Impact of Protein Source and Polyphenol Complexation in Protein Bars on Metabolic Health

Part of paid clinical trials in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Sponsor
North Carolina State University
Study ID
NCT07489118
Status
Active Not Recruiting

Conditions

  • Food Acceptance
  • Immune Cells Activity
  • Metabolic Health
  • Microbiome Composition

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 64 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Whey protein bar — OTHER
    Whey protein bar
  • Pea protein bar — OTHER
    Pea protein bar
  • Pea protein with complexed polyphenols bar — OTHER
    Pea protein with complexed polyphenols bar
  • Pea protein with free polyphenols bar — OTHER
    Pea protein with free polyphenols bar

Study Details

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if pulse (pea) protein works similar to animal (whey) protein in protein bars consumed by healthy adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the differences in taste and tolerance profiles between pea and whey proteins? What metabolic and immune changes do participants experience while eating them? What gastrointestinal microbiome shifts can be observed in these participants? How incorporation and complexation of polyphenols with these proteins changes the study outcomes? Participants will: Consume 1 protein bar with whey protein, pea protein, pea protein with complexed polyphenols, or pea protein with free polyphenols every day for 2 months. Visit the study site at baseline and end of study for checkups and tests. Fill dietary, food acceptance, gastrointestinal tolerance, and global health questionnaires.

Key Dates

Start date
May 1, 2025
Status verified
Feb 2026
Primary completion
Sep 8, 2025
Completion
Apr 1, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
72 participants (actual)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Whey protein bar
    Whey protein bar
  • Experimental: Pea protein bar
    Pea protein bar
  • Experimental: Pea protein complexed with polyphenols bar
    Pea proteins and complexed with blackcurrant polyphenols as a single ingredient
  • Experimental: Pea protein with free polyphenols
    Pea proteins and blackcurrant polyphenols are two independent ingredients

Primary Outcome Measure

Taste [ Time Frame: At baseline and after 2 months (end of study) ]

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Plants for Human Health InstituteKannapolisNorth Carolina28081-

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By research site
Plants for Human Health Institute· Kannapolis, NC

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