CompletedNot Applicable

Hemp Fiber Ingestion and Gut Permeability After Exercise

United States25 participantsStarted 2023-12-09

Plain-language summary

Two bioactive compounds, N-trans-caffeoyl tyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (NFT), have been investigated for potential gut health benefits. The shells of hemp seeds are a rich source of NCT and NFT. The hypothesis for this project is that ingestion of a hemp fiber bar containing NCT and NFT will mitigate exercise-induced increases in gut permeability. This study will examine the efficacy of 2-weeks ingestion of a hemp fiber bar (high and low doses) in moderating exercise-induced gut permeability using a randomized crossover trial. Objective #1: To conduct a randomized crossover trial using placebo-controlled, double-blind procedures with 20 cyclists who will in random order ingest a hemp fiber bar supplement (high and low doses) or placebo each day for two weeks prior to an exercise challenge (2.25 hours of intensive cycling). Objective #2: To determine if hemp fiber bar supplementation attenuates exercise-induced gut permeability using several outcome measures including plasma lactulose to 13C mannitol (L:M) ratio and plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as markers of gastrointestinal permeability and mucosal damage, respectively. Shifts in thousands of metabolites will be measured via untargeted metabolomics to provide additional gut permeability biomarkers and help reveal underlying mechanisms.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

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

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female cyclists, ages 18-65 years, and capable of cycling 2.25 h in the laboratory at 60% watts maximum (close to long-distance race pace). * Non-smoker, and generally healthy and without gastrointestinal diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, chronic nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, diverticulosis) or chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart disease, stroke), cancer, type 1 and 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis. Categorized as "low risk" using the American College of Sports Medicine screening questionnaire. * Agree to train normally, maintain weight, and avoid the regular use of large-dose vitamin and mineral supplements, herbs, and medications that influence inflammation (especially non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) for the duration of the 10-week study and at least a 2-week period prior to the study. * Agree to taper your exercise routine prior to each of the 3 lab cycling sessions (as if preparing for a race event). * Agree to restrict (i.e., avoid high amounts of) black pepper, red pepper, garlic, curry, and other strong spices during the 3-day period prior to each lab visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to comply with study requirements. * Females trying to become pregnant, or currently pregnant or breastfeeding. * Nonpregnant adults who weigh less than 110 pounds. * Any other concurrent condition which, in the opinion of the principal investigator (PI), would preclude pa…

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

Gut permeability

Timeframe: Change from pre-supplementation levels to 5 hours post-exercise

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06204666

SponsorAppalachian State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-07-01

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