CompletedNot Applicable

Investigating Age-dependent Effects of Egg Intake on HDL and Immune Profiles

United States44 participantsStarted 2024-01-23

Plain-language summary

The goal of this intervention study is to determine whether consumption of different fractions of chicken eggs, including egg whites, egg yolks, and whole eggs, confer different changes in markers of HDL function and T cell profiles in younger vs. older men and women. The study will address the following objectives: * Objective 1: Determine if daily consumption of egg fractions differentially alter HDL profiles across age groups. * Objective 2: Determine if daily consumption of egg fractions differentially alter immune cell profiles across age groups. Participants will be asked to consume egg whites, egg yolks, and whole eggs on a daily basis for 4-weeks each, and avoid eating eggs for a total of 8 weeks at different points in the study. Participants will additionally be provided guidance on following a generally healthy diet, and will be asked to complete surveys about dietary intake and physical activity, as well as provide blood samples throughout the course of the study. Researchers will compare whether daily consumption of egg whites, egg yolks, and whole eggs differentially alter markers of HDL function and T cell profiles in younger vs. older adults.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-30 years old, or 50-75 years old (at time of screening) * Body mass index (BMI) \< 30 kg/m2 * Willing to consume whole eggs, egg whites, or egg yolks on a daily basis during study periods, and refrain from eating eggs during other study periods * Do not fit any exclusion criteria Exclusion Criteria: * \< 18 years old; 31-49 years old; \> 75 years old * BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or body weight \< 110 pounds * Weight changes \> 10% over the last 4 weeks * Self-reported history of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, renal or liver disease, cancer, eating disorders, certain severe and/or relapsing/remitting autoimmune, inflammatory, or metabolic diseases, chronic infections, scleroderma, blood clotting disorders, intravenous drug use, or current pregnancy or lactation * Allergy or intolerance to eggs, egg components, or egg products * Implanted medical device (e.g., pacemaker) or other health condition that would prevent measurement of body composition by bioelectrical impedance * Highly elevated fasting lipid and glucose levels (triglyceride levels higher than 500 mg/dL, fasting glucose higher than 126 mg/dL), or total cholesterol \< 120 mg/dL and HDL-cholesterol \< 15 mg/dL * Currently taking lipid-lowering medications (e.g. statins, fibrates), anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids), or medications that primarily affect blood clotting (e.g., warfarin)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in serum concentration of large HDL particles between diet periods

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06086795

SponsorUniversity of Connecticut

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-29

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