NCT06342024

Pistachio Consumption on Inflammatory Markers and Lean Body Mass

Active, enrolled NA Last updated 31 March 2026

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Pistachio group in Inflammatory Response in 144 participants. Participants enrolled and being followed up; not accepting new ones.

Timeline

20 February 2024

Primary endpoint
31 March 2026

31 December 2026

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Phase	NA
Status	Active, enrolled
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	none
Primary purpose	other
Enrollment	144
Start date	20 February 2024
Primary completion	31 March 2026
Estimated completion	31 December 2026
Sites	1 location across United States

Drugs / interventions tested

• Pistachio group

Conditions studied

• Inflammatory Response — all drugs for Inflammatory Response →

Sponsor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Who can join

Adults 40 to 60, any sex, with Inflammatory Response. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.) are a nutrient- and energy-dense food, and are a significant source of 15 different micronutrients. In addition to an excellent micronutrient profile, pistachios are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (linoleic acid, oleic acid, and plant sterols). Pistachios have the lowest amount of total fat, and the highest protein, fiber, and phytosterol content compared to other nuts. They possess a high antioxidant content. Specifically, pistachios have high amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin, and phenolic compounds (e.g., anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins). These aforementioned compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Pistachios also have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and all-cause mortality.

The purpose of this study will be to determine the effects of consuming 1.5 ounces of pistachios per day compared to consuming no pistachios per day on inflammatory markers (creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, cortisol, Interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase concentrations) and lean body mass in women and men, 40 to 60 years of age, who have been recreationally active for at least six months (exercising three to five days per week). It is hypothesized that pistachio consumption will significantly lower inflammatory response and significantly increase lean body mass.

This will be a randomized study where participants will first complete a two-week baseline run-in period during which they will consume their typical diet. Following this, participants will be randomized to one of two groups for six months: consuming 1.5 ounces of pistachios per day or a control group (consuming no pistachios). Those consuming pistachios will be in addition to their usual diet.

The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of pistachio consumption on inflammatory markers and lean body mass in women and men, 40 to 60 years of age, who exercise three to five days per week. This study could provide a simple, healthy way for recreationally active individuals to decrease inflammation and improve body composition.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial.