The relationship between nut consumption and the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been a subject of growing interest. However, the findings from previous studies have been conflicting for some health outcomes, such as type-2 diabetes, and have been underexplored for other outcomes, such as neurodegenerative diseases. One contributing factor to these inconsistencies lies in the different analytical approaches and confounding factors used across studies. Furthermore, the majority of previous studies have primarily focused on populations in Europe or the United States, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to other global regions. The NUTPOOL project aims to address these gaps by conducting an extensive individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis. This study will evaluate the association between total and specific types of nut consumption and the future risk of NCDs.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
Prospective studies with:
* Dietary data (consumption of nuts, both overall and/or by type) from semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires
* Available data on at least two of the health outcomes of interest
* More than 1,000 adult participants (aged 18 and over)
* A minimum of five years of median follow-up
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prospective studies determining the consumption of nuts in combination with other food groups (e.g., seeds) or with other nut forms (e.g., butter or oil)
* Participants with:
* Missing data on age, sex, and nut consumption.
* Extreme energy intakes (\<600 or \>3,500 kcal for women and \<800 or \>4,200 kcal for men)
* The disease of interest at baseline
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.
1This study is pooling existing data from many studies to look at whether nut consumption is linked to lower rates of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia — since it's not a phase-based treatment trial but a data analysis, what could its findings realistically mean for my own diet and disease prevention plan?
2Because this trial is actively analyzing data but no longer enrolling participants, there's no way for me to join — so are there any current dietary or lifestyle intervention trials that I could actually participate in that are looking at similar questions around preventing conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease?
3This research is looking at nuts and their relationship to serious conditions including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's-type dementia — given my personal health history and risk factors, is there already enough existing evidence that my doctor would recommend any specific dietary changes around nut consumption now, rather than waiting for this meta-analysis to publish results?
4Since this is a meta-analysis using individual participant data from existing studies rather than a controlled experiment, how confident should I be in any conclusions it draws about cause and effect between nut consumption and outcomes like cancer or stroke?
5If the results of this study do show a strong link between nut consumption and lower rates of the diseases it's tracking, how would that change the guidance my care team gives me about diet as part of managing or reducing my risk for these conditions?
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
1
Type-2 diabetes incidence
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
2
CVD incidence
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
3
Coronary health disesase incidence
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
4
Stroke incidence
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
5
Total cancer incidence
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
6
All-cause mortality rate
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
7
CVD-mortality rate,
Timeframe: Minimum of five years of median follow-up
8
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07205978
SponsorInstitut Investigacio Sanitaria Pere Virgili