Effects of one week of fasting on metabolism and immunity in humans
Official title: Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Fasting on Human Metabolism and Immunity
Run by Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT06779201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06779201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
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 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.
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 gone: While many studies have explored fasting in animals, this approach is relatively novel in large-scale human clinical trials.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
Beijing, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hongxing Wang, MD & PhD — Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing
- Study coordinator: Rui Li, MD
- Email: ruili@mail.ccmu.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 10 83198650
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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.