Exploring the Role of Almonds in Enhancing Immune Strength

Exploring the Role of Almonds in Enhancing Immune Strength

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of good nutritional status for immune strength and for reducing comorbidities that increase morbidity and mortality of infections. The major aim of this study is test if almond consumption can improve immune function.

Investigators will conduct an 8-week parallel-arm trial of 48 overweight/non-obese (BMI=24-30) adult (aged 40-65 years) men (n=24) and women (n=24) who will be randomly assigned to consume daily isoenergetic portions of almonds or a common snack (pretzels).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy male and female subjects aged 40-65 y
• Body mass index (BMI) 24-30 kg/m.2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not willing to stop taking multivitamins, and supplements (with the exception of vitamin D and calcium), for 30 days prior to or during study participation, if currently taking these.
• Almond allergies
• Alcohol consumption >2 drinks per day.
• Smoking or using nicotine containing products in the last 6 months.