Nestlé Health Science has announced the launch of a longitudinal study aimed at examining how lifestyle factors, particularly dietary fiber, influence the human microbiome and overall health. The study, titled FIBER-IMPACT, will involve 60 healthy adults and their households over a 16-week observational period.
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Participants will incorporate chia seeds into their diets while providing stool and blood samples, completing daily dietary and stress surveys, and sharing meal photos. The research will analyze the effects of dietary fiber on gut spore colony-forming units (SCFU), assess stress impacts, identify host biomarkers, and explore the relationship between microbiome composition, metabolomic features, and general health in real-world contexts.
The study will be led by Dr. Jason Goldsmith, Senior Director of Clinical Operations and Microbiome Sciences at Nestlé Health Science. Key collaborators include Dr. Thaddeus Stappenbeck of Cleveland Clinic, focusing on inflammatory and infectious diseases; Dr. Katrine Whiteson from UC Irvine, specializing in microbial communities and dietary fiber; and Dr. Sonia Grego from Coprata, a technology partner for sample collection.
Dr. Goldsmith stated that this research will enhance understanding of how daily habits and nutrition shape the microbiome, potentially leading to future health advancements. Dr. Stappenbeck noted the importance of translating gut health discoveries into practical strategies for disease prevention. Dr. Whiteson emphasized the significance of fiber’s role in microbiome health and the study's aim to assess a manageable intervention in daily life.
The study will utilize Coprata's innovative stool sampling tools to make participation more accessible and comfortable. All research activities will adhere to Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines to safeguard participant safety and privacy. Participants will also receive compensation for their involvement.
Nestlé Health Science is inviting additional partners to collaborate in advancing microbiome research. Academic institutions interested in partnership opportunities can submit proposals via the Nestlé Health Science Medical Affairs website.
Nestlé Health Science, headquartered in Switzerland, is a leader in nutrition science, offering a wide range of consumer health and medical nutrition products, employing over 12,000 people globally.