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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kiel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kiel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04598022 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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Steps to Improve Walking and Reduce Falls in Parkinson's — Tel Aviv & Bologna
This trial will test whether speed-dependent treadmill training with mechanical and VR-triggered gait challenges helps people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease walk more stably and transfer those gains to daily life.
-
Steps to reduce falls and improve walking in Parkinson's disease — Kiel site
This trial will try speed-dependent treadmill training, with and without sudden forward/backward perturbations and virtual-reality cues, to see if people with Parkinson's disease walk more steadily and have fewer falls in daily life.
-
Speech assessment in patients with Parkinson's disease and impulse control issues
This study tests how deep brain stimulation for impulse control in Parkinson's disease affects patients' speech over time.
-
Deep brain stimulation for impulse control disorders in Parkinson's patients
This study is testing if adding deep brain stimulation to standard treatment can help Parkinson's patients with impulse control problems feel better.
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.