Effects of egg consumption on cholesterol and immune response in different age groups
Investigating Age-dependent Effects of Egg Intake on HDL and Immune Profiles
This study is testing how eating different parts of chicken eggs affects cholesterol and immune health in younger and older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Connecticut Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Storrs, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT06086795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention study aims to investigate how the consumption of various fractions of chicken eggs—whole eggs, egg whites, and egg yolks—affects HDL cholesterol levels and immune cell profiles in younger and older adults. Participants will consume these egg fractions daily for four weeks each, interspersed with periods of abstaining from eggs. The study will also provide dietary guidance and collect data through surveys and blood samples to assess changes in health markers. The focus is on understanding age-dependent responses to dietary egg intake.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-30 or 50-75 years with a BMI under 30.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant health issues, allergies to eggs, or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary recommendations for improving cholesterol and immune health across different age groups.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dietary impacts on cholesterol and immune function, this specific investigation into age-dependent effects of egg consumption is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-30 years old, or 50-75 years old (at time of screening) * Body mass index (BMI) \< 30 kg/m2 * Willing to consume whole eggs, egg whites, or egg yolks on a daily basis during study periods, and refrain from eating eggs during other study periods * Do not fit any exclusion criteria Exclusion Criteria: * \< 18 years old; 31-49 years old; \> 75 years old * BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or body weight \< 110 pounds * Weight changes \> 10% over the last 4 weeks * Self-reported history of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, renal or liver disease, cancer, eating disorders, certain severe and/or relapsing/remitting autoimmune, inflammatory, or metabolic diseases, chronic infections, scleroderma, blood clotting disorders, intravenous drug use, or current pregnancy or lactation * Allergy or intolerance to eggs, egg components, or egg products * Implanted medical device (e.g., pacemaker) or other health condition that would prevent measurement of body composition by bioelectrical impedance * Highly elevated fasting lipid and glucose levels (triglyceride levels higher than 500 mg/dL, fasting glucose higher than 126 mg/dL), or total cholesterol \< 120 mg/dL and HDL-cholesterol \< 15 mg/dL * Currently taking lipid-lowering medications (e.g. statins, fibrates), anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids), or medications that primarily affect blood clotting (e.g., warfarin)
Where this trial is running
Storrs, Connecticut
- University of Connecticut — Storrs, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Catherine J Andersen, PhD, RDN — University of Connecticut
- Study coordinator: Catherine J Andersen, PhD, RDN
- Email: catherine.andersen@uconn.edu
- Phone: 860-486-1704
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.