Impact of Peanut Consumption on Health During Weight Loss in Older Adults

Metabolic Health, Bones and Nuts Sources of Fatty Acids During Weight Loss in Adults

Not applicable Interventional Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT06949280

This study is testing if eating peanuts every day can help older adults who are trying to lose weight improve their bone health and overall well-being compared to those who don’t eat peanuts.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
Trial IDNCT06949280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of daily peanut consumption on bone health, metabolic health, and physical function in overweight and obese older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either a peanut snack or a nut-free snack over a six-month weight loss intervention. The study aims to determine whether the inclusion of peanuts, which are high in protein and healthy fats, can improve bone mineral density and other health markers compared to a control group. The research is designed to provide insights into dietary factors that may promote health and prevent disease in aging populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and postmenopausal women aged 50-75 with a body mass index between 25-42.

Not a fit: Patients with peanut allergies or significant health conditions such as cancer or uncontrolled hypertension may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve bone health and metabolic outcomes in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive associations between nut consumption and health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and postmenopausal women (\>2 years since last menses), ages 50-75 years
* Body mass index (25-42 kg/m2) or evidence of pre-clinical obesity.
* Agree to be randomly assigned to consume a daily peanut snack or nut-free snack for 24 weeks
* Must attend on-site visits (about 10) in New Brunswick, NJ, USA (transportation/reimbursement for travel not included)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Peanut allergies or intolerances
* Participants with \>5% weight loss in the past 6 months or extreme dietary/physical activity habits
* An inability to follow the experimental intervention or to perform the required specimen collections.
* Individuals with significant psychiatric or food disorders.
* Current diagnosis, or history of cancer in past 3 years.
* Current diagnosis or history of bone diseases, type I or II diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, hyperparathyroidism, untreated thyroid disease, significant immune, hepatic, cardiac, or renal disease.
* Uncontrolled hypertension or hyperlipidemia in abnormal ranges.
* History of surgery in the past 6 months or surgical procedure for weight loss in the past 3 years.
* Regular use of medications that affect bone metabolism, including bisphosphonates or hormone replacement.
* Regular use of medications for that affect the gastrointestinal tract including incretin mimetics, cholecystitis, urinary tract infection, severe organic diseases including coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, infectious diseases including pulmonary tuberculosis and AIDS.
* Antibiotic use in the past month
* Alcohol or illicit drug abuse
* Any other condition deemed by the Research Physician that would prevent participation in the study, e.g. participation in another clinical research project that may interfere with the results of this study.
* Participation in another clinical interventional research trial

Where this trial is running

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Weight LossBone DensityObesity and Overweightweight lossadultsbonecognitionmetabolic health
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.