Effects of eating watermelon on gut and heart health
Effect of Daily Fresh Watermelon Consumption on Gut and Cardiometabolic Health in Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity
This study is testing if eating fresh watermelon every day for six weeks can improve gut and heart health in young adults who are overweight or obese.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tallahassee, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06588218 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of daily fresh watermelon consumption over six weeks on gut health and cardiometabolic measures in young adults with overweight and obesity. Participants will consume either watermelon or a low-fat snack, and the study aims to assess changes in gut microbiome diversity, intestinal barrier health, body composition, blood pressure, and inflammation markers. The trial will compare these outcomes between the watermelon group and the control group to determine the potential health benefits of watermelon consumption.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18 to 30 who are classified as overweight or obese.
Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal diseases, significant allergies to study foods, or those who regularly consume watermelon may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve gut health and reduce obesity-related health risks.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on dietary impacts on gut health exist, the specific focus on watermelon as an intervention is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18 and 30 years old * Ability to speak and read in English * Overweight or Obese Class 1 and 2 (BMI ≥ 25 - 39.9 kg/m2) Exclusion Criteria: * Intake of antibiotics in the last 3 months * Intake of pre/pro/postbiotics in the last 3 months * Current or past (within the last 6 months) user of tobacco, marijuana, or E-cigarette products * Cardiovascular disease (will not exclude for hypertension), gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, celiac, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, peptic ulcers, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, short bowel syndrome), neurological (multiple sclerosis, meningitis, recent stroke) or endocrine disorders (uncontrolled thyroid disorders, growth hormone disorders, adrenal gland disorders, uncontrolled diabetes - A1C greater than 9%). * Food allergy to study foods * Any allergy to melon * Any allergy to the isocaloric snack (gluten) * Regular consumption of watermelon greater than 2 servings / week * Current heavy alcohol use (≥ 15 drinks / week for men, ≥ 8 drinks / week for women * Class 3 Obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m2) * Current user of Citrulline, Arginine, Nitric Oxide or other supplements known to affect nitric oxide synthesis (beet root juice or any beet supplement, Pycnogenol / Pine bark extract) * Known to be currently pregnant (self-disclosed)
Where this trial is running
Tallahassee, Florida
- Florida State University - Gut Biome Lab — Tallahassee, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ravinder Nagpal, PhD — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Ravinder Nagpal, PhD
- Email: rnagpal@fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-644-1829
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.