Effects of fasting on the immune system in healthy adults
Immunomodulatory Effects of Fasting in Healthy Adults
NA · University of California, Davis · NCT05104502
This study is testing how a 36-hour water-only fast affects the immune system in healthy adults aged 20-40 to see if it can improve immune responses.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 4 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05104502 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates how fasting influences the immune system in healthy adults aged 20-40. Participants will undergo a 36-hour water-only fasting period, during which immune profiling, gene expression profiling, and flow cytometry will be conducted on their peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study aims to determine whether fasting can alter immune responses and improve immune function. The research builds on previous findings that dietary restrictions can have significant effects on health and longevity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy male adults aged 20-40 with a normal BMI and no chronic diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how fasting may enhance immune function and overall health in healthy individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While fasting has been studied in various contexts, this specific investigation into its immunomodulatory effects in healthy adults is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 20-40 years, to constitute a young study population * Gender: male subjects, to control for gender differences * BMI: 19-27 kg/m2 to constitute a normal/healthy weight population * Weight: 120 lbs or more * Fasting glucose: 70-100 mg/dL, to ensure that fasting can be tolerated without inducing dangerously low levels of blood glucose * Subjects must be willing to undergo a period of 36 hours of water-only fasting * Subjects must be willing to collect samples of each bowel movement produced throughout the entire study period for microbiome analysis * Subjects must be willing to collect blood pricks for blood glucose levels using a Contour Next One Blood Glucose Testing Kit during the fasting stage of the study protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Current smoking * Anemia * Pregnancy or current breastfeeding * Chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, or previous cardiovascular events * Gastrointestinal diseases including irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease * Consumption of \>1 alcoholic drink/day * Extreme dietary or exercise patterns * Recent weight fluctuations (greater than 10% in the last six months) * Regular use of over-the-counter allergy or pain medications (\>1/week) * Taking prescription lipid medications (e.g. statins) or other supplements known to alter lipoprotein metabolism such as isoflavones * Use of hormonal birth control including oral contraception pills, hormonal IUDs or rings, or hormonal birth control patches
Where this trial is running
Sacramento, California
- UC Davis — Sacramento, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Antonio Ji
- Email: ajixu@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 916-551-2630
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.
Conditions: Fasting