Vitamin C to improve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation in adults with obesity
Anti-inflammatory Activities of Vitamin C Supplementation on the Gut Barrier Function in Adults With Obesity
This trial will see if taking vitamin C daily can strengthen the gut barrier and reduce inflammation in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07151105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial enrolls obese adults (BMI 30-40, ages 18-50) who will complete two 2-week intervention periods separated by a 2-week washout. In one period participants take vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) and in the other they take a matching placebo, while following a low-vitamin-C diet. Researchers collect blood, urine, and stool samples, record diet and activity, and perform gut permeability testing on Days 0, 7, and 14 of each period to measure intestinal permeability, inflammatory markers, and microbiome/SCFA changes. The short-duration, within-subject design aims to reduce variability and detect whether vitamin C supplementation alters gut barrier function and systemic inflammation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18-50 with obesity (BMI 30-40 kg/m²), not taking vitamin C supplements, non-smokers, and willing to follow a low-fruit-and-vegetable diet during the intervention periods are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People outside the age or BMI range, current smokers, those with uncontrolled chronic diseases (e.g., unmanaged diabetes, hypertension), or those already using vitamin C/multivitamin supplements are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, daily vitamin C could provide a low-cost way to strengthen the gut barrier and lower systemic inflammation in people with obesity, potentially reducing risk for metabolic and liver complications.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and observational studies suggest vitamin C supports gut integrity and reduces inflammation, but randomized crossover trials in obese adults are limited, so this approach remains relatively novel in this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * Men and women between 18-50 years of age * BMI 30-40 kg/m² * Resting blood pressure \<140/90 mm Hg * No use of multivitamin/vitamin C supplement within past 1-month * Non-vegetarian/non-vegan * Willingness to follow a diet low in fruits and vegetables for two, 2-week periods Exclusion Criteria: * Current smoker or vaper, including tobacco, cannabis, or nicotine products * Alcohol consumption \>2 drinks/day * Use of antibiotics within past 1-month * Use of probiotic supplements within past 1-month * Use of anti-inflammatory drugs within past 1-month * Individuals with unmanaged or poorly controlled diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension * Known history of bleeding disorders, hemochromatosis, or kidney stones * For Women: Pregnancy, lactation, or change in birth control within the past 3-months * Use of certain medications that may interact with vitamin C, including blood thinners, some antiviral drugs (e.g., indinavir), and certain antipsychotic medications (e.g., fluphenazine).
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Bruno, PhD, RD — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: NutritionClinicalTrials@osu.edu
- Phone: 614-292-4751
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.