Effects of pecans versus pretzels on aging
Effect of Pecan Consumption on Aging
This study tests whether eating pecans every day can help protect against aging better than eating pretzels by looking at skin health, blood markers, and gut bacteria over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06879626 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of daily consumption of 2 oz of pecans compared to 3.5 oz of pretzel snacks over 12 weeks on the body's ability to protect against oxidative damage associated with aging. It aims to evaluate skin resistance to UV light irritation, lipid oxidation, and oxidative DNA damage, while also exploring the effects on blood markers of aging and gut microbiome composition. The research focuses on the antioxidant potential of pecans and their bioactive compounds in promoting overall health and mitigating aging effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are generally healthy females aged 55-75 with a BMI between 18.5-34.9 who consume a typical Western diet.
Not a fit: Patients who are vegetarian or vegan, have known nut allergies, or are using skin-related prescription medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary interventions that enhance skin health and overall aging processes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of nut consumption on antioxidant defense and skin health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female * Generally healthy * Aged 55-75 years * BMI 18.5-34.9 kg/m2 * Fitzpatrick Skin type II-IV * Consume a typical Western diet (low in polyphenols-rich foods and fiber) * Willing to maintain habitual dietary and exercise patterns for the study duration * Willing to maintain normal skin care products and pattern for the duration of the study * Willing to come to study visits without any makeup and skin products on * Subjects must read and sign the Institutional Review Board-approved written informed consent prior to the initiation of any study specific procedures or enrollment. A subject will be excluded for any condition that might compromise the ability to give truly informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Vegetarian/vegan * Known nut allergy * Skin-related prescription medication, supplements or non-prescription cosmeceutical agents * Initiation of topical or oral prescription steroids and/or anti-inflammatory medications within 30 days prior to study enrollment * Excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight * Screening laboratory values outside of the normal range that is considered clinically significant for study participation by the investigator * Documented chronic disease * Taking medications or supplements known to affect gut microbiota composition (antibiotics within the past 3 months, probiotics, fiber, etc.) * Taking exogenous hormones (e.g. hormone replacement therapy) * Recent weight fluctuations (\>10% in the last 6 months) * Smoker or living with a smoker * Use of \>20 g of alcohol per day * Unable or unwilling to comply with the study protocol (including unwillingness to avoid nuts for the whole duration of the study) * Unable to provide consent * Pregnancy and/or lactation
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Center for Human Nutrition — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Tatiana Diacova, PhD, RD
- Email: tdiacova@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-206-8292
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.