Oral tributyrin for metabolic control and appetite in adults with obesity
Official title: The Metabolic Effects of Oral Tributyrin Administration in Overweight/Obese Individuals
Run by University of Aarhus · NCT07463495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether taking oral tributyrin can lower post-meal blood sugar and reduce appetite in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aarhus N) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07463495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with BMI 30–45 kg/m2, HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol, normal hemoglobin, and not taking glucose- or appetite-altering medications are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diabetes, on glucose-lowering or appetite-modifying drugs, following special diets, or with serious acute/chronic illness are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this short exploratory intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind crossover trial enrolls about 12 adults with obesity who receive oral tributyrin or placebo for two 2-week periods separated by at least a 2-week washout. Dosing is once or twice daily and participants undergo post-treatment testing including postprandial glucose, hunger questionnaires, enteroendocrine hormones (GLP-1, GIP, PYY, LEAP2, ghrelin), and an ad libitum meal test for caloric intake; echocardiography is included as an exploratory hemodynamic endpoint. The within-subject crossover design increases power for a small sample and excludes medications or special diets that affect glucose or appetite to reduce confounding. Safety labs and screening ensure participants are generally healthy aside from overweight/obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a simple oral way to improve post-meal glucose control and reduce appetite in people with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work and a few small human studies of butyrate or tributyrin suggest metabolic and appetite effects, but human evidence is limited and inconsistent.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A body mass index (BMI) between 30-45 kg/m2 * Older than 18 years of age * HbA1c \< 48 mmol/mol * Hemoglobin within normal range (females: 7.3-9.5 mmol/L, males: 8.3-10.5 mmol/L) * Written and oral consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Medications affecting glucose metabolism and/or appetite (e.g. insulin, metformin, GLP-1 analogues) * Special diet (HCLF, ketogenic diets, vegan/vegetarian) * Ongoing cancer or other acute/chronic serious diseases (determined by PI) * Inability to understand Danish or English * Abnormal blood samples at screening visit (determined by PI and co-investigators) * Deemed unsuitable to participate by the PI and co-investigators
Where it's running
-
SDCA / Medical Research Laboratory
Aarhus N, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Simon M Denning, MD
- Email: simon.denning@clin.au.dk
- Phone: 0045 78450000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Obesity and Muscle Signaling After a Single Workout and Protein Drink
This study tests whether skeletal muscle signaling after resistance exercise and protein intake differs between lean adults and those who are overweight or obese.
-
ZP6590 safety and dosing in adults with varying weight
This study tests ZP6590 in adults with normal weight, overweight, and obesity to see if it is safe and tolerable and to understand how the drug behaves in the body.
-
Eatit digital program to help adults with obesity lose weight and improve eating habits
This pilot will see if using Eatit's six-month, dietitian-supported digital lifestyle program helps adults with obesity lose weight, reduce waist size, and improve eating habits and self-rated health.
-
Plant-based, online weight loss program with education and support
A 12-week online program tests whether a plant-based diet, guided by a physician and a dietitian, can help overweight or obese adults improve weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
-
How sex hormones affect the age- and sex-related benefits of a low-calorie diet
This trial tests whether sex hormones explain why adults of different ages and sexes lose fat and get different health benefits when they follow a low-calorie diet.
-
Comparing the effects of high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise on fat loss in young women
This study tests whether high-intensity or moderate-intensity exercise helps young women with overweight or obesity lose more fat and improve their health.
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.