Pecans for High Cholesterol
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including higher BMIs and poor cholesterol profiles, are on the rise and contribute to the United States' growing disease burden. The bioactive compounds contained in tree nuts have been shown to beneficially affect cardiometabolic health outcomes. Pecans contain more total phenols, sterols, and flavonoids than any other tree nut. They also are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These bioactive components in pecans are likely the reason for the previously documented improvements in cardiometabolic health. This study aims to examine the impact of a low dose of pecans on changes in fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism/blood lipids and markers of chronic disease risk.
The specific aims of this study are to:
* Examine the effect of pecan consumption at a dose of 6% of total energy needs for 12 weeks on fasting and postprandial blood lipids.
* Examine the effect of pecan consumption at a dose of 6% of total energy needs for 12 weeks on other markers of chronic disease risk.
Participants will be asked to:
* Consume pecans daily for 12 weeks or maintain their current habitual diet.
* Attend two short visits at 4 and 8 weeks for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and to collect their next 4 weeks' supply of study materials.
* Attend two longer (5 h) testing visits, which include eating a standard breakfast meal and having their blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast.
Researchers will compare the Pecan and Control groups to examine the physiologic effects of incorporating a low dose of pecans into one's diet.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jamie A Cooper, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Georgia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with high cholesterol, obesity (including children), those who have had bariatric surgery, or are interested in healthy nutrition. Participants should be able to eat pecans and attend study visits over 12 weeks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-intervention
Participants undergo baseline measurements including anthropometrics and fasting blood draw
Treatment
Participants consume pecans daily for 12 weeks or maintain their current habitual diet
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Trial Overview
The study compares two groups: one eats a daily amount of pecans equal to about 6% of their calorie needs for 12 weeks, while the other continues their usual diet. Researchers will measure changes in blood fats and disease risk markers.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants are given pecans and instructed on how to substitute study foods into their diet to maintain caloric balance.
Participants are asked to maintain their current habitual diet and to avoid any tree nut/peanut consumption and limit nut butters to no more than twice per week for the entire 12-week intervention period.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Georgia
Lead Sponsor
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