Effects of intermittent fasting on the blood microbiome
Official title: The Effect of One Month of Intermittent Fasting on the Blood Microbiome in Healthy Volunteers
Run by Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06678516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how intermittent fasting might change the bacteria in the blood of healthy people to see if it can improve liver health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Erasmus Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lanzhou, Gansu and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06678516 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-65 with a BMI between 18.5 and 25 who have not fasted in the month prior to the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cancer may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how intermittent fasting can alter the composition and function of the blood microbiome in healthy volunteers. It builds on previous findings that intermittent fasting can remodel the gut microbiome and aims to explore similar effects in the blood microbiome, which may provide insights into liver health. The study employs a randomized controlled cross-over design, allowing participants to serve as their own controls. Secondary outcomes will also be assessed to evaluate additional health impacts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights into how dietary changes like intermittent fasting can improve liver function and overall health.
How similar studies have gone: While studies have shown success in altering the gut microbiome through intermittent fasting, the effects on the blood microbiome remain largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * 18.5 =\< BMI \< 25 kg/m2 * All genders are included. * Have not fasted (go for a day without any food) for any amount of days in the month before the start of the study * Being willing to provide App-derived movement data over the course of the study * Participants are willing to and capable of providing written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Regular use medications such as antibiotics, steroids, beta blockers, and adrenergic-stimulating agents (self-report) * Regular use prebiotic and/or probiotics (self-report) * Intake of antibiotic at least in previous 1 months (self-report) * Daily consumption of \>10 cigarettes, or \>6 cups of coffee (the latter because of the effects on circadian rhythm). (self-report) * Chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, cancer, or autoimmune disease (self-report and clinical chemistry) * Internal diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, lung, heart, vasculature, liver, and kidney (self-report and clinical chemistry) * Eating disorder or unconventional eating habits (self-report) * Have a clinically significant abnormality as measured by a blood test * Participation in another study (self-report) * Habit of performing regular fasting (self-report) * Women: pregnancy and breastfeeding (self-report)
Where it's running
-
Northwest Minzu University
Lanzhou, Gansu, China Recruiting -
Erasmus Medical Center - Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Rotterdam, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maikel P Peppelenbosch, MD, PhD — Erasmus Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Maikel P Peppelenbosch, MD, PhD
- Email: m.peppelenbosch@erasmusmc.nl
- Phone: +31 07032792
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
SYMmetric Valve expansion to reduce hypoattenuated leaflet thickening after balloon-expandable TAVI
This trial tests whether the Double-TAP post-dilatation strategy can reduce HALT and improve valve function in patients 70 or older undergoing balloon-expandable TAVI.
-
External warming to help septic patients without fever
We’re testing whether warming the body externally can help people with sepsis who don’t have a fever.
-
Personalized AI Education Avatar for cancer treatment information
A digital avatar using AI-delivered educational videos helps adults starting new cancer treatments learn about their plan and side effects, with patient-friendly guidance and nurse support as needed.
-
Turbine-based CO2 Insufflator in Pediatric Laparoscopy
A new turbine-powered CO2 insufflator is being tested in children to see if it can maintain steadier abdominal pressures during laparoscopic surgery.
-
Guideline Adherence in HFrEF: See If Mirror Information Helps Doctors and Patients Follow GDMT
This study tests whether showing doctors, or both doctors and patients, mirror information about how well guideline-directed medical therapy is being used in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
-
Mild heat therapy added to standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer
This early-stage trial tests whether mild hyperthermia can be safely added to standard radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.