The Effect of a Dietary Fiber Mix on Glycemic Response in Human: a Pilot Study
Phase: NA
Conditions: Type2 Diabetes Mellitus
Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
1 
 
 
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DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
INTERVENTIONAL 
RESEARCH PROTOCOL TEMPLATE 
(HRP-503a)  
 
 
INSTRUCTIONS 
 
This template should be used by biomedical and social-behavioral researchers conducting research which 
subjects are assigned to receive one or more interventions so that the researchers can evaluate their 
effects.  (e.g. clinical trials, CBT, Behavioral Modification studies, or randomized outcome studies) 
 
 
 
STUDY INFORMATION 
Title of Project: The effect of dietary fiber-supplemented food on glycemic response in human: 
a pilot study (short title: High-fiber food and glycemic response) 
Principal Investigator: 
 
 
Name: Liping Zhao  
Division & Department: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of 
Environmental and Biological Sciences 
Contact Information: Telephone Number & Email Address:  
848-932-5675; liping.zhao@rutgers.edu 
 
PROTOCOL VERSION AND DATE: Version #2; September 27, 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents  
Skip To Section: Hold CTRL + Click (Below) To Follow Link in Blue 
 
1.0 
Research Introduction 
 
 
1.1 
Purpose/Specific Aims 
 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
2 
 
 
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1.2 
Research Significance 
 
 
1.3 
Research Design and Methods 
 
 
1.4 
Preliminary Data 
 
 
1.5 
Sample Size Justification 
 
 
1.6 
Study Variables 
 
 
1.7 
Drugs/Devices/Biologics 
 
 
1.8 
Primary Specimen Collection 
 
 
1.9 
Interviews, Focus Groups, or Surveys 
 
 
1.10 
Timetable/Schedule of Events 
 
 
2.0 
Project Management 
 
 
2.1 
Research Staff and Qualifications 
 
 
2.2 
Resources Available 
 
 
2.3 
Research Sites 
 
 
3.0 
Multi-Site Research Communication & Coordination 
 
 
3.1 
Outside Research 
 
 
4.0 
Research Data Source/s 
 
 
4.1 
Primary Data – Subjects and Specimens 
 
 
4.2 
Subject Selection and Enrollment Considerations 
 
 
4.3 
Subject Randomization 
 
 
4.4 
Secondary Subjects 
 
 
4.5 
Number of Subjects 
 
 
4.6 
Consent Procedures 
 
 
4.7 
Special Consent Populations 
 
 
4.8 
Economic Burden and/or Compensation For Subjects 
 
 
4.9 
Risks to Subjects 
 
 
4.10 
Secondary Data – Record/Chart Reviews, Databases, Tissue Banks, Etc. 
 
 
4.11 
Chart/Record Review Selection 
 
 
4.12 
Secondary Specimen Collection 
 
 
5.0 
Special Considerations 
 
 
5.1 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 
 
 
5.2 
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 
 
 
5.3 
NJ Access to Medical Research Act 
 
 
5.4 
Code of Federal Regulations Title 45 Part 46 (Vulnerable Populations) 
 
 
6.0 
Research Data Protection and Reporting 
 
 
6.1 
Data Management and Confidentiality 
 
 
6.2 
Data Security 
 
 
6.3 
Data Safety And Monitoring 
 
 
6.4 
Reporting Results 
 
 
7.0 
Data and/or Specimen Banking 
 
 
8.0 
Other Approvals/Authorizations 
 
 
9.0 
Bibliography 
 
 
 
 
1.0 Research Introduction 
1.1 Purpose/Specific Aims 
To characterize the effect of food supplemented with dietary fiber on glycemic response in humans 
A. Objectives  

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
3 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
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To characterize the effect of food supplemented with dietary fiber on postprandial blood glucose levels. 
This pilot study will generate data to facilitate the development of a high dietary fiber dietary intervention 
for an upcoming study that aims at improving gut microbial profile and functions to improve glycemic 
control in patients with type 2 diabetes.  
B. Hypotheses / Research Question(s) 
We hypothesize that food supplemented with dietary fiber will reduce postprandial glycemic response as 
compared to a standard meal tolerance test (white bread with 50 g of available carbohydrates). Further, 
the impact of supplemented food, although with the same amount of dietary fiber, will vary due to 
differences in cooking procedures and serving temperatures.   
 
