Effects of Chestnuts on Postprandial Glycaemic Response

NCT06960967 | Active Not Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: ChestnutsProject
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 15
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Nut consumption is known to improve health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular diseases. While most research has focused on walnuts and almonds, there is limited information on the health benefits of chestnuts. Chestnuts are unique among tree nuts due to their high starch and fibre content, along with vitamins E and C, minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium), and polyphenols. Evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggests that chestnuts may positively affect health by regulating the gut microbiome, lowering the glycaemic index, and providing antioxidant benefits. The food industry is also exploring new uses for chestnuts, particularly in gluten-free products, due to their nutritional benefits and good taste. Nonetheless, no research has investigated the health effects of chestnuts in humans. By addressing this gap in the literature, the study may lead to the development of new dietary strategies for improved health outcomes.

Conditions

Postprandial Glycemia; Insulin Resistance

Keywords

chestnuts; postprandial glycemia; postprandial insulinemia; glucose tolerance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Postprandial blood glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC)

  Difference in postprandial blood glucose iAUC

  Three hour blood glucose iAUC will be calculated from nine time points (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

• Postprandial plasma insulin incremental area under the curve (iAUC)

  Difference in postprandial plasma insulin iAUC.

  Three hour insulin iAUC will be calculated from seven time points (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Postprandial glucose concentration

  Glucose concentration will be measured at nine time points (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

• Postprandial insulin concentration

  Insulin concentration will be measured in finger prick blood samples at seven time points (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mins) after beginning consumption of the test meal.

• Time to peak glucose

  Three hours

Study Arms (2)

Control meal

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Participants will receive an isocaloric baked meal without chestnut flour.

Other: Control meal

Chestnut meal

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive an isocaloric baked meal with chestnut flour.

Other: Chestnut meal

Interventions

Chestnut meal OTHER

Participants will receive an isocaloric baked meal with chestnut flour.

Chestnut meal

Control meal OTHER

Participants will receive an isocaloric baked meal without chestnut flour.

Control meal

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults 18-65 years old
• Available to attend two testing sessions at the research facility

You may not qualify if:

• Allergy to nuts and/or gluten,
• BMI\<18.5 or ≥30 kg/m2,
• Fasting glucose \>5.6 mmol/L, presence of diabetes and/or taking anti-diabetic medication
• Serious health conditions that may affect participation e.g. liver or thyroid dysfunction, recent major surgery,
• Smoker,
• Cardiovascular disease
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Presence of implanted cardiac defibrillator

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Monash University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Monash University

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Insulin Resistance

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Hyperinsulinism; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Model Details: The participants will be requested to attend 2 morning visits to the research centre to receive one of the test meals. These meals will be isocaloric with or without the addition of chestnut flour. The order in which they undertake the two test visits will be randomised.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 29, 2025
• First Posted: May 7, 2025
• Study Start: June 6, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 18, 2025
• Study Completion: April 30, 2026
• Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

AU (1)