De-stressing the Brain: Can Eating Grapes During Periods of Mental Stress Protect Brain and Vascular Health in Young Adults

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Healthy

In brief

The main aim of the current study is to investigate whether consuming grapes rich in flavonoids just before mental stress can protect cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular function, mood and cognition, from the negative effects of mental stress in young healthy adults. A second, exploratory aim, will further address whether quality of habitual diet, microbiome health (composition; metabolites production e.g. Short-chain fatty acids) and levels of cardiorespiratory fitness play a role on the beneficial effects of grapes during mental stress. All participants will receive a high-flavonoid grape intervention (60 g freeze-dried grape powder, equivalent to 300 g fresh grapes) and a low-flavonoid grape intervention (60 g powdere isocaloric-matched control). It is hypothesized that the high-flavonoid grape intervention will improve cortical oxygenation and cognitive function in the context of mental stress, and prevent the stress-induced decline in peripheral endothelial function following stress. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that individuals with poorer diets, cardiorespiratory fitness and a poorer gut microbiome will benefit more from the grape intervention in the context of mental stress.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06923722

Run by

University of Birmingham

People needed

44

Starts

2025-04-01

Expected to finish

2026-03-31

Last updated by the study team

2025-12-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Males and females
• 18 - 40 years old

You may not qualify if…

• Smokers
• Consumes > 21 units of alcohol per week
• History of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, liver or inflammatory diseases
• Suffers from blood-clotting disorders
• Allergies or intolerances to foods
• On a weight reducing dietary regiment
• Currently taking dietary supplements, including fatty acids and vitamins
• On long-term medication or have been on antibiotics in the last 3 months
• Has an infection at present (e.g. cold) or viral infection

Where it is running

• School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences — Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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