1.2 Research Significance (Briefly describe the following in 500 words or less): 
The gut ecosystem has now been regarded as the foundation for human health, with developing strategies to 
promote and maintain gut homeostasis as one of the key priorities in recent medical research. Dysbiosis (an 
imbalance of beneficial and detrimental microbes) has long been associated with metabolic diseases, notably obesity 
and type 2 diabetes. To date the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome impacts on host health have not been 
fully elucidated, but the literature points to short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production from bacterial carbohydrate 
fermentation as a key microbial function that is essential for humans and the deficiency of which may lead to 
deleterious metabolic sequelae. SCFAs confer direct benefits to humans, e.g. butyrate is the primary energy 
substrate for colonocytes and a wide range of SCFAs function as signaling molecules that modulate inflammation 
and appetite regulation (1). SCFAs also impact on the gut ecosystem per se. By modulating gut luminal pH, SCFAs 
create a selective pressure against acid-intolerant bacteria (notably opportunistic pathogens) and therefore an 
acidity-driven shift in overall gut microbial structure (2).  
 
Dietary fiber is the primary source of fermentable carbohydrates for the gut bacteria and thus dietary fiber 
supplementation is commonly used in microbiota-targeted dietary interventions. There is some evidence for 
increased dietary fiber intake to positively impact on metabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (3, 4). A 
single dietary fiber type, however, is unlikely to confer universal benefits. The human gut microbiota is highly variable 
across individuals, with different capacities for fermenting dietary fiber of various physiochemical properties. 
Accordingly, it is logical to tailor microbiota-targeted dietary interventions based on each individuals gut microbial 
functions (a separate project that we are currently pursuing). From a population health perspective, dietary fiber 
fortification of everyday food products should consist of a broad range of dietary fiber types so that most individuals 
would be able to benefit from at least some of the ingredients.  
 
We have developed two dietary fiber mixes, one consists of different bran as sources of insoluble dietary fiber 
(sorghum bran, corn bran, wheat bran and oat bran; Insoluble Mix) and the other one consists of two soluble dietary 
fiber (inulin and Fibersol-2®; Soluble Mix). The work proposed here will explore the effect of these two Mixes on 
glycemic response in human. This pilot study is part of the food/meal development for an upcoming study that will 
explore the effect of a gut microbiota-targeted dietary intervention program on glucose homeostasis in patients 
with type 2 diabetes.  
 
1.3 Research Design and Methods 
 
OVERVIEW. This is a pilot study to characterize the effect of food supplemented with dietary fiber on glycemic 
response in human.  Participants will test 6 food items (plus a control food for comparison) with postprandial 
glycemic response monitored using a continuous glucose monitoring system. The study will be conducted at the 
Cook-Douglass Student Health Center and Harvest Café at New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health (IFNH). 
There will be an eligibility screening and group assignment visit, and 14 food testing visits over 4 weeks (Figure 1).  
 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
4 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
 
 
Figure 1. Study design.  
 
RECRUITMENT. Prospective participants will be recruited through advertisements on Rutgers University website and 
email lists (Attachment 3A), and flyers on the Rutgers University campuses (Attachment 3B). Interested individuals 
will be asked to contact the research team by phone, during which a research officer will provide an overview of the 
study and describe the broad selection criteria. Prospective participants will be invited to attend a screening visit to 
establish eligibility. The final selection will be contingent upon the individuals meeting all eligibility criteria and are 
deemed capable of complying with the protocol. 
 
ELIGIBILITY SCREENING. Prospective participants will attend the eligibility screening visit after an overnight fast of 
at least 8 h. They will meet a member of the research team at IFNH, who will provide a detailed description of the 
study, including the rationale, aim, expected outcomes and significance of the research, the experimental 
procedures, what is required from the participants, and the benefits and risks associated with the study. Written 
informed consent (Attachment 4) will be obtained prior to the eligibility screening process. All information collected 
during the screening process will be documented in the screening checklist (Attachment 7). Specifically a Research 
Officer will record medical history and current medications and assess eligibility. Patients with type 2 diabetes who 
are receiving nutritional management and/or oral hypoglycemic medications may be eligible for the study, however 
those who are receiving insulin treatment or other injectable prescription medication will be excluded. A full list of 
inclusion and exclusion criteria is available in Section 4.2. 
 
