What's Hopping? Cricket Protein and Human Gut Microbiota

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Healthy

In brief

Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional meat. They represent a new food for North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluated. Crickets contain chitin and other fibers that may influence gut health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of consuming 25 grams/day whole cricket powder on gut microbiota composition, while assessing safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults participated in this six-week, double-blind, crossover dietary intervention. Participants were randomized into two treatment arms and consumed either cricket-containing or control breakfast foods for 14 days, followed by a 14-day washout period and assignment to the opposite arm. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after each treatment period to assess liver function and microbiota changes. Results demonstrate that cricket consumption is tolerable and non-toxic at the treatment dose. Cricket powder supported growth of the probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium animalis, which increased more than 5.7-fold. Cricket consumption was also associated with reduced plasma TNF-a. These data suggest that eating crickets may improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation; however, more research is needed to understand these effects and underlying mechanisms.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03383341

Run by

Colorado State University

People needed

20

Starts

2017-02-01

Expected to finish

2017-05-10

Last updated by the study team

2019-04-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Apparently healthy males and non-pregnant or lactating healthy females of any race or ethnicity and between the ages of 18-65 with a BMI between 18.5-29.9.

You may not qualify if…

• Individuals younger than 18 years of age or older than 65 years, and those outside of the BMI range of 18.5-29.9 will be excluded. Individuals will also be excluded if they have taken antibiotics or commercial probiotic/prebiotic supplements within two months of the start of the study treatment. Subjects who self-report food allergies will be excluded from the study because some proteins in insect foods are similar to those found in shellfish that could trigger an allergic reaction and tree nut or dairy products may be used in the breakfast foods.
• Additionally, current medications and dietary supplements will be assessed on a case by case basis and will result in exclusion if there is a possibility that the drugs or supplements used would influence the endpoints of the study. This would include statins, metformin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), and botanical supplements that target the gastrointestinal tract or gut microbiota. Individuals with current diagnosis of cancer, liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases, and metabolic disorders will also be excluded. Pregnant and breastfeeding women will be excluded from the study as well. Additionally, exclusion will be determined if the individual feels they are unable to adhere to the study requirements which include consuming 1 prepared breakfast per day (treatment or placebo) for a total of 28 days (treatment periods), making 3 clinic visits, and providing 3 blood and stool samples.

Where it is running

• Colorado State University — Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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