How propionate and butyrate affect metabolism in healthy adults
Official title: Metabolic Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Individuals
Run by University of Copenhagen · NCT07183488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Copenhagen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Copenhagen, Copenhagen N) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07183488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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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.