GROUP ASSIGNMENT. Upon confirmation of eligibility, the Research Officer will measure fasting blood glucose 
concentration (FBG) by performing a finger prick test (ACCU-CHEK® Aviva Plus, Roche Diabetes Care, Indianapolis, 
IN). Participants who are clinically diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes (diet-controlled 
and/or on oral hypoglycemic medications) will be assigned to the Prediabetes/Diabetes group irrespective of their 
finger prick test results. , For participants who are not diagnosed with diabetes, those with FBG < 100 mg/dL will be 
assigned to the Non-Diabetes group, and those with FBG ≥ 100 mg/dL will be assigned to the Prediabetes/Diabetes 
group based on classification guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (5). Participants will also be asked 
to sign up for one of the testing panels: 1) Panel A will test one control food (white bread) and six fiber-supplemented 
food (dietary fiber mix in water, hot waffle, room temperature waffle, hot pancake, room temperature pancake and 
muffin); or 2) Panel B will test one control food (white bread) and six fiber-supplemented food (dietary fiber mix in 
water, sponge cake, crispbread, vegetable smoothie, fruit smoothie and muffin). Finally, the Research Officer will 
collect information to complete the participant profile, including anthropometry measurements (height and weight), 
and demographics and contact details.  
 
The eligibility screening and group assignment visit will take approximately 1 h to complete.  
 
FOOD TESTING. In the morning of each testing day, participants will attend IFNH between 8 and 10 am after an 
overnight fast of at least 8 h. They will be required to consume all the study food provided under supervision. The 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
5 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
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amount of white bread to be consumed will contain 50 g of available carbohydrates (3-4 slices of bread), and the 
amount of fiber-supplemented food to be consumed will contain 60 g of dietary fiber mix (approximately 2 waffles, 
2 pancakes, 2 slices of sponge cake, 2 serves of crispbread, 2 muffins or 300 ml of smoothies). Participants may leave 
the research facility after consuming the food, and they will be instructed to refrain from eating and drinking (except 
water) for the next 3 h. Each food will be tested twice over two consecutive days, with all testing to be completed in 
4 weeks (Figure 1). Each food testing session will take approximately 30 min to complete.  
 
Postprandial glycemic response will be assessed by changes in blood glucose concentrations, to be monitored using 
a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM; FreeStyle Libre Pro, Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda CA). On the first 
day of food testing, a sensor will be placed on the participant’s arm by our Study Physician or other members of the 
research team trained by the sensor supplier (Abbott Diabetes Care). The sensor will stay on the participant’s arm 
until the end of the study (the sensor will be replaced after 14 days as per manufacturer instructions). Participants 
will be asked not to take the sensor below 3 ft (1 m) of water and not to submerge the sensor in water for more than 
30 min to prevent sensor malfunction. Should there is a need to take off the sensor prior to the intended wear 
duration, the sensor has fallen off or there is question about proper functioning of the sensors, participants should 
contact the research team and attend our facility to check the sensors and replace them if necessary. At completion 
of the last food testing, participants are required to return to IFNH for removal of the CGM sensor anytime between 
3 h after the last food item is consumed and the end of the week.  
 
SAFETY MONITORING. All food ingredients will be sourced from local commercial suppliers and the dietary fiber 
mixes will be prepared in-house at the Food Innovation Center of Rutgers University (a facility that operates under 
constant USDA inspection). The dietary fiber mixes will undergo microbial count testing at EMSL Analytical 
(Piscataway, NJ). All meals will be prepared at Harvest Café of IFNH where all managers are ServSafe certified. CGM 
data will be reviewed by our Research Physician who, with written consent from the participants, will communicate 
directly with their primary healthcare provider(s) should there be a need for medical care adjustment.  
 
1.4 Preliminary Data 
Our research group focuses on using dietary interventions, primarily dietary fiber supplementation, to restore and 
maintain a healthy gut microbiota as a key strategy to improve metabolic health. In a cohort of children with Prader-
Willi syndrome (a genetic form of obesity) (6), we showed that a diet enriched in non-digestible carbohydrates 
induced significant weight loss and metabolic improvements, an effect associated with structural changes of the gut 
microbiota. Importantly, germ-free mice that received fecal microbiota transplantation derived from participants 
post-intervention exhibited a more favorable metabolic profile and glycemic control as compared to those animals 
that received pre-intervention fecal material, which provided direct evidence for the gut microbiota to causally 
contribute to the host glucose homeostasis.  
 
In two cohorts that we have recently completed, a comparable 3-month high dietary fiber regimen was able to 
significantly reduce HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes (under review with Nature). Below are the HbA1c data from 
the GUT2D (participants were institutionalized; Figure 2A) and the QIDONG studies (participants were under free-
living conditions; Figure 2B).  

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
6 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
 
Figure 2. The effects of a high dietary fiber regimen on HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes in the GUT2D (A) 
and QIDONG (B) cohorts. 
 
In the GUT2D cohort, high dietary fiber intake induced shifts in the overall structure of the gut microbiota (Figure 
3A) that was driven by an increased abundance of a guild of acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria (Figure 3B). 
The dramatic reduction of fecal pH from 6.82 ± 0.07 at baseline to 6.36 ± 0.11 at the end of the 3-month intervention, 
together with trended increase in overall fecal SCFA content, supported that a high dietary fiber regimen was 
effective in increasing bacterial carbohydrate fermentation, and these were associated with improvements in 
glucose homeostasis and overall metabolic profiles of patients with type 2 diabetes. 
 
