Tart cherry absorption from shelf-stable military ration items

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

Healthy volunteers will consume a shelf-stable tart cherry powder (TCP) bar and a TCP powdered drink, a commercially available 100% tart cherry juice, and matched non-TCP control items in a controlled feeding setting. Blood and urine samples will be collected after consumption to measure postprandial concentrations of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonols, phenolic acids and their degradation products, along with circulating antioxidant capacity. The primary comparisons are TCP-containing bar and drink versus the control item and the commercial tart cherry product. The study will enroll active-duty military personnel and civilians aged 18 (or 17 for military) to 39 and will be conducted at the USARIEM facility in Natick, Massachusetts.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Active duty military personnel and civilians will be invited to participate in the study if they:

  * Are between the ages of 18 (or 17 for military personnel) and 39.
  * Are willing to participate in all study procedures and comply with all study instruction.
  * In good health as determined by OMSO (Office of Medical Support and Oversight).
  * Supervisor approval for federal civilian employees and non-HRV active-duty military personnel stationed at NSSC

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Unable to understand verbal or written instructions or testing materials in English.

  * Have a bleeding disorder (e.g., von Willebrand Disease, hemophilia) or are being treated with medication that will impair blood clotting (for example, coumadin)
  * Have a history of GI-related conditions that may impact macronutrient absorption (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Celiac's disease or gluten sensitivity, bariatric surgery or gastroparesis, short bowel, inflammatory bowel disease, etc…);
  * Any use of antibiotics or antifungal, except topical antibiotics/antifungals within 3 months of study participation.
  * Colonoscopy within 3 months of study participation.
  * Regular (i.e., weekly or more frequent) use of over-the-counter medications (including antacids, laxatives, stool softeners, and antidiarrheals) unless approved by OMSO and study PI.
  * Are habitually taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Advil, aspirin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) or immunosuppressants (e.g. Humira);
  * Have an allergy or aversion (extreme dislike) to any of the test foods(e.g., cherry flavored beverages or bar). Allergy symptoms may include anaphylaxis, hives or eczema, tingling/itching in the mouth, dizziness or fainting, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat).
  * Have donated blood within the past 8 weeks of the first test session or plan to donate blood during the study.
  * Are not willing to abstain from tobacco products and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours" before each trial and consume a low-polyphenol diet two days prior to each test session and on the day of the test session.

Where it's running

• Usariem
  Natick, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tracey Smith, PhD — United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
• Study coordinator: Tracey J Smith, PhD
• Email: tracey.smith10.civ@health.mil
• Phone: 5082062390

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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.