Tart cherry absorption from shelf-stable military ration items
Bioavailability of Ration Items Containing Tart Cherry Extract
This project will test whether eating shelf-stable bars or powdered drinks made with tart cherry powder changes how well adults (including active-duty military) absorb tart cherry compounds.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 17 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Federal |
| Drugs / interventions | prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Natick, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07063173 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 (or 17 for military personnel) to 39 who are willing to follow study procedures and attend visits at the testing site, including active-duty service members and civilians.
Not a fit: People with bleeding disorders, those on medications that impair blood clotting, individuals with GI conditions that affect nutrient absorption, those who cannot understand English instructions, or those outside the 17–39 age range are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could show that shelf-stable tart cherry ration items deliver bioactive polyphenols effectively, supporting their use to help reduce exercise-related muscle damage and inflammation in military and civilian populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous in vitro and in vivo studies of tart cherry products have shown reduced muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation, but testing bioavailability from shelf-stable military-style ration items is a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Natick, Massachusetts
- 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
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.