 
Figure 3. Changes in the overall gut microbial structure (A) and the guild of short-chain fatty acid producers 
promoted by the high dietary fiber intervention (B). U = control group and W = high dietary fiber group.  
 
1.5 Sample Size Justification 
No power calculation is performed for this pilot study. We aim to have 5 completers in the Non-Diabetes and 5 in 
the Prediabetes/Diabetes group, for each of the test panel (i.e. a total of 20 completers). This sample size is 
comparable to those used in published pilot studies on bran products. Steinert et al (7) used 10 participants (healthy, 
overweight and obese) to examine the effect of oat bran on glycemic response; Sheflin et al (8) used 7 participants 
(3 in control and 4 in experimental group) to examine the effect of heat-stabilized rice bran on gut microbiota and 
metabolites.  
 
1.6 Study Variables 
A. Independent Variables, Interventions, or Predictor Variables  
The independent variable will be type of food: white bread vs dietary fiber mix in water, waffle, pancake, 
sponge cake, crispbread, vegetable smoothie, fruit smoothie and muffin. 
 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
7 
 
 
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B. Dependent Variables or Outcome Measures  
The outcome measure will be postprandial blood glucose concentration.  
 
1.7 Drugs/Devices/Biologics  
N/A 
 
1.8 Primary Specimen Collection 
N/A  
 
1.9 Interviews, Focus Groups, or Surveys  
N/A 
 
1.10 Timetable/Schedule of Events 
 
 
Sept 2017 
Oct 2017 
Nov 2017 
Dec 2017 
Jan 2018 
Feb 2018 
Staff/student 
training, departmental setup, research 
material development 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recruitment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eligibility screening and group assignment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food testing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data analyses 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Write up, results dissemination and record archiving 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.0 Project Management 
 
2.1 Research Staff and Qualifications 
 
Principal Investigator Dr Liping Zhao (BSc, MSc, PhD) is the Eveleigh-Fenton Chair of Applied Microbiology in the 
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and he leads the Program of Human Microbiome in Nutrition and 
Health at IFNH. Dr Zhao’s research applies molecular and genomic tools in understanding systems biology and 
predictive manipulation of the gut microbial communities, with his recent research primarily focuses on using dietary 
interventions to restore and maintain a health gut microbiota as a key strategy to improve metabolic health. Dr 
Zhao’s research group in China successfully used a high dietary fiber intervention to induce significant weight loss 
and metabolic improvements in children with obesity (6) and in adults with type 2 diabetes (manuscript under review 
in Science). Adopting an integrated metagenomics-metabolomics approach, Dr Zhao identified a functional guilds of 
carbohydrate-fermenting bacteria that may be pivotal to a healthy gut microbiota, which provides an important 
basis for optimizing dietary fiber supplementation to improve metabolic outcomes. Dr Zhao leads experimental 
design and research material development for this study. 
 
Co-Investigator Dr Yan Lam (BSc, MSc, PhD) is an Assistant Research Professor of the laboratory of Dr Liping Zhao 
(Principal Investigator; mentor) at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Dr Lam’s initial training was in 
nutritional biochemistry followed by professional qualification and practice in clinical dietetics in Australia. Her broad 
research interest is to understand how diet impacts on health, with the ultimate aim of developing evidence-based 
nutritional advice to improve metabolic wellbeing. Dr Lam’s recent research primarily focuses on investigating the 
role of dietary factors on the gut microbiota and how that influences clinical metabolic risk factors. With experience 
in successfully leading clinical trials to completion at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center of Louisiana State 
University and at the University of Sydney in Australia, Dr Lam participates in experimental design and research 
material development, and will oversee staff/student training and day-to-day running of this study. 
 
Co-Investigator Dr Tingting Chen (PhD) is a Postdoctoral Research Associate of the Zhao laboratory at the 
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Dr Chen was awarded her PhD in Food Science from Purdue 
University in 2016. Her research primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which dietary 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
8 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
fiber modulates the gut microbiota using a model of in vitro fermentation with human fecal inoculum. Dr Chen leads 
the development of dietary fiber mix. 
 
Co-Investigator Dr Peggy Policastro (PhD, RDN) is the Director of Behavioral Nutrition and Health/Dining Services 
at IFNH. Dr Policastro has extensive experience in nutritional analysis and menu planning. She will oversee the 
development of fiber-supplemented food. 
 
Co-Investigator Dr David Krol (MD, MPH) is the Medical Director of the New Jersey Healthy Kids Initiative. As our 
Research Physician, he will review the CGM data throughout this trial as part of our safety monitoring protocol, and 
contact the participants and their primary care or other main treating physician (with consent) to discuss alterations 
in medical treatment plan should the need arises. 
 
Graduate Student Ying Wang will assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, conducting food testing visits, data 
entry and analyses.  
 
Graduate Student Yongjia Gong will assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, conducting food testing visits, 
data entry and analyses.  
 
2.2 Resources Available 
FACILITIES. All procedures will be conducted at IFNH. The Cook-Douglass Student Health Center is equipped with 
interview rooms for eligibility screening visits. The dietary fiber mix will be prepared at the Food Innovation Center 
and stored at IFNH until use. Harvest Café will prepare all the test food and provide seating for food consumption.  
 
GLUCOSE MONITORING DEVICE. The FreeStyle Pro, the continuous glucose monitoring system, will be purchased 
from Abbott Diabetes Care. The Abbott technical support team will provide training to the research team on the 
sensor application and data download procedures, and ongoing technical support throughout the study. 
 
RESEARCH TRAINING. All investigators and research personnel will complete the Collaborative Institutional Training 
Initiative (CITI) training. Those who will work in the clinical research facilities will also be required to complete the 
Lab Safety/Biological Safety/Blood Borne Pathogens Training from Rutgers Environmental Health & Safety.  
 
2.3 Research Sites 
- Cook-Douglass Student Health Center, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health 
- Harvest Café, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health 
 
3.0 Multi-Site Research Communication & Coordination  
N/A 
 
4.0 Research Data Source/s 
 
4.1 Primary Data-Subjects and Specimens 
Male and female individuals  
 
4.2 Subject Selection and Enrollment Considerations  
A. Recruitment Details 
Recruitment will start in October 2017 (pending IRB approval). Prospective participants will be recruited 
through advertisements on Rutgers University website and email lists, and flyers on Rutgers University 
campuses. Interested individuals will be asked to contact the research team by phone, during which a 
research officer will provide an overview of the study and describe the broad selection criteria. Prospective 
participants will be invited to attend a screening visit to establish eligibility. The final selection will be 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
9 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
contingent upon the individuals meeting all eligibility criteria and are deemed capable of complying with 
the intervention protocol. 
 
B. Source of Subjects  
We expect most of the participants will be employees or students of Rutgers University, although we would 
also anticipate prospective participants from the wider community via word-of-mouth.  
 
C. Method to Identify Potential Subjects 
An advertisement will be placed in the Rutgers University website and email lists (Attachment 3A). Flyers 
will be posted on the Rutgers University campuses (Attachment 3B). 
 
D. Subject Screening 
Prospective participants will attend an eligibility screening visit at IFNH after an overnight fast of at least 8 
h. They will meet a member of the research team who will decide eligibility based on the following criteria: 
 
 Inclusion Criteria 
- 
Aged between 18 and 55 years 
- 
Understand and be able to follow written and oral instructions in English 
- 
Provide written informed consent 
 
 Exclusion Criteria 
- 
Receiving insulin for diabetes treatment 
- 
Receiving injectable prescription medicine 
- 
Self-reported allergy or intolerance to any ingredients in the test food 
- 
Any conditions deemed by the investigators that would prevent participation in the study, 
e.g. participation in past or active clinical research that may interfere with study 
outcomes, at the discretion of the investigators 
- 
Any conditions deemed by the investigators that would compromise the individual’s 
ability to complete the study, e.g. serious psychiatric conditions, at the discretion of the 
investigators 
 
E. Recruitment Materials  
Please see Attachment 3. 
 
F. Lead Site Recruitment Methods 
N/A 
 
4.3 Subject Randomization 
Participants will not be randomized. They will be assigned to the Non-Diabetes group if their FBGs are < 100 mg/dL, 
and to the Prediabetes/Diabetes group if their FBGs are ≥100 mg/dL. At participant’s choice, they will sign up to one 
of the two testing panels (see Section 1.3).  
 
4.4 Secondary Subjects 
N/A 
 
4.5 Number of Subjects 
A. Total Number of Subjects 
24 
B. Total Number of Subjects If Multicenter Study 
N/A 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
10 
 
 
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C. Require Number of Subjects to Complete Research 
20 (5 each in Panel A Non-Diabetes group and Prediabetes/Diabetes group, same two groups for Panel B) 
D. Feasibility Of Recruiting 
We expect to recruit the majority of our participants from the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University. 
With a relatively flexible study schedule and no particularly stringent eligibility criteria, we do not anticipate 
difficulties in engaging interest in the Rutgers community. We expect a recruitment rate of 4-6 participants 
per week over 4-6 weeks including an estimated attrition rate of 20%.  
 
4.6 Consent Procedures 
A. Consent 
 Documenting Consent 
Please see Attachment 4. 
 Waiver of Documentation Of Consent 
N/A 
 Waiver or Alteration of Consent Process  
N/A 
 
B. Consent Process 
 Location of Consent Process 
The Consent Process will take place at the Cook-Douglass Student Health Center of the New Jersey 
Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health 
 Ongoing Consent 
N/A 
 Individual Roles for Researchers Involved in Consent 
Co-Investigators Dr Yan Lam and Dr Tingting Chen, or graduate student Ying Wang (with 
supervision) will conduct the consent process to explain all aspects of the study and answer any 
questions the prospective participants may have. Dr Lam, Dr Chen or Ying Wang will sign the 
consent form.  
1. Consent Discussion Duration 
It is expected that the consent discussion will last approximately 30 min.  
2. Coercion or Undue Influence 
In order to minimize the possibility of coercion or undue influence, the consent process 
will not be conducted by research personnel who have any known relationship or conflict 
of interest with the prospective participants.  
 
3. Subject Understanding 
Throughout the consent process the prospective participants will be encouraged to ask 
any questions should they feel the need to do so. The consent process will be divided into 
a series of small sections. Members of the research team will summarize each section, 
use probe questions to check for sufficient understanding before proceeding to the next 
section.  
 
4.7 Special Consent/Populations 
N/A 
 
4.8 Economic Burden and/or Compensation for Subjects 
A. Expenses  
The participants will likely incur expenses when they travel to our research facilities.  
B. Compensation/Incentives 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
11 
 
 
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DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
Participants will be paid up to $60. The compensation is based on the amount of time that the participants 
is expected to spent in our research facilities and is calculated according to the minimum wage in New 
Jersey in 2017. They will have to successfully complete all food testing sessions to receive full compensation. 
The payment schedules are as follow: 
 
- 
$20 when they complete Week 2 
- 
$40 when they return the CGM sensor at the end of the study 
 
Should participants choose to withdraw from the study, no pro-rata payment will be made other than the 
ones scheduled above.  
 
The compensation will be paid in the form of gift cards.  
 
4.9 Risks to Subjects 
A. Description of Subject Risk 
The finger prick test and the use of CGM sensor both involve piercing of the skin which may cause infection. 
However infection is rare. 
 
Participants may experience gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation or 
cramping) when they consume the fiber-supplemented test food. These discomforts are common, 
however, these discomforts are minor and they should not last longer than a few hours.  
 
B. Procedures for Risks to Embryo, Fetus, and/or Pregnant Subjects 
N/A 
 
C. Risks to Non-Subjects 
N/A 
 
 
D. Assessment of Social Behavior Considerations 
 Reasonably Foreseeable Risks 
N/A 
 Risk Of Imposing An Intervention On Subject With Existing Condition 
N/A 
 Other Foreseeable Risks 
N/A 
 Observation And Sensitive Information 
 
 
N/A 
 
E. Minimizing Risks 
Participants will be advised to drink enough fluids throughout the food testing day 
(approximately eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day) to avoid constipation. 
 
F. Certificate of Confidentiality 
N/A  
 
G. Potential Benefits to Subjects 
Participants will receive reports of their daily fluctuations of blood glucose level throughout the study. 
 
H. Provisions to Protect the Privacy Interests of Subjects 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
12 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
Should any participants desire not to interact with or provide personal information to specific members of 
the research team, they may report such a need to the Principal Investigator and the arrangement of the 
research personnel will be adjusted accordingly. Participants will not be required to provide a reason if they 
desire not to do so. Should changing of the research personnel is not possible, the Principal Investigator will 
discuss with the participants about alternative solutions.  
 
In order to ensure the protection of personal health information of the participants, there will be no 
identifiable information on any of the data collection instruments. Each participant will be assigned a unique 
identification code. A master code identifier which links the identification code and personal information 
(name, date of birth and contact information) will be maintained separately from the study data. Only the 
Principal Investigator and approved research personnel who have a specific need for identifiable 
information will have access (e.g. Study Physician to communicate directly with participants and/or their 
primary physicians; research student/staff to schedule appointments). All data and materials collected 
during this study are for research purpose only, and the data will be kept in strict confidence. No 
information will be given to anyone without permission from the participants.  
 
I. Research Team Access To Subject Data 
A code will be assigned to every participant and the collected data will be recorded using the participant’s 
unique code for identification purposes. Only the Principal Investigator, Study Physician and research 
staff/student who schedule appointments will have access to the master code identifier and be able to re-
identify the participants if necessary. Each member of the research team will only be able to have access to 
the subsets of study data (in de-identified form) that are relevant to his/her scope of work.   
 
4.10 Secondary Data – Records/Chart Reviews/Databases/Tissue Banks/etc. 
N/A 
 
4.11 Chart/Record Review Selection 
N/A 
 
4.12 Secondary Specimen Collection 
N/A 
 
5.0 Special Considerations 
 
5.1 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 
N/A 
 
5.2 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 
N/A 
 
5.3 NJ Access to Medical Research Act 
N/A 
 
5.4 Code of Federal Regulations Title 45 Part 46 (Vulnerable Populations) 
N/A 
 
6.0 Research Data Protection and Reporting 
 
6.1 Data Management and Confidentiality 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
13 
 
 
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IRB Form Version v120116 
 
A. Data analysis plan: Statistical analyses will be performed using the SPSS Statistics Software Package. 
Analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hot test (two-tailed) will be used for intra-and inter-group 
comparisons of postprandial blood glucose concentration (area-under-curve). Independent-samples t test 
(two-tailed) will be used to analyze variations in other participant characteristics. Statistical significance will 
be accepted at p value < 0.05.  
  
B. Quality control: All research personnel will complete CITI training and be knowledgeable about Good 
Clinical Practice (GCP), relevant regulations and policies. The Principal Investigator will ensure adherence 
to the study protocol, regulatory requirements, GCP standards at all times. Team meeting will be held on a 
regular basis to review adherence to study protocol, and to discuss any incidents of failures of protocol 
compliance, keeping adequate and accurate records, and reporting of adverse events. 
 
 
C. Data handling: The study data will include two key components: 1) a master code identifier that contains 
the personal information of the participants and the participant code assigned to them; and 2) study data 
files that contain all the de-identified data generated in this trial. Participants’ hard copy files will be kept 
in locked cabinets only accessible by authorized research personnel in a secured building. Electronic files 
will be password-protected and stored on the university’s secure server and will only be accessible to 
authorized research personnel. The master code identifier and the date files will be kept in two separate 
locations. The master code identifier is only accessible to the Principal Investigator, Study Physician and 
research staff who schedule appointments and the study data files are accessible to authorized research 
personnel who work in relevant components of the trial. Data in hard copies and the master code identifier 
will be kept for 6 years after study completion, thereafter they will be shredded. As data will then exist in 
de-identified form, the electronic data files will be kept indefinitely. The Principal Investigator will be 
responsible should receipt and/or transmission of data is required. All data transported/shared will be de-
identified. 
 
6.2 Data Security 
A code will be assigned to every participant and the collected data will be recorded using the participant’s 
unique code for identification purposes. The Principal Investigator, Study Physician and research 
staff/students who schedule appointments will be the only ones with access to the master code identifier. 
Participants’ hard copy files will be kept in locked cabinets only accessible by authorized research personnel 
in a secured building. Electronic files will be password-protected and stored on the university’s secure 
server and will only be accessible to authorized research personnel. The master code identifier and the data 
files will be kept in two separate locations. All personnel who will have access to data of any form will be 
required to complete CITI training and will only have access to the data during a specific duration deemed 
necessary by the Principal Investigator.  
 
6.3 Data and Safety Monitoring  
A. Periodic Data Evaluation 
There will be a local Data and Safety Monitoring Committee composed of 3 Rutgers University faculty and 
staff members who are not directly involved with the study. The Committee will approve the protocol 
before the study is initiated, monitor study progress, and ensure that participant safety is addressed 
adequately. The Committee will receive monthly email updates on study progress and will meet at least 
once every 2 months. Additional meetings may be called if deemed necessary. Following each meeting, the 
Committee will provide written documentation regarding findings for the study as a whole and any relevant 
recommendations related to continuing, modifying or terminating the study. All recommendations will be 
submitted to the Principal Investigator. A copy of the recommendation will be provided to the Rutgers 
University IRB. A chairperson will be appointed to provide documentation on behalf of the Committee.  
 
B. Type of Data Evaluated 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
14 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
The Committee will monitor recruitment, retention, adherence, and review participant safety including 
adverse events, proposed major protocol modifications, and reports of related studies as appropriate.  
 
C. Collection of Safety Information 
Safety information will be collected by research personnel at study visits or reported by the participants 
over the phone.  
 
