Effect of Meal Patterning on Carotenoid Absorption From Vegetables

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research study is to determine how different meal patterns influence the absorption of beneficial plant pigments (carotenoids) from vegetables. The hypothesis is that carotenoid absorption will be lower when daily vegetables are consumed in one meal compared two smaller meals throughout the day.

Official Title
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Effect of Meal Patterning on Carotenoid Absorption From Vegetables

Conditions
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Carotenoid, Bioavailability, Dietary Modification

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Meal Pattern Treatment A
* Other: Meal Pattern Treatment B
* Other: Meal Pattern Treatment C


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion criteria: Age range: 18-50 years Body mass index (BMI: weight (kg)/height (m2)) ranging from 20-29 kg/m² Weight stable (<4.5 kg change within the last 3 months) Constant habitual activity pattern, not to exceed activities of a recreational level over the past 3 months Have clinically normal blood profiles (specifically normal liver and kidney functions and fasting blood glucose of ≤110 mg/dl) Non-smoking Non-diabetic No current use of medication affecting lipid profile No intestinal disorders including lipid malabsorption, lactose intolerance No heavy consumption of alcohol (>2 drinks per day) No current use of dietary supplements that affect cholesterol, (e.g. Benocol or fiber supplements) or a willingness to discontinue their use during the study Exclusion criteria: Diabetic Use of lipid altering medications

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Meal Pattern Treatment A<br>A large vegetable salad (262g) and with a moderate amount of canola oil (8g) was consumed over a two meal period as designated by treatment group A. | Other: Meal Pattern Treatment A<br>* In treatment A, subjects consumed 100% of salad vegetables and canola oil in the first meal and 0% in the second. Additional protein-rich chef's salad ingredients were distributed equally between meals.<br>|
| Experimental: Meal Pattern Treatment B<br>A large vegetable salad (262g) and with a moderate amount of canola oil (8g) was consumed over a two meal period as designated by treatment group B. | Other: Meal Pattern Treatment B<br>* In treatment B, subjects consumed 50% of salad vegetables and canola oil in the first meal and 50% in the second. Additional protein-rich chef's salad ingredients were distributed equally between meals.<br>|
| Other: Treatment Group C<br>A large vegetable salad (262g) and with a moderate amount of canola oil (8g) was consumed over a two meal period as designated by treatment group C. | Other: Meal Pattern Treatment C<br>* In treatment C, subjects consumed 75% of vegetables and oil in the first meal and 25% in the second. Additional protein-rich chef's salad ingredients were distributed equally between meals.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Area under the concentration (AUC) vs time curve for carotenoids in the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction of plasma. |  | 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 hours post dose |