Investigating the effects of potato consumption on cardiometabolic health
STARchy Staples: a Randomised Controlled Trial on Cardiometabolic Health
This study is testing if eating potatoes instead of other starchy foods can help improve sleep and blood sugar levels for better heart and metabolic health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | King's College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lambeth, London) |
| Trial ID | NCT05994313 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines how eating potatoes instead of refined carbohydrates affects sleep quality and glycemic control, both of which are important for cardiometabolic health. It involves a randomized, two-parallel arm design with a 12-week dietary intervention, where participants will consume either potatoes or non-nutrient-dense starchy staples. The research aims to determine if potatoes can improve sleep and glycemic markers, potentially benefiting overall cardiometabolic health. Participants will be monitored in-clinic and remotely to assess the outcomes of the dietary changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 40-80 who consume four or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables daily and have sub-optimal sleep quality.
Not a fit: Patients with existing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve sleep quality and glycemic control, reducing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dietary impacts on cardiometabolic health, this specific investigation into the effects of potato consumption on sleep and glycemic control is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-reported healthy adults * Aged 40-80 years old * Intake of ≤4 portions of fruits and vegetables (excluding potatoes) per day * Low sleep quality index of \>5 (Pittsburgh sleep quality index). Exclusion Criteria: * Shift workers and those with multiple jobs or carers who are required to wake through the night * Unwilling to refrain from dietary supplements * Unwilling to follow protocol and/or give informed consent * Diagnosed with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Type 2 Diabetes, Celiac disease, Insomnia, Sleep apnoea * Presence of gastrointestinal disorder * Users of drugs that are likely to alter gastrointestinal motility or nutrient absorption * History of substance abuse or alcoholism * Currently pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or having had a baby 12 months prior * Weight change of \>3kg in the preceding 2 months * BMI \<18.5kg/m2 or \> 35kg/m2, * Current smokers, or individuals who quit smoking in the last 6-months * Frequently consume wholemeal products (1-2 times per day, in the short screening FFQ) * Never consumed refined starchy staples, such as white pasta or rice (rarely or never, in the short screening FFQ) * High potato consumption (4-6 times per week, in the short screening FFQ) * High risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (answer yes to \>3 questions, in STOP-Bang questionnaire) * Vegetarian, Vegan, or pescatarian dietary preferences. * Diagnosed with mental health disorders, and/or on medicine for their mental health (antipsychotics, antidepressants, beta-blockers) * Chronic user of antihistamines * Fasting glucose \>7mmol/l (finger prick test at baseline clinic) * Is taking weight loss, or glucose regulating medications. * Has been unstable on blood pressure lowering medications for at least 3-months prior to enrollment.
Where this trial is running
Lambeth, London
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Franklin Wilkins Building, Waterloo campus. — Lambeth, London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wendy Hall, PhD — King's College London
- Study coordinator: Anya Klarner, MSc
- Email: anya.klarner@kcl.ac.uk
- Phone: +44(0) 7935861617
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.