D. Frequency Of Data Collection 
Safety data collection will start at the beginning of the first food testing visit and repeat after each study 
visit. However participants may contact members of the research team to report any potential adverse 
events anytime during the study. 
 
E. Reviewer of Data 
Members of the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee will review the data. 
 
F. Schedule Of Review Of Cumulative Data 
The Committee will receive monthly email updates on study progress and will meet at least once every 2 
months. Additional meetings may be called if deemed necessary.  
 
G. Tests for Safety Data 
Pearson Chi-square tests (two-tailed) will be used to compare the safety data (e.g. number of reported 
adverse events) after consuming the control food (white bread) and each of the test food to determine 
whether the dietary fiber supplementation is causing harm comparing to an everyday food item.  
 
H. Suspension of Research 
Any serious adverse event that is life-threatening or results in death, that is possibly, probably or definitely 
related to the research protocol, will trigger an immediate suspension of the research.  
 
6.4 Reporting Results 
A. Sharing of Results with Subjects  
See Section B below. 
 
B. Individual Results  
All participants will receive reports of their CGM data throughout the study, to be distributed via email after 
they have completed all the study visits. 
 
C. Aggregate Results  
All participants will receive aggregate results that summarize the overall findings of this study. The results 
will be in the form of a one-page summary that will be distributed via email after all data analyses are 
finalized.  
 
D. Professional Reporting 
Preliminary results will be presented in local and international academic conferences. The final study 
findings will be published in prestigious academic journals and the key findings will be disseminated to the 
public via press release.  
 
E. ClinicalTrials.Gov Registration And Data Reporting 
This study will be registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. 
 
7.0 Data and/or Specimen Banking 

 
 
Attachment 1: Research Protocol 
 
Protocol Number: 18-074 
Version: #2; September 27, 2017 
PI Name: Liping Zhao 
Protocol Title: The effect of dietary fiber-
supplemented food on glycemic response in 
human: a pilot study 
15 
 
 
RESERVED FOR IRB STAMP 
DO NOT MODIFY THIS SPACE 
 
 
 
IRB Form Version v120116 
 
De-identified electronic data will be stored on the university’s secure server indefinitely. Data banked for future use 
will only be accessible by the Principal Investigator. Release of these data, irrespective of whether the Principal 
Investigator has ownership of the research project(s) that require the banked data, will need to obtain separate IRB 
approvals. When the banked data are transferred or shared, they will not be associated with any identifiable data, 
personal information of the research participants or the master code identifier for deciphering the codes.  
 
8.0 Other Approvals/Authorizations 
Pending approval from the Institutional Biosafety Committee. 
 
9.0 Bibliography 
1. 
Koh A, De Vadder F, Kovatcheva-Datchary P, Backhed F. From Dietary Fiber to Host Physiology: Short-
Chain Fatty Acids as Key Bacterial Metabolites. Cell. 2016;165(6):1332-45. 
2. 
Duncan SH, Louis P, Thomson JM, Flint HJ. The role of pH in determining the species composition of the 
human colonic microbiota. Environmental microbiology. 2009;11(8):2112-22. 
3. 
Chandalia M, Garg A, Lutjohann D, von Bergmann K, Grundy SM, Brinkley LJ. Beneficial effects of high 
dietary fiber intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(19):1392-8. 
4. 
Soare A, Khazrai YM, Del Toro R, Roncella E, Fontana L, Fallucca S, Angeletti S, Formisano V, Capata F, Ruiz 
V, et al. The effect of the macrobiotic Ma-Pi 2 diet vs. the recommended diet in the management of type 2 
diabetes: the randomized controlled MADIAB trial. Nutrition & metabolism. 2014;11:39. 
5. 
American Diabetes A. (2) Classification and diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2015;38 Suppl:S8-S16. 
6. 
Zhang C, Yin A, Li H, Wang R, Wu G, Shen J, Zhang M, Wang L, Hou Y, Ouyang H, et al. Dietary Modulation 
of Gut Microbiota Contributes to Alleviation of Both Genetic and Simple Obesity in Children. EBioMedicine. 
2015;2(8):968-84. 
7. 
Steinert RE, Raederstorff D, Wolever TM. Effect of Consuming Oat Bran Mixed in Water before a Meal on 
Glycemic Responses in Healthy Humans-A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2016;8(9). 
8. 
Sheflin AM, Borresen EC, Wdowik MJ, Rao S, Brown RJ, Heuberger AL, Broeckling CD, Weir TL, Ryan EP. 
Pilot dietary intervention with heat-stabilized rice bran modulates stool microbiota and metabolites in healthy 
adults. Nutrients. 2015;7(2):1282-300.