Peanuts and stress: does eating peanuts affect heart health markers in people under high stress

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study investigates whether daily consumption of roasted, salted peanuts with skins influences indicators of cardiovascular disease risk in adults experiencing high perceived stress. Nut consumption is the dietary exposure, with isocaloric foods used to help isolate effects on immune function, inflammation, and vascular health. Eligible participants are adults aged 18–65 with BMI 18.5–39.9 kg/m2 and a confirmed high stress level by the PSS-4. The study aims to understand if peanut intake can modulate stress-related physiological pathways, including SNS and HPA axis activity, and thereby impact CVD risk markers. No results are provided here; the trial protocol outlines procedures to monitor safety and collect relevant biomarkers over the intervention period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females
* 18-65 years old
* BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 39.9 kg/ m2
* Recruitment will be based on Perceived Stress Scale - 4 (PSS-4) score

Exclusion Criteria:

* Less than 18 and over 65 years old
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Adults who rely on prescription medication that may influence study variables, apart from birth control
* BMI \< 18.5 kg/m2 and \> 39.9 kg/m2
* Smokers who currently use tobacco- or marijuana-containing products including e-cigarettes, vape pens, pod mods, tanks, and electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS)
* Habitual consumption of nuts, nut butters, nut powders, nut side dishes, nut bars or other nut products
* Known food allergies (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame, corn) due to samples not prepared in a hypoallergenic environment
* Currently living in close contact with individuals who have an allergy to peanuts, in order to avoid exposing these individuals to an allergen
* Self-reported history of difficulties with blood drawing procedures including prior fainting or dizziness, or veins assessed as not suitable for four separate venipunctures by licensed phlebotomist
* Diagnosed active chronic diseases for which the individual is currently taking daily medication, including but not limited to:

  * Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, asthma, autoimmune disorders, hypertension, osteoporosis
* Recent minor surgery (within 4 weeks) or major surgery (within 16 weeks)
* Known gallbladder disease or history of cholecystectomy
* History of gastrointestinal surgery, including gastric bypass surgery or resection
* Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
* Recent antibiotic therapy (within 4 weeks)
* Recent hospitalization (within 4 weeks)
* Current participation in another research study
* Has HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, or another disease that affects the immune system
* Gives regular blood donations and is unwilling to stop during the study
* Blood Pressure ≥ 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic
* Current diagnoses of an eating disorder (ex. anorexia, bulimia, etc.)
* High - very high triglyceride levels: ≥ 300 mg/dL
* Adults who are unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children and teenagers), pregnant women and prisoners will be excluded from participation in the study
* Participants who are unwilling to collect and transport urine, stool and saliva samples
* Abnormal hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels
* Abnormal liver function (defined as liver enzymes that are \>200% of upper limit (ALT upper limit is 43 U/L or Aspartate transaminase (AST) upper limit is 54 U/L)
* Unwillingness to discontinue probiotic, prebiotic, fiber, or other supplements (except RDA-level vitamin and mineral supplements) during the study
* Unwilling to consume study foods
* Alcohol consumption \> 20 g/day

Where it's running

• Western Human Nutrition Research Center
  Davis, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ryan Snodgrass, PhD — United States Department of Agriculture - Western Human Nutrition Research Center
• Study coordinator: Ellen Bonnel, PhD
• Email: elbonnel@ucdavis.edu
• Phone: 530-752-4184

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Digital Health Education to Improve Heart Health Across Different Socioeconomic Groups (e-DUCASS Advance)

  This study tests a 24-month digital health education program to see if it can improve cardiovascular health among people in Córdoba, Spain from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, by delivering weekly online content to families.

  Recruiting Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba · Córdoba · NCT07835386

• Omega-3 supplement to boost DHA and EPA levels in the blood

  This 12-week study tests whether the Omega Active supplement raises blood DHA and EPA levels in healthy adults aged 18–65 who have omega-3 needs.

  Recruiting Revive Active · Las Vegas, Nevada · NCT07753174

• Immunomodulatory effects of Spirulina Blue Protein capsules in healthy adults

  This study tests whether Spirulina Blue Protein capsules can modulate immune function in healthy adults over 12 weeks, compared with a placebo.

  Recruiting University of Phayao · Phayao, Changwat Phayao · NCT07733362

• Beetroot Extract and Exercise for Health in Adults Aged 75+

  This study tests whether beetroot extract, alone and with a multicomponent exercise program, can improve blood pressure, functional performance, and cognitive function in adults 75 and older.

  Recruiting Fundacion Miguel Servet · Pamplona, Navarre · NCT07666685

• Dyadic Multidimensional Sleep Health Promotion for Couples

  A couples-focused program tests whether a multidimensional sleep health approach can improve sleep quality and blood pressure in both partners.

  Recruiting Columbia University · New York, New York · NCT07603245

• Self-affirmation and heart responses during grief

  This trial will test whether a brief self-affirmation exercise helps adults grieving a recent loss have calmer heart and blood pressure responses during and after recalling their loss.

  Recruiting University of South Florida · Tampa, Florida · NCT07356635

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.