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Effects of Ad Libitum Ultra-Processed Diet on Brain Dopamine in Humans

Background:

Dopamine is a chemical that the brain makes when a person expects a reward. Researchers want to learn more about how eating different types of food affects dopamine levels in the brain.

Objective:

To test how eating different foods affects dopamine levels in the brains of healthy people.

Eligibility:

Healthy people aged 18 to 45 years old.

Design:

Participants will be divided into 2 groups (cohorts). Both will have overnight stays in the clinic.

All participants will be screened. They will talk to a dietitian about their eating habits. They will have a test of how much energy their body uses: They will lie on a table with a clear hood over their heads to measure the gases as they breathe.

During the 3 weeks before participants stay at the clinic, a dietitian will call at 3 random times to ask what they ate the day before. They will complete questionnaires. Cohort 1 will wear a device to track their step count for at least 7 days; these participants will be given food to eat for 2 days before they stay in the clinic.

Cohort 1 will stay in the clinic for 14 days. They will eat as much or as little as they would like on 2 different diets for 5 days each and a normal diet on the other days. They will have blood collected multiple times. They will have 2 d ifferent types of imaging scans. For 1 type, they will receive a drug through a vein to show how much dopamine is in their brains.

Cohort 2 will stay in the clinic for 2 days. They will eat only the foods provided. They will have imaging scans before and after drinking a milkshake. For both scans, they will receive a drug through a vein to show how much dopamine is in their brains. They will have blood collected multiple times.

Visão geral do estudo

Descrição detalhada

Study Description:

In this single-site study, we will recruit a cohort of 32 adult volunteers to a randomized crossover diet study to investigate change in dopamine D2 receptor availability (via [11C]raclopride binding potential). During their participation, after a 2-day outpatient stabilization diet, participants will be admitted for a 14-day, 13-night inpatient stay at the NIH Clinical Center. Following 2 days of inpatient stabilization diet, participants will consume two ad libitum test diets with distinct proportions of ultra-processed food for 5 days each in random order separated by 1 day of stabilization diet. We will collect information via Positron Emission Tomography (PET) about dopamine D2 receptor availability under fasting conditions and dopamine response to an oral stimulus solution. Additionally, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging (MRS, MRI) will be used to collect information on changes in brain GABA tone, white matter hyperintensities, brain iron content, and brain activity in response to the two test diets. Further, we will additionally recruit a cohort of 36 adult volunteers for a 2 day/1night stay at the Clinical Center to measure dopamine D2 receptor availability in the extended post ingestive state to determine whether dopamine release may be quantified in this period of the postprandial state.

Objectives:

  • Primary Objective: To determine the impact of two 5-day ad libitum test diets differing in proportion of ultra-processed, energy-dense, hyper-palatable foods on fasting striatal [11C]raclopride dopamine D2 receptor binding potential (D2BP) as well as the magnitude of any change from baseline.
  • Secondary Objective: To determine differences in spatiotemporal components of striatal dopamine response (rDA) to a milkshake after two 5-day ad libitum test diets matched for presented nutrients but different in proportion of ultra-processed, energy-dense, hyperpalatable foods.
  • Secondary Objective: To determine change in whole striatal dopamine D2BP in the extended post-ingestive period, beginning 1.5 - 3 hours following consumption of a UPF milkshake, as measured by [11C]raclopride

Endpoints:

  • Primary Endpoint: Dopamine D2 receptor binding potential (D2BP) in the striatum after two test diets will be quantified during steady state portion of 20mCi [11C]raclopride infusion PET neuroimaging.
  • Secondary Endpoint: Regionally and temporally specific dopamine response to in-scanner milkshake consumption and digestion after 5 days of each test diet will be determined voxelwise (spatial) over a duration of [11C]raclopride infusion (temporal), compared to equivalent endpoints for "tasteless" oral stimulus.
  • Secondary Endpoint: D2BP in the striatum will be quantified using a bolus of 20mCi [11C]raclopride in both the overnight fasted state and delayed post-ingestive state for each participant.

Tipo de estudo

Intervencional

Inscrição (Estimado)

140

Estágio

  • Não aplicável

Contactos e Locais

Esta seção fornece os detalhes de contato para aqueles que conduzem o estudo e informações sobre onde este estudo está sendo realizado.

Contato de estudo

  • Nome: Nan Zhai, C.R.N.P.
  • Número de telefone: (301) 827-3324
  • E-mail: nan.zhai@nih.gov

Estude backup de contato

Locais de estudo

    • Maryland
      • Bethesda, Maryland, Estados Unidos, 20892
        • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
        • Contato:

Critérios de participação

Os pesquisadores procuram pessoas que se encaixem em uma determinada descrição, chamada de critérios de elegibilidade. Alguns exemplos desses critérios são a condição geral de saúde de uma pessoa ou tratamentos anteriores.

