Effects of soluble corn fiber on calcium absorption in older men
Official title: Modulation of the Gut Microbiome by Dietary Fiber to Improve Calcium Absorption and Bone Health in Older Men
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06519877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether adding soluble corn fiber to the diet can help older men absorb more calcium and support their bone health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06519877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are male Veterans aged 60 years or older without conditions that affect calcium metabolism or gut microbiota.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with malabsorption issues, hypercalcemia, or those on medications affecting calcium metabolism 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 interventional study investigates how soluble corn fiber affects intestinal calcium absorption and the gut microbiome in older male Veterans aged 60 and above. The study aims to determine whether dietary fiber can enhance calcium absorption, potentially mitigating age-related bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. By employing a crossover design, participants will receive both soluble corn fiber and a placebo, allowing for direct comparison of effects. The study will also explore the role of the gut microbiome in this process, focusing on the production of short-chain fatty acids and their influence on calcium metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve bone health and reduce fracture risk in older men.
How similar studies have gone: While studies have shown dietary fiber's effects on calcium absorption in other populations, this specific approach in older men is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male Veterans 60 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * History of malabsorption * Hypercalcemia (corrected Ca \> 10.2 mg/dL) * Vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD \< 30 ng/mL) * Chronic kidney disease stage 3B or worse (CrCl \< 45 mL/min) * Severe hypogonadism (AM fasting serum total testosterone \< 150 ng/dL) * Daily use of proton pump inhibitor * Use of medication(s) known to affect calcium metabolism * Use of medications or supplements that could impact gut microbiota in the previous 3 months (antibiotics or commercially available probiotics or prebiotics. * Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator that would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
Where it's running
-
San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karin C Wu, MD — San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Study coordinator: Karin C Wu, MD
- Email: karin.Wu@va.gov
- Phone: (415) 221-4810
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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.