How propionate and butyrate affect metabolism in healthy adults
Metabolic Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Individuals
This will test whether taking a small dose of propionate or butyrate changes metabolism and raises ketone levels in healthy men and women aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Copenhagen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Copenhagen, Copenhagen N) |
| Trial ID | NCT07183488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a block-randomized crossover experiment in 10 healthy participants who each attend two test days separated by a 2–4 week washout. On each test day participants arrive after an overnight fast, undergo a DXA scan and catheter placement, then ingest 3 grams of sodium-propionate or sodium-butyrate with 250 ml water. Metabolic measurements including repeated blood draws over three hours, indirect calorimetry, blood pressure and flow-mediated vasodilation are collected to track acute physiological responses. The hypothesis is that butyrate—but not propionate—will raise plasma ketone body levels during the first three hours after ingestion.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy men and women aged 18–40 with BMI 18.5–29 who are not pregnant or lactating, not taking SCFA or B12 supplements, and without metabolic, absorptive, liver, kidney, or inflammatory bowel disorders are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, recent gastrointestinal surgery or malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy, lactation, or those on medications or diets that affect metabolism are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could show that oral butyrate acutely raises ketone levels and help guide dietary or therapeutic use of short-chain fatty acids to modify metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small human and animal studies suggest SCFAs can alter metabolism and signaling, but the specific acute ketone-raising effect of oral butyrate in healthy people is not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female. * Age between 18-40 years old * BMI between 18.5-29 Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes * Kidney- or liver disease * Pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant within the study period * Supplementation with SCFAs * Supplementation with B12 vitamin * Special dietary habits (e.g. vegan/ketogenic diet) * Ongoing cancer treatment * Metabolic or absorptive disorders, gastric bypass operation, or use of medication affecting metabolism or food absorption * Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or short bowel syndrome * Inability, physically or mentally, to comply with the procedure required by the study protocol as evaluated by the primary investigator, study manager or clinical responsible
Where this trial is running
Copenhagen, Copenhagen N
- University of Copenhagen — Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amalie S Frederiksen, PhD student
- Email: amalie.sfrederiksen@sund.ku.dk
- Phone: +4528899561
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.