Effects of one week of fasting on metabolism and immunity in humans

Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Fasting on Human Metabolism and Immunity

Not applicable Interventional Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT06779201

This study is testing how a week of fasting with water affects metabolism and immune function in people to see if it can improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorXuanwu Hospital, Beijing Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06779201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a one-week fasting period, allowing water intake, on human immune function, metabolic indicators, and brain function. It aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of these changes through a multi-omics approach. The research builds on previous findings that suggest fasting can enhance cellular autophagy, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting metabolic health and cognitive function. By focusing on human subjects, this study seeks to fill the gap left by prior animal studies and provide new insights into the biological mechanisms involved in fasting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-65 with a BMI of 18.5 or higher who can tolerate hunger.

Not a fit: Patients with significant health issues such as liver disease, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into how fasting may improve metabolic health, immune function, and cognitive abilities in humans.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies have explored fasting in animals, this approach is relatively novel in large-scale human clinical trials.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-65 years old, gender is not limited;
2. BMI≥18.5;
3. Can tolerate a certain degree of hunger;
4. Can voluntarily sign written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women planning pregnancy, pregnancy and breastfeeding;
2. Previous liver disease, chronic kidney disease, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease;
3. Suffering from acute infectious diseases or chronic wasting diseases;
4. Have used antibiotic drugs in the past 3 months, and have used prebiotic or probiotic supplements or products in the past month;
5. Participate in other clinical investigators within 3 months before enrollment in this study.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

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 FastingMetabolismImmunityBrain functionIntestinal flora
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.