Peanuts and Glycemic Control

The Role of the Microbiome in Blood Glucose Regulation in Response to Peanut Consumption

A two-period randomized crossover study will be conducted to determine the effect of peanuts on glycemic control, and elucidate the role of the microbiome in glucose regulation, in individuals with impaired fasting glucose.

A two-period randomized crossover trial will be conducted. Participants will be randomized to receive each treatment for 6 weeks followed by a minimum 4-week wash-out period. During the peanut treatment, participants will consume one ounce per day (28 g) of peanuts as an evening snack. The control treatments will be an isocaloric higher carbohydrate snack consumed after the evening meal. Markers of glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors and gut health will be assessed at the beginning and the end of each treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-smoking
• Impaired fasting glucose at screening (≥ 100 mg/dL).
• BMI ≥20 and ≤40 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed diabetes or fasting glucose >126 mg/dl
• Systolic blood pressure >160mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >100mmHg)
• Prescribed anti-hypertensive, lipid lowering or glucose lowering drugs
• Established cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, liver, kidney or autoimmune disease or inflammatory conditions
• Use of supplements (psyllium, fish oil, soy lecithin, phytoestrogens) and botanicals and not willing to cease for the duration of the study
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Weight loss of >=10% of body weight within the 6 months prior to enrolling in the study
• Smoking or use of any tobacco products
• Allergy to test foods
• Consumption of >14 alcoholic drinks/week