Effects of time-restricted eating on cognition
Time-restricted Eating and Cognition (ChronoBEAT)
This study is testing whether eating at different times of the day can improve brain function and overall health in healthy women.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | German Institute of Human Nutrition Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nuthetal) |
| Trial ID | NCT06508255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how different time-restricted eating (TRE) schedules, specifically early versus late eating windows, affect brain activity, decision-making, and metabolic processes in a cohort of healthy women over an 8-week period. Participants will undergo a randomized, crossover design, alternating between early TRE (08:00-16:00) and late TRE (13:00-21:00) interventions, with a two-week observational phase prior to the interventions. Throughout the study, participants will record their food intake, physical activity, and sleep, and will attend laboratory visits to assess various health metrics. The aim is to understand the impact of TRE on cognitive functions and overall health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed, physically and mentally healthy women aged 18-50 with a BMI between 19-35 kg/m² who are fluent in German.
Not a fit: Patients with significant health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, severe psychiatric conditions, or metabolic disorders, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how time-restricted eating can enhance cognitive function and decision-making.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the effects of time-restricted eating on health, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * right-handed * legally competent * physically and mentally healthy * BMI: 19-35 kg/m² * fluent in reading and speaking German Exclusion Criteria: * weight change \>5% of body weight during the last 3 months * pregnancy or breastfeeding * allergies (inclusion possible after consultation with study doctor) * history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, hypotension) in the last year * severe psychiatric condition, including drug addiction and depression * impaired renal or liver function * dementia or other severely debilitating cognitive disease * history of or current eating disorders (e.g., Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa, Orthorexia nervosa, Binge-Eating disorder) * chronic diseases (e.g., Morbus Crohn, Colitis Ulcerosa) * metabolic disorders (e.g., metabolic syndrome, diabetes type 1 or 2) * hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid gland diseases) * consuming diseases (e.g., cancer, kachexie) in the last 2 years * surgical removal (partial removal) of the digestive organs (e.g., gastrectomy) or history of bariatric surgery * Autoimmune conditions or current infection * Blood clotting disorders (e.g., haemophilia) * Severe anemia * severe claustrophobia * blood donation four weeks prior to study entry * glucocorticoid therapy (oral) * anticoagulant medication (inclusion possible if medication can be paused) * taking medications that require regular eating * any medications or supplements known to affect sleep, circadian rhythms, immune activity or metabolism * taking weight loss, lipid or glucose-lowering medications (any medications that affects metabolism) i.e. metformin * pacemaker or other electrical implant * vaccination during the study course or in the two weeks' prior * immunosuppressive premedication * currently on a diet/fasting regime (or within 1 month) * professional athletes * nicotine consumption * drug abuse * alcohol consumption per week more than 14 beers (0,3l)/ wine (0,125l)/ sparkling wine (0,1l)/Schnaps (4cl) * shift work * poor sleep quality (PSQI score \> 10 at medical screening) * travel across more than one time zone one month before study or during study period * non-removable metallic implants * fear of blood draw
Where this trial is running
Nuthetal
- German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE) — Nuthetal, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Soyoung Q Park, Prof. Dr. — German Institute of Human Nutrition
- Study coordinator: Lara Ryan
- Email: lara.ryan@dife.de
- Phone: 33 200 88 - 2511
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.