Faculty Research
Blueberry consumption for improving vascular endothelial dysfunction
The Food Structure & Function Lab and Functional Foods & Human Health Laboratories in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University are currently seeking participants for a research study on how blueberry consumption improves vascular endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women with high blood pressure.
Who Can Participate?
- Men and postmenopausal women between the ages of 40-75 years
- Slightly elevated blood pressure or stage 1-hypertension
- Systolic blood pressure (top number) between 120 and 140, and/or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) between 80 and 89
- Other inclusion and exclusion criteria apply and will be evaluated through a phone and in-person screening
Benefits
- Measures of blood pressure and cardiovascular health, including vascular (blood vessel) function
- Monetary compensation up to $200 for participation
Participants will be asked to consume a randomly assigned treatment daily for 12 weeks (either 22 g freeze-dried wild blueberry powder or 22 g placebo powder). Participants will complete initial screening tests and qualified participants will undergo cardiovascular testing and provision of samples such as blood and urine. Involvement in the study will last 12 weeks and involvement will consist of four test visits over this period (visits last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours). Participants will receive financial compensation of up to $200 for their time.
The Principal Investigator is Associate Professor Sarah A. Johnson, Ph.D., RDN of CSU’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. She can be reached at sarah.johnson@colostate.edu or (970) 491-3807.
This research study has been approved by CSU’s Institutional Review Board, Protocol # 1775. The Functional Foods and Human Health Laboratory is located in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, in the College of Health and Human Sciences at CSU.
For more information or if you want to join this study, please contact the Functional Foods & Human Health Laboratory via:
Phone: (970) 491-0464
Email: FunctionalFoodsLab@colostate.edu
Impact of Edible Cricket Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults
Abstract:
Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional livestock with growing popularity among North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluated. In addition to high protein levels, crickets contain chitin and other fibers that may influence gut health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of consuming 25 grams/day whole cricket powder on gut microbiota composition, while assessing safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults participated in this six-week, double-blind, crossover dietary intervention. Participants were randomized into two study arms and consumed either cricket-containing or control breakfast foods for 14 days, followed by a washout period and assignment to the opposite treatment. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after each treatment period to assess liver function and microbiota changes. Results demonstrate cricket consumption is tolerable and non-toxic at the studied dose. Cricket powder supported growth of the probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium animalis, which increased 5.7-fold. Cricket consumption was also associated with reduced plasma TNF-α. These data suggest that eating crickets may improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation; however, more research is needed to understand these effects and underlying mechanisms.
Association between restaurant menu item descriptions and their nutrient content
DM Krobath, WA Masters, MP Mueller
Bacteriophage for Gastrointestinal Health (PHAGE) Study
Evaluating the safety and tolerability of supplemental bacteriophage consumption.
Objective: The gut microbiota has been recognized as a critical regulator of human health, and novel interventions to selectively modulate the microbiota are actively being sought. Bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) have the potential to selectively eliminate specific detrimental microbes while enhancing beneficial microbe populations. The Bacteriophage for Gastrointestinal Health (PHAGE) study aimed to determine the safety and tolerability of supplemental bacteriophage consumption in a population of healthy adults with mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress.
Mediation of the Gastrointestinal Redox Environment via Dietary Antioxidants
CB Van Buiten, E Nock, I Raskin