How common dietary fats change gut bacteria and metabolic markers

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, parallel pilot trial will enrol 64 healthy adults (age 20–50, BMI 20–30) in the Glasgow area and randomize them to one of four fat groups (butter, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil) with 60 mL consumed daily for two weeks following a one-week run-in. Stool and fasting blood samples are collected at baseline (Day 1), mid-intervention (Day 7), and post-intervention (Day 22) to measure short-chain fatty acids, microbiota composition, blood lipids, and inflammatory markers. The primary aim is to see whether fats that differ in chain length and saturation produce different microbial fermentation patterns and systemic metabolic effects. All visits take place at the New Lister Building, University of Glasgow.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 20-50 years
* Body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30 kg/m²
* Generally healthy
* Stable body weight (±2 kg) over the past 2 months
* Living in the Glasgow area
* Non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of antibiotics within the past 3 months
* Current use of medications affecting gut microbiota or cardiometabolic health
* Regular use of dietary supplements that may influence study outcomes (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, fish oil), unless willing to discontinue prior to study start
* Presence of chronic gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, hepatobiliary, or pancreatic disease
* History of major gastrointestinal surgery
* Diagnosed diabetes or use of lipid-lowering therapy
* Known fat malabsorption disorders
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Post-menopausal women
* Following a restrictive or specific diet (e.g. vegan, ketogenic diet)
* Food allergies or intolerances relevant to study interventions (e.g. dairy, coconut)
* Recent significant weight change (±2 kg in the past month)
* High reliance on ready meals or takeaway foods (\>7 main meals per week)
* Participation in another research study that may interfere with this study

Where it's running

• New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, G31 2ER
  Glasgow, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Athanasios Koutsos — University of Glasgow
• Study coordinator: Linah Alhomidan
• Email: linahalhomidan@gmail.com
• Phone: +447473477395

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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.