Effects of Pistachios on Postprandial Metabolic Responses in Adults With Overweight or Obesity
Start Date
10/1/2026
Completion Date
7/1/2027
Summary
This randomized controlled crossover study will examine the acute effects of pistachio consumption on postprandial metabolic responses in adults with overweight or obesity. Participants will complete two experimental conditions in randomized order. In one condition, participants will consume 30 g of pistachios with a standardized meal, and in the other condition they will receive an isocaloric refined-carbohydrate control condition with the standardized meal. The study will evaluate postprandial insulin and glucose responses over approximately 3 hours after meal consumption. Additional outcomes will include continuous glucose monitoring measures, blood lipid responses, appetite and satiety ratings, and exploratory measures related to insulin sensitivity and gastrointestinal hormone responses. The study is designed to determine whether pistachio consumption alters acute metabolic responses compared with an isocaloric refined-carbohydrate control in adults with overweight or obesity.
Detailed Description
This study is a randomized, controlled, crossover feeding trial designed to investigate the acute effects of pistachio consumption on postprandial metabolic responses in adults with overweight or obesity. Each participant will complete both experimental conditions in randomized order, thereby serving as their own control. Experimental visits will be separated by a washout period. After an overnight fast, participants will receive either 30 g of pistachios or an isocaloric refined-carbohydrate control with a standardized meal. Serial blood samples will be collected during the postprandial period to assess insulin and glucose responses. The primary metabolic outcome will focus on the postprandial insulin response over the 0- to 180-minute period. Additional outcomes will characterize postprandial glucose responses, including measures obtained using continuous glucose monitoring, as well as appetite and satiety ratings and blood lipid responses. Exploratory analyses may include indices of insulin sensitivity and resistance and gastrointestinal hormones involved in metabolic regulation. The crossover design will allow direct within-participant comparison of the pistachio and control conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 18 years to 35 years
Interventions
Pistachio Co-consumption
Refined-Carbohydrate Control Co-consumption
Conditions
Locations
Saint Louis University
St Louis, Missouri 63104
United States