Examining how different diets affect the microbiome in college freshmen

Revealing Microbiome Association With (Plant-based) Diet in Freshman

Observational University of Kiel · NCT04598022

This study is testing how vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets affect the gut bacteria and body weight of college freshmen during their first year at university.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kiel Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kiel)
Trial IDNCT04598022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effects of vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets on body weight and microbiome profiles among freshmen during their first year at university. Participants will be assessed for changes in their saliva, stool microbiome, and metabolome profiles based on their dietary patterns. The study will involve cross-sectional observations and follow-ups to gather comprehensive data on the impact of these diets over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are college freshmen who have been following a vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore diet for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases, especially gut-related issues, or those who have recently used antibiotics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how different dietary patterns influence gut health and overall well-being in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining the microbiome in relation to diet, this specific focus on freshmen and their dietary transitions is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* freshman
* following a vegan / vegetarian / omnivore dietary pattern for at least 3 months
* own a smartphone (including internet access and camera)

Exclusion Criteria:

* regular use of medication (excluding oral contraceptiva)
* use of antibiotics in the last 6 weeks
* chronic disease, especially gut diseases
* following a vegan / vegetarian / omnivore dietary pattern for less then 3 months
* no clear assignment of vegan / vegetarian / omnivore dietary pattern
* electrical implants

Where this trial is running

Kiel

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 Healthyfreshmanveganvegetarianomnivoremicrobiomemeal frequencymeal timing
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.