Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of a Six-Day Whole-Diet Intervention on Taste Perception and Dietary Behaviour in Young Adults

Malaysia115 participantsStarted 2026-04-01

Plain-language summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific diet modification on the pleasantness, desire, and saltiness intensities of selected foods and an ad libitum breakfast buffet through a randomized controlled trial with three arms. Participants will be randomized to either increase, decrease, or make no change to their daily intake of foods with a specific taste for six consecutive days, and outcomes will be assessed at two time points, at baseline (Day 1) and after the intervention (Day 7), alongside measures of adherence to the assigned diet. Each participant will receive an instruction to modify specific aspects of their diets for six days. This study is crucial for addressing diet-related health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in Malaysia. By providing robust evidence on the effectiveness of specific diet modifications, the study can inform public health policies, improve dietary recommendations tailored to Malaysian cultural preferences, and promote long-term benefits.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 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: * Being a student or staff member of Sunway University or Sunway College * Aged 18-35 years * Able to communicate in English * Regularly consuming breakfast * Being willing and able to comply with all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Vegan/smokers/with chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension or diabetes) * Food allergies * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Currently dieting or attempting to lose weight * History of smell or taste impairment * Use medications or supplements that could affect taste perception.

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

Pleasantness

Timeframe: Pleasantness ratings will be collected at baseline (Day 1) and Day 7

Desire to eat

Timeframe: Desire to eat ratings will be collected at baseline (Day 1) and Day 7

Saltiness intensity

Timeframe: Saltiness intensity ratings will be collected at baseline (Day 1) and Day 7

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07726394

SponsorSunway University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sodium Excess trials