* Habitual sourdough bread consumption of at least 1 slice per day (assessed by The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) Norfolk FFQ)
* Excessive concern about eating habits or body weight as evidenced from scores \< 18 on the restraint and disinhibition subscales of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (Stunkard \& Messick, 1985)

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 Appetite RegulationEnergy IntakeBody Weight ChangesEating BehaviorOverweight and Obesity
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.