Anti-inflammatory Activities of Vitamin C Supplementation on the Gut Barrier Function in Adults With Obesity

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Adequate Vitamin C Status, Inadequate Vitamin C Status

In brief

This study is testing whether taking vitamin C every day can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in adults with obesity. Poor gut health-sometimes called "leaky gut"-can allow harmful substances from bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which may lead to inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease and liver problems. Participants will complete two study periods, each lasting two weeks, with a two-week break in between. In one period, they will take vitamin C; in the other, a placebo. During each period, researchers will collect blood, urine, and stool samples, ask participants to track their diet and activity, and perform a test to measure gut permeability. There are minimal risks, such as discomfort from blood draws or temporary stomach upset from a sugar drink. While participants may not directly benefit, their involvement will help researchers learn whether vitamin C is a safe and effective way to improve gut health in people with obesity.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07151105

Run by

Ohio State University

People needed

34

Starts

2025-10-01

Expected to finish

2026-12-30

Last updated by the study team

2025-10-24

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• 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 is running

• The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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