Vitamin C to improve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation in adults with obesity
Official title: Anti-inflammatory Activities of Vitamin C Supplementation on the Gut Barrier Function in Adults With Obesity
Run by Ohio State University · NCT07151105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if taking vitamin C daily can strengthen the gut barrier and reduce inflammation in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07151105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
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, 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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.