Impact of Prebiotic Sodas on Satiety and Metabolic Responses in Healthy Men

NCT ID: NCT07105826

Last Updated: 2025-08-11

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

10 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-08-04

Study Completion Date

2025-12-10

Brief Summary

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The study aims to study healthy men aged 18-40 to explore how different beverages affect hunger, blood sugar, insulin, and a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. The tested beverages include two prebiotic sodas (Olipop and Poppi), Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Classic.

What's the study about? It aims to understand how these drinks influence how full participants feel and how the body handles sugar and hormones compared to each other. This could help us learn more about how prebiotic drinks, which may support gut health, compare to regular sugary or diet sodas.

What will participants do?

Participants will visit our lab at TCU (Rickel Building, rooms 256/259) four times over four weeks, with each visit lasting about 2-2.5 hours. Participants will need to fast for 8-12 hours before each visit. Here's what happens:

* First visit involves participants' consent, measurement of height and weight, and performing a finger-stick test to check blood sugar and HbA1C. Participants will also fill out questionnaires about health, diet, and beverage preferences.
* Visits 2-4: In visit 2, a DEXA scan will be performed to assess body composition. In visits 2-4, participants will drink one of the four beverages (in a random order, served in an unlabeled black container to prevent drink identification). Other variables measured at these time points include blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, and GLP-1. Participants will also complete questionnaires about hunger and how the drink tastes.

Each visit is spaced out by a week, and the total time commitment is about 10.5 hours. The study is expected to complete participant recruitment by December 10, 2025.

Who can join? Ten healthy men aged 18-40 who don't have diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver issues, or other specific health conditions. Participants shouldn't smoke, vape, or have certain dietary habits like intermittent fasting. Participants will be screened to confirm eligibility.

What are the risks? The risks are low but include discomfort from blood draws or the IV catheter, a small chance of infection, and minimal radiation exposure from the DEXA scan (similar to everyday background radiation). There's also a small risk of a data breach, but participant information will be secured with password-protected systems and use ID numbers instead of names.

What do participants get? Participants will receive a DEXA scan, baseline blood sugar, and HbA1C tests. If participants have abnormal results (like high blood sugar), doctor visits would be recommended. There are no direct benefits to participants, but participation could help develop better dietary recommendations in the future.

How is privacy protected? Data will be stored securely on password-protected computers and in locked lab facilities, following HIPAA rules. Blood samples will be frozen for up to 10 years for possible future research (with participants' consent) and labeled with an ID number, not participants' names.

How to join? Participants will be recruited through flyers, emails, social media, and TCU classes. If interested, participants will complete an online screening form or scan a QR code on our flyer. If eligible, participants will be contacted to confirm details and explain the study further.

If participants have questions or want to join, contact Dr. Elisa Marroquin at [email protected] or Matthew Loritz at [email protected]. Participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw at any time, though data will be kept for analysis.

Detailed Description

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Study Overview This research study, conducted by the Texas Christian University (TCU) Department of Nutritional Sciences and Kinesiology, aims to investigate the effects of carbonated prebiotic beverages (Olipop and Poppi) compared to caloric (Coca-Cola Original) and non-caloric (Diet Coke) beverages on satiety, blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) responses in healthy male participants aged 18-40. The study is a single-blind, randomized crossover trial designed to explore how these beverages influence metabolic and appetite-related outcomes, addressing gaps in understanding the physiological impacts of functional beverages containing prebiotics versus widely consumed caloric and non-caloric alternatives.

Objectives and Hypotheses The primary objective is to evaluate the acute effects of four beverages-Olipop, Poppi, Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Classic-on satiety, plasma glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 levels. Secondary objectives include assessing body composition and beverage palatability and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The hypothesis is that prebiotic beverages will enhance satiety and GLP-1 secretion due to fiber content, potentially via gut microbiota fermentation, without significantly increasing glucose or insulin levels compared to Coca-Cola. Diet Coke may elicit a modest GLP-1 and satiety response due to artificial sweeteners, but minimal glucose/insulin changes. Coca-Cola is expected to cause significant glucose and insulin spikes due to its high sugar content. Additionally, hunger is expected to be reduced across all conditions, with prebiotic beverages potentially showing superior satiety effects.

Study Design

* Type: Prospective, interventional, single-blind, randomized crossover trial.
* Participants: 10 healthy males aged 18-40, accounting for a 30% attrition rate.
* Duration: Four visits, each 2-2.5 hours, separated by a one-week washout period (total \~10.5 hours).
* Randomization and Blinding: Each participant consumes all four beverages in random order, served in unlabeled black containers to minimize bias.
* Data Collection: Anthropometric measurements, body composition (DEXA scan), biochemical markers (glucose, insulin, GLP-1), and survey data (satiety, GI symptoms, beverage preference) are collected.

Study Procedures

1. Screening and Visit 1:

* Informed consent is obtained, followed by measurement of height, weight, and blood pressure.
* A finger-stick test assesses fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.
* Participants complete demographic, health, beverage preference, and 3-day food log questionnaires.
2. Visits 2-4:

* A DEXA scan measures body composition (visit 2 only).
* Participants fast for 8-12 hours before each visit.
* Blood pressure is measured, and fasting status is confirmed via finger-stick.
* An intravenous catheter is inserted for blood sampling at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-beverage consumption to measure glucose, insulin, and GLP-1.
* Participants consume one beverage (355 mL) within 5 minutes.
* Satiety Questionnaires are completed at baseline and specific intervals.
* GI Symptomps Questionnaire are filled out 24h after each visit.
* Beverage Rating QUesitonnaire will be applied at the end of each visit.
* Total blood volume per visit is approximately 30 mL.

Beverages Tested

* Olipop and Poppi: Prebiotic sodas containing inulin and other fibers, low calories (\~20-35 kcal).
* Diet Coke: Non-caloric, sweetened with aspartame (46 mg).
* Coca-Cola Original: Caloric (140 kcal, 39 g of sugar).

Recruitment and Screening

* Methods: Flyers, emails, social media, and in-person recruitment in TCU classes.
* Process: Potential participants complete an online screening form by following the QR code from the flyers and emails. Eligible candidates undergo phone screening to confirm inclusion/exclusion criteria and receive a study overview.

Data Collection and Analysis

\- Anthropometric, body composition, biochemical, and survey data will be collected as indicated in Outcome Measures.

Risks and Mitigation

1. Blood Draw/IV Catheter: Low risk of discomfort, bruising, or infection; mitigated by trained personnel and sterile techniques.
2. DEXA Scan: Minimal radiation exposure (\~0.1 mSv, equivalent to background radiation); limited to one scan.
3. Data Breach: Risk minimized by deidentification, secure storage, and restricted access to IRB-approved personnel.
4. GI Discomfort: Possible with prebiotic beverages; monitored via GI Symptoms Questionnaire.

Benefits

* Direct: Participants receive a $150 gift card, DEXA scan results, baseline glucose, and HbA1c levels (finger sticks)
* Indirect: No direct benefits, but results may inform evidence-based recommendations for beverage consumption.

Results Sharing

* Baseline finger-stick results (glucose, HbA1c, lipids) are shared at testing.
* Lab-measured glucose and insulin levels, analyzed in batches after all participants complete the study, will not be shared, as delayed analysis limits immediate clinical utility.

Conditions

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Olipop Poppi Coca Cola - Classic Diet Coke

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

CROSSOVER

The study is a prospective, interventional study, meaning it involves actively administering interventions (in this case, beverages) to participants and measuring their effects over time.

The study employs a randomized crossover model, where each participant receives all four interventions (Olipop, Poppi, Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Classic) in a randomized order across multiple visits. This design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing variability due to individual differences and increasing statistical power with a smaller sample size.

The study is single-blind, meaning participants are unaware of which beverage they are consuming during each visit. Beverages are served in unlabeled black containers to minimize bias in their perception of satiety, taste, or metabolic responses.
Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Participants

Study Groups

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Prebiotic Soda 1

Olipop is a low-calorie, carbonated prebiotic beverage (\~20-35 kcal per 355 mL serving).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Prebiotic Soda 1

Intervention Type OTHER

A single dose of 12 ounces of Olipop will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Prebiotic Soda 2

Poppi is a low-calorie, carbonated prebiotic beverage (\~20-35 kcal per 355 mL serving).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Prebiotic Soda 2

Intervention Type OTHER

A single dose of 12 ounces of Poppi will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Diet Coke

Diet Coke is a non-caloric, carbonated beverage sweetened with artificial sweeteners. It contains zero calories and zero sugar

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Diet Soda

Intervention Type OTHER

A single dose of 12 ounces of Diet Coke will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Coca Cola

Coca Cola is a caloric carbonated beverage containing high fructose corn syrup as its primary sweetener. It is considered to be a high-caloric drink (140 kcal per 355 mL serving) with 39 g of sugar.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Regular Coke

Intervention Type OTHER

A single dose of 12 ounces of Regular Coke will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Interventions

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Prebiotic Soda 1

A single dose of 12 ounces of Olipop will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Intervention Type OTHER

Prebiotic Soda 2

A single dose of 12 ounces of Poppi will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Intervention Type OTHER

Diet Soda

A single dose of 12 ounces of Diet Coke will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Intervention Type OTHER

Regular Coke

A single dose of 12 ounces of Regular Coke will be provided to the 10 participants while fasted. Blood samples will be collected at baseline (before the drink) and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the drink.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Gender: Male
* Age: 18-40 years
* Health Status: Healthy, with no significant medical conditions
* Body Mass Index (BMI): 18.5-24.9 kg/m²

Exclusion Criteria

* Diabetes: Diagnosed diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
* Gastrointestinal Disorders: Any diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
* Liver Disease: Any diagnosed liver conditions
* Kidney Disease: Any diagnosed kidney conditions
* Cardiovascular Disease: Any diagnosed cardiovascular conditions
* Hypertension: Diagnosed high blood pressure
* Recent Illness or Infection: Any illness or infection within the past 30 days that could affect study outcomes
* Tobacco or Nicotine Use: Current use of tobacco or nicotine products (e.g., smoking, vaping)
* Phenylketonuria (PKU): A genetic disorder affecting phenylalanine metabolism, due to the presence of aspartame in Diet Coke
* Medication Use: Use of medications or supplements that affect glucose metabolism, insulin response, or appetite
* Intermittent Fasting: Engagement in intermittent fasting or inconsistent time-restricted feeding patterns
* Other Health Conditions: Any other health conditions that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with study participation or outcomes
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

40 Years

Eligible Sex

MALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Texas Christian University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Elisa Marroquin

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, Texas, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Elisa Marroquin, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

469-491-6443

Ryan Porter, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

(817) 257-6868

Facility Contacts

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Elisa Marroquin, PhD

Role: primary

469-491-6443

Ryan Porter, PhD

Role: backup

817-257-6868

References

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Steinert RE, Frey F, Topfer A, Drewe J, Beglinger C. Effects of carbohydrate sugars and artificial sweeteners on appetite and the secretion of gastrointestinal satiety peptides. Br J Nutr. 2011 May;105(9):1320-8. doi: 10.1017/S000711451000512X. Epub 2011 Jan 24.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 21255472 (View on PubMed)

Brown RJ, Walter M, Rother KI. Ingestion of diet soda before a glucose load augments glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion. Diabetes Care. 2009 Dec;32(12):2184-6. doi: 10.2337/dc09-1185. Epub 2009 Oct 6.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19808921 (View on PubMed)

Kim Y, Keogh JB, Clifton PM. Consumption of a Beverage Containing Aspartame and Acesulfame K for Two Weeks Does Not Adversely Influence Glucose Metabolism in Adult Males and Females: A Randomized Crossover Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 4;17(23):9049. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17239049.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33291649 (View on PubMed)

Bian X, Chi L, Gao B, Tu P, Ru H, Lu K. The artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium affects the gut microbiome and body weight gain in CD-1 mice. PLoS One. 2017 Jun 8;12(6):e0178426. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178426. eCollection 2017.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 28594855 (View on PubMed)

Ahmad SY, Friel JK, Mackay DS. Effect of sucralose and aspartame on glucose metabolism and gut hormones. Nutr Rev. 2020 Sep 1;78(9):725-746. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz099.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32065635 (View on PubMed)

Vandeputte D, Falony G, Vieira-Silva S, Wang J, Sailer M, Theis S, Verbeke K, Raes J. Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota. Gut. 2017 Nov;66(11):1968-1974. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313271. Epub 2017 Feb 17.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 28213610 (View on PubMed)

Cani PD, Lecourt E, Dewulf EM, Sohet FM, Pachikian BD, Naslain D, De Backer F, Neyrinck AM, Delzenne NM. Gut microbiota fermentation of prebiotics increases satietogenic and incretin gut peptide production with consequences for appetite sensation and glucose response after a meal. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Nov;90(5):1236-43. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28095. Epub 2009 Sep 23.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19776140 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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TCU Prebiotic Sodas Study

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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