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What's Hopping? Cricket Protein and Human Gut Microbiota
NCT03383341 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional meat. They represent a new food for North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluated. Crickets contain chitin and other fibers that may influence gut health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of consuming 25 grams/day whole cricket powder on gut microbiota composition, while assessing safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults participated in this six-week, double-blind, crossover dietary intervention. Participants were randomized into two treatment arms and consumed either cricket-containing or control breakfast foods for 14 days, followed by a 14-day washout period and assignment to the opposite arm. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after each treatment period to assess liver function and microbiota changes. Results demonstrate that cricket consumption is tolerable and non-toxic at the treatment dose. Cricket powder supported growth of the probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium animalis, which increased more than 5.7-fold. Cricket consumption was also associated with reduced plasma TNF-a. These data suggest that eating crickets may improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation; however, more research is needed to understand these effects and underlying mechanisms.
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Cricket Protein Powder
- OTHER Placebo control
Study Locations (1)
Colorado
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 20 participants |
| Start Date | 2017-02-01 |
| Est. Completion | 2017-05-10 |
| Phase | NA |
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Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT03383341
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT03383341 describes a study currently listed as completed. It is categorized as NA, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 20 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is Colorado State University, which has 92 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 1 condition, with Healthy appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 2 interventions — of which Cricket Protein Powder is the first listed. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT03383341 reports 1 study location spanning 1 distinct geographic area — top geographies include Colorado. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT03383341 about?
NCT03383341 is a clinical study titled "What's Hopping? Cricket Protein and Human Gut Microbiota". Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional meat. They represent a new food for North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluate...
What is the current status of trial NCT03383341?
This trial is currently completed. It is a NA study. The enrollment target is 20 participants. The study started on 2017-02-01. Estimated completion is 2017-05-10.
What conditions does trial NCT03383341 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Healthy. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT03383341?
The interventions under investigation include: Cricket Protein Powder (DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT), Placebo control (OTHER). Each intervention is being evaluated for safety and efficacy as part of this clinical study.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT03383341?
This trial is sponsored by Colorado State University, which has 92 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT03383341 being conducted?
This trial has 1 study location across Colorado. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
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