NCT06923722 De-stressing the Brain: Can Eating Grapes During Periods of Mental Stress Protect Brain and Vascular Health in Young Adults
| NCT ID | NCT06923722 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Birmingham |
| Condition | Healthy |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 44 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-04-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-03-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 44 participants in total. It began in 2025-04-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-03-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The main aim of the current study is to investigate whether consuming grapes rich in flavonoids just before mental stress can protect cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular function, mood and cognition, from the negative effects of mental stress in young healthy adults. A second, exploratory aim, will further address whether quality of habitual diet, microbiome health (composition; metabolites production e.g. Short-chain fatty acids) and levels of cardiorespiratory fitness play a role on the beneficial effects of grapes during mental stress. All participants will receive a high-flavonoid grape intervention (60 g freeze-dried grape powder, equivalent to 300 g fresh grapes) and a low-flavonoid grape intervention (60 g powdere isocaloric-matched control). It is hypothesized that the high-flavonoid grape intervention will improve cortical oxygenation and cognitive function in the context of mental stress, and prevent the stress-induced decline in peripheral endothelial function following stress. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that individuals with poorer diets, cardiorespiratory fitness and a poorer gut microbiome will benefit more from the grape intervention in the context of mental stress.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females * 18 - 40 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Smokers * Consumes \> 21 units of alcohol per week * History of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, liver or inflammatory diseases * Suffers from blood-clotting disorders * Allergies or intolerances to foods * On a weight reducing dietary regiment * Currently taking dietary supplements, including fatty acids and vitamins * On long-term medication or have been on antibiotics in the last 3 months * Has an infection at present (e.g. cold) or viral infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06923722 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 40 Years, studying Healthy. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06923722 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06923722 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact University of Birmingham to inquire about joining.
Where is the NCT06923722 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06923722 clinical trial?
NCT06923722 is sponsored by University of Birmingham. The trial plans to enroll 44 participants.