Critérios de elegibilidade

Idades elegíveis para estudo

18 anos a 45 anos (Adulto)

Aceita Voluntários Saudáveis

Não

Gêneros Elegíveis para o Estudo

Tudo

Descrição

  • INCLUSION CRITERIA

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Aged 18 to 45 years old

  2. In good general health as evidenced by medical history

  3. Weight stable (< +/- 5% change in last 6 months), based on self-report

  4. BMI

    1. Cohort 1: 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m^2
    2. Cohort 2: >= 18.5 kg/m^2

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

  1. Body weight > 400 lbs. (weight limit of PET scanner)
  2. History or current self-report of conditions that may influence appetite, in the opinion of the study investigators, including but not limited to cancer, diabetes mellitus, evidence of metabolic dysfunction, changes in senses of smell or taste (e.g., covid-related), or metabolic/bariatric surgery
  3. History or current neurological, mood, eating, or substance use disorders by self-report, history/physical, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and/or DSM-5 Cross-cutting symptom measure.
  4. Measured resting energy expenditure +/- 30% of that predicted by Mifflin St-Jeor equation.
  5. Uncontrolled hypertension, with blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg
  6. Pregnancy or lactation
  7. Known allergic reactions to components of the PET agent, [C-11] raclopride.
  8. Having had previous radiation exposure within the last year for either medical or research purposes (e.g. X-rays, PET scans, etc.) that would exceed research limits. Excessive radiation exposure will be determined at the discretion of the PI and/or study team
  9. Inability or unwillingness (e.g. due to claustrophobia) to tolerate lying flat on their back for extended periods of time in PET/MR or MRI scanner or (Cohort 1 only) inability to tolerate swallowing drops of liquid delivered onto tongue while lying down on bed.
  10. Having metal implants incompatible with MRI (for example, pacemakers, metallic prostheses such as cochlear implants or heart valves, shrapnel fragments, etc.).
  11. Left-handedness, by self-report and confirmation via Edinburgh Handedness Survey
  12. Self-report of daily alcohol intake > 3 drinks (males) or > 2 drinks (females)
  13. Current nicotine use (e.g. cigarette, vaping) determined by participant report or nicotine dependence confirmed by Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence (score >= 4)
  14. Current use of medications or drugs of abuse which may influence appetite or have central effects, in the opinion of study investigators
  15. Caffeine consumption > 300 mg/day (roughly >=3 cups coffee or 2-3 energy drinks)
  16. Significant dietary restrictions, based on evaluation by nutrition staff and results of nutrition screener (rating fewer than 75% of foods listed as a 4 or higher score on The Food Enjoyment Questionnaire)
  17. Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
  18. Unable or unwilling to adhere to study diet, procedures, schedule, and lifestyle considerations

Plano de estudo

Esta seção fornece detalhes do plano de estudo, incluindo como o estudo é projetado e o que o estudo está medindo.

Como o estudo é projetado?

Detalhes do projeto

  • Finalidade Principal: Ciência básica
  • Alocação: Randomizado
  • Modelo Intervencional: Atribuição cruzada
  • Mascaramento: Nenhum (rótulo aberto)

Armas e Intervenções

Grupo de Participantes / Braço
Intervenção / Tratamento
Experimental: MPF-UPF

Participants will be randomized to the one of two diet sequences (study arms: UPF-MPF vs MPF-UPF) by NIH dietitians after enrollment, in advance of admission. A total of n=32 participants will be evenly grouped into 16 batches according to date of inpatient admission. Within each batch of 2 participants, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two diet sequences, ensuring any order effects will be counterbalanced and maintaining balance across diet sequence assignments.

The drug is intended for use as a radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography (PET) administered at a maximum prescribed dose of 20mCi and will be administered intravenously via indwelling catheter

The ~8 oz liquid meal will be high in both dietary fat and sugar and ultra-processed designation based on ingredients and will be prepared by the NIH Clinical Center Metabolic Kitchen for participant consumption during the PET scans at the end of both test dietary intervention periods (Cohort 1) or for consumption between the PET scans (Cohort 2).

The control stimulus is a non-rewarding tasteless solution with viscosity distinct from pure water (i.e., artificial saliva). Four dilutions of 25mM potassium chloride + 2.5mM sodium bicarbonate will be prepared by NIH Clinical Center Pharmacy for participant oral stimulus taste test

The minimally processed diet will derive ~80% of calories from minimally processed foods and will contain no ultra-processed foods, (NOVA 1-3), as defined by the degree, extent, and purpose of processing according to the NOVA classification system. The minimally processed diet will be matched to the ultra-processed diet for presented macronutrients, sugar, sodium, and fiber. This diet will be low in both non-beverage energy density and hyper-palatable foods

The baseline (control) diet will be composed of 50% of energy from ultra-processed foods while matching distribution of macronutrients presented in test diets and total sugar, sodium, and fiber). Energy needs will be estimated using resting energy expenditure multiplied by an appropriate activity factor collected at screening visit to facilitate production by the NIH Metabolic Kitchen.

Experimental: UPF-MPF

Participants will be randomized to the one of two diet sequences (study arms: UPF-MPF vs MPF-UPF) by NIH dietitians after enrollment, in advance of admission. A total of n=32 participants will be evenly grouped into 16 batches according to date of inpatient admission. Within each batch of 2 participants, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two diet sequences, ensuring any order effects will be counterbalanced and maintaining balance across diet sequence assignments.

