CompletedNot Applicable

Cricket Flour Metabolism in Humans

United Kingdom10 participantsStarted 2022-10-01

Plain-language summary

With increasing demands on the environment people are looking in different ways to decrease their carbon footprint. Protein is an important part of human diets a it provides building blocks for growth and helps to ensure people stay health. Animal protein is one of the primary sources of of protein from our diets but it is also known that farming cattle for example places a lot of pressure on the environment. As a result of this new protein sources are being looked at that can take the place of animal protein. Insects have been consumed on many civilisations for a long time and they are slowly making their way into the western diets. At this time the investigators however do not know very much about how well insect protein compares to animal protein as a nutritious food source. This research project is therefore one of the first to compare some of the nutritional properties between animal and insect proteins. In brief, this study involves eating a sweet breakfast muffin made of either whey (animal) protein powder or cricket flour (very finely ground whole adult crickets) and then breathing into test tubes at various time points for a few hours as well as collecting some small amounts of blood using a finger stick to measure blood glucose and fats.

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: * Apparently healthy adult males and females between 20 and 55 years of age * BMI between 18.5 and 35 kg/m2 * Weight stable for 3 months (± 2 kg) * Volunteers must be able and willing to give informed written consent * Volunteers must be able to eat egg (because egg is required for preparation of the stable isotope dosage see section experimental design). Exclusion Criteria: * Previous or current medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases (for example Crohn's disease, Coeliac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease), liver disease, endocrine diseases - assessed via a health questionnaire (appendix) * Those taking (or have been taking within the past 6 months) regular medication, excluding contraceptive medication, or food supplements (e.g., vitamins, minerals, fish oil, fibre supplements, antioxidant tablets) - assessed via a health questionnaire (appendix) Those smoking, using nicotine products (e.g., e-cigarettes, patches) or not abstained from these activities for more than 6 months * Pregnant or lactating * Volunteers with a habitual caffeine intake \> 300 mg/day (more than 5 cups standard coffee) * Drug or alcohol abuse in the last 2 years * The principal investigator considers it unsafe / unsuitable for the volunteer to be in the study * Those who are currently taking part in a clinical trial or another research study or have taken part within the last 3 months * Those who do not refrain from alcohol, caf…

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

Digestion

Timeframe: 4 hours post prandial

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06771804

SponsorUniversity of Surrey

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-08-01

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