Fruit and Vegetable Biomarker Study: Dietary Biomarker Development Center (DBDC) |
Who is conducting the study?
Carolyn M. Slupsky, Ph.D., UC Davis Professor and DBDC Program Director.
What is the purpose of this study?
We hope to identify biomarkers in the blood and urine that provide information about fruit and vegetable intake. We will be specifically investigating biomarkers for bananas, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, green beans, and carrots.
Where is the study being conducted?
WHNRC, 430 West Health Sciences Drive, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
Who can participate in this study?
- Relatively healthy adults above the age of 18 with a BMI (body mass index) of 18.5 – 39.9
- People willing to eat bananas, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, green beans, and carrots
- People willing to provide blood, urine, and stool samples
What would exclude me from participating in the study?
- Allergy or aversion to any provided test foods (includes animal products)
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Having a medical history that includes GI disorders, bariatric surgery, bleeding disorders that preclude blood draws, unstable cardiovascular disease, cancer under active or recent treatment, or recent hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
- Current use of certain prescription medications
- Recent significant weight change
What can I expect to happen during the study?
First, you will be screened for eligibility with a 15-20 minute telephone interview.
Second, if you meet our basic inclusion criteria you will come to the WHNRC for a screening visit so we can fully explain the study to you, get your consent to participate, and conduct a more in-depth assessment of your eligibility. This assessment will include measurements of body weight, height, heart rate, blood pressure, the assessment of veins for blood draws, and a blood draw. This visit will last about 40 - 60 minutes.
If you are determined to be eligible, you will be enrolled in the study. The study lasts ~15 days (over about 3 weeks). After the screening visit, there are approximately 9 more study visits during the study period, including three test days that last about 8 hours each. The rest of the visits will be shorter and take less than 30 minutes each.
This study has 3 combinations of fruits (strawberries, peaches, bananas) and 3 combinations of vegetables (green beans, tomatoes, carrots). On each test day, you will be asked to consume 1 fruit and 1 vegetable combination, consuming all the combinations across the 3 test days. You will be given 2 days’ worth of food and beverages leading into each test day. During the test day, you will provide urine samples and 9 blood draws. You will then come back to the center 24-hours after the test meal to return a urine sample and have a 10th blood draw. You will be given a dinner to consume between the test day and the 24-hour samples. We will ask you to only eat and drink the provided foods and beverages during each test period. After each test period, you may return to your usual diet prior to starting the next 2 day lead-in diet.
What is your compensation from this study?
You will receive $250 after completing all visits. If you are unable to complete all visits, $50 will be provided for the first visit, $50 for the second visit and $150 for the final visit.
What should I do if I have questions or want to participate in the study?
Please contact our study line at 530-752-5177, press #1, and leave a message that you are interested in the Fruit and Vegetable Biomarker study. One of our study team members will contact you to let you know more about the study and answer questions.