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

Running, not enrolling · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Food Acceptance, Metabolic Health, Immune Cells Activity, Microbiome Composition

In brief

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 facts

Study ID

NCT07489118

Run by

North Carolina State University

People needed

72

Starts

2025-05-01

Expected to finish

2026-04-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-23

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 64. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• both men and women between the ages of 18-64 years;
• body mass index of 25 and higher;
• generally healthy and without a clinically significant condition (diabetes, infectious disease, or cancer);
• participants must not be pregnant or nursing;
• participants must not be a tobacco user; and
• history of allergies or intolerance to protein bar ingredients.

You may not qualify if…

• body mass index lower than 25;
• pregnancy or nursing;
• use of blood sugar lowering medications such as metformin, semaglutide, or insulin;
• use of dietary supplements with polyphenols;
• history of allergies or intolerance to protein bar ingredients;
• noncompliance with the study protocol.

Where it is running

• Plants for Human Health Institute — Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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