The drug is intended for use as a radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography (PET) administered at a maximum prescribed dose of 20mCi and will be administered intravenously via indwelling catheter

The ~8 oz liquid meal will be high in both dietary fat and sugar and ultra-processed designation based on ingredients and will be prepared by the NIH Clinical Center Metabolic Kitchen for participant consumption during the PET scans at the end of both test dietary intervention periods (Cohort 1) or for consumption between the PET scans (Cohort 2).

The control stimulus is a non-rewarding tasteless solution with viscosity distinct from pure water (i.e., artificial saliva). Four dilutions of 25mM potassium chloride + 2.5mM sodium bicarbonate will be prepared by NIH Clinical Center Pharmacy for participant oral stimulus taste test

The baseline (control) diet will be composed of 50% of energy from ultra-processed foods while matching distribution of macronutrients presented in test diets and total sugar, sodium, and fiber). Energy needs will be estimated using resting energy expenditure multiplied by an appropriate activity factor collected at screening visit to facilitate production by the NIH Metabolic Kitchen.

The ultra-processed diet will derive ~80% of energy from ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4), as defined by the degree, extent, and purpose of processing according to the NOVA classification system. The ultra processed diet will be matched to the minimally processed diet for presented macronutrients, sugar, sodium, and fiber. This diet will be high in both non-beverage energy density and hyper-palatable foods.

O que o estudo está medindo?

Medidas de resultados primários

Medida de resultado
Descrição da medida
Prazo
Dopamine D2 receptor binding potential (D2BP) during steady portion of [11C]raclopride infusion PET neuroimaging
Prazo: 5 days

Fasting (steady state) whole striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding at the conclusion of three diet periods (on 4th day of control diet, after 5 full days ad libitum UPF, and after 5 full days ad libitum MPF)

5 days

Medidas de resultados secundários

Medida de resultado
Descrição da medida
Prazo
The magnitude of striatal dopamine responses to orosensory and post-ingestive milkshake exposure
Prazo: 5 days

Measured at the conclusion of three diet periods (on 4th day of control diet, after 5 full days ad libitum UPF, and after 5 full days ad libitum MPF).

5 days
The difference between striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding potential
Prazo: 90-180 minutes

Measured while fasting and 1.3 -3 hours after a palatable liquid meal (Cohort 2).

90-180 minutes

Colaboradores e Investigadores

É aqui que você encontrará pessoas e organizações envolvidas com este estudo.

Investigadores

  • Investigador principal: Valerie L Darcey, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Publicações e links úteis

A pessoa responsável por inserir informações sobre o estudo fornece voluntariamente essas publicações. Estes podem ser sobre qualquer coisa relacionada ao estudo.

Datas de registro do estudo

Essas datas acompanham o progresso do registro do estudo e os envios de resumo dos resultados para ClinicalTrials.gov. Os registros do estudo e os resultados relatados são revisados ​​pela National Library of Medicine (NLM) para garantir que atendam aos padrões específicos de controle de qualidade antes de serem publicados no site público.

Datas Principais do Estudo

Início do estudo (Estimado)

11 de novembro de 2026

Conclusão Primária (Estimado)

10 de novembro de 2030

Conclusão do estudo (Estimado)

10 de novembro de 2030

Datas de inscrição no estudo

Enviado pela primeira vez

5 de novembro de 2026

Enviado pela primeira vez que atendeu aos critérios de CQ

5 de novembro de 2026

Primeira postagem (Real)

6 de novembro de 2026

Atualizações de registro de estudo

Última Atualização Postada (Real)

6 de novembro de 2026

Última atualização enviada que atendeu aos critérios de controle de qualidade

5 de novembro de 2026

Última verificação

27 de outubro de 2026

Mais Informações

Termos relacionados a este estudo

Plano para dados de participantes individuais (IPD)

Planeja compartilhar dados de participantes individuais (IPD)?

SIM

Descrição do plano IPD

Data published in Harvard Dataverse (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/) will be accessible to the research community for the long-term. Terms of access to data to require requestors to log in and provide information including their identity and intended use to initiate an access request to Dr. Darcey, the PI.

Prazo de Compartilhamento de IPD

Data will be made available as soon as possible or at the time of associated publication, whichever comes first

Critérios de acesso de compartilhamento IPD

Terms of access to data to require requestors to log in and provide information including their identity and intended use to initiate an access request to Dr. Darcey, the PI.

Tipo de informação de suporte de compartilhamento de IPD

  • PROTOCOLO DE ESTUDO
  • CIF

Informações sobre medicamentos e dispositivos, documentos de estudo

Estuda um medicamento regulamentado pela FDA dos EUA

Não

Estuda um produto de dispositivo regulamentado pela FDA dos EUA

Não

Essas informações foram obtidas diretamente do site clinicaltrials.gov sem nenhuma alteração. Se você tiver alguma solicitação para alterar, remover ou atualizar os detalhes do seu estudo, entre em contato com register@clinicaltrials.gov. Assim que uma alteração for implementada em clinicaltrials.gov, ela também será atualizada automaticamente em nosso site .

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