The Postprandial Effects of a Carob-containing Meal

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

In an era where malnutrition and unhealthy eating patterns are salient contributors to global health deterioration, the urge for better access to nutritious alimentation is striking. Native to the Mediterranean region, the carob tree holds significant promise in this regard. With its rich nutritional profile, containing high levels of dietary fiber, polyphenols, and essential minerals, carob has been increasingly exploited by the food industry. Carob flour, derived from the pod after seed removal, is widely used as a cocoa substitute. The carob tree's fruit comprises 10% seeds and 90% pulp, containing numerous bioactive components such as dietary fiber, cyclitols, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and minerals. These components have been associated with beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system and glucose absorption, with small-scale clinical studies indicating a hypolipidemic effect in patients with hypolipidemia. Nevertheless, comprehensive data from randomized controlled trials on the biological actions of carob remain restricted. This study explores the postprandial effects of incorporating carob into a Western-style meal, focusing on regulating glucose, insulin, and appetite hormones. The hypothesis is that a carob-enriched breakfast meal could positively influence satiety and appetite regulation, potentially offering a nutritious and sustainable dietary option for improving metabolic health. The high fiber and polyphenol content in carob are expected to modulate these postprandial responses, contributing to a better understanding of carob's role in dietary interventions. This study supports international initiatives to combat malnutrition and encourage a healthy diet, especially in light of the growing world population and the requirement for sustainable food supplies. By investigating the impact of carob on postprandial metabolic responses, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights into its potential benefits as part of a healthy diet.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Male
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 50
Healthy Volunteers: t
View:

• healthy male adults

• normal weight

Locations
Other Locations
Greece
Andriana Kaliora
RECRUITING
Athens
Time Frame
Start Date: 2024-08-30
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-05
Participants
Target number of participants: 20
Treatments
Experimental: Meal_1
Bread, butter and carob-beverage
Experimental: Meal_2
bread, butter and beverage with sugar (orange beverage)
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Harokopio University

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov