Effect of Snacks on Aging

About

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if daily consumption of 2 oz of pecans compared to 3.5 oz pretzel snacks for 12 weeks will 1) contribute to the body's ability to protect itself from oxidative damage (caused by oxygen radicals created by ultraviolet (UV) B light) by evaluating skin resistance to UV light irritation, skin fats/oils degradation and "rusting", and oxidative damage to the skin genes; and 2) explore the mechanisms of how snack consumption may affect aging by analyzing blood markers of aging as well as the microbes living in the gut (gut microbiome).

Primary Purpose

Prevention

Study Type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 3

Eligibility

Gender

Female

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Minimum Age

55 Years

Maximum Age

75 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

Female
Generally healthy
Aged 55-75 years
BMI 18.5-34.9 kg/m2
Fitzpatrick Skin type II-IV
Consume a typical Western diet (low in polyphenols-rich foods and fiber)
Willing to maintain habitual dietary and exercise patterns for the study duration
Willing to maintain normal skin care products and pattern for the duration of the study
Willing to come to study visits without any makeup and skin products on
Subjects must read and sign the Institutional Review Board-approved written informed consent prior to the initiation of any study specific procedures or enrollment. A subject will be excluded for any condition that might compromise the ability to give truly informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Vegetarian/vegan
Known nut allergy
Skin-related prescription medication, supplements or non-prescription cosmeceutical agents
Initiation of topical or oral prescription steroids and/or anti-inflammatory medications within 30 days prior to study enrollment
Excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight
Screening laboratory values outside of the normal range that is considered clinically significant for study participation by the investigator
Documented chronic disease
Taking medications or supplements known to affect gut microbiota composition (antibiotics within the past 3 months, probiotics, fiber, etc.)
Taking exogenous hormones (e.g. hormone replacement therapy)
Recent weight fluctuations (>10% in the last 6 months)
Smoker or living with a smoker
Use of >20 g of alcohol per day
Unable or unwilling to comply with the study protocol (including unwillingness to avoid nuts for the whole duration of the study)
Unable to provide consent
Pregnancy and/or lactation