Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 25

Examining how different diets affect the microbiome in college freshmen

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

Run by University of Kiel · NCT04598022 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Kiel
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kiel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2027
Study endsDecember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT04598022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

Patients with chronic diseases, especially gut-related issues, or those who have recently used antibiotics 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 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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Institute of Human Nutrition
    Kiel, Germany
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Anja Bosy-Westphal, PhD, MD — Institute of Human Nutrition, Kiel University
  • Study coordinator: Anja Bosy-Westphal, PhD, MD
  • Email: abosyw@nutrition.uni-kiel.de
  • Phone: +494318805674

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.