Pilot Study of "Bottarga" Supplementation: A Little-known, Sustainable "Blue" Food
Cambridge Health Alliance
Summary
This pilot study aims to explore the potential benefits of consuming Greek bottarga (grey mullet fish roe) in individuals with at least one metabolic abnormality (low HDL cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, obesity, or HbA1c ≥ 5.7%) or a diagnosis of diabetes. Before initiating the crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT), the investigators will conduct a preliminary dose-testing study in five adults with at least one metabolic abnormality. Participants will undergo clinical assessments before and after the dietary intervention to evaluate changes in metabolic health markers. Following this phase, the investigators will proceed with a randomized, controlled crossover trial involving 20 eligible adult participants. This main study phase will compare the metabolic effects of daily bottarga supplementation with those of a calorically matched dairy product over an 8-week intervention period, with a 2-week washout period between interventions. The investigators anticipate that bottarga supplementation will improve lipid profiles, inflammation markers, and insulin resistance, thereby supporting the potential use of sustainable blue foods as part of a healthy diet.
Description
Rationale/goals: Greek Bottarga (Grey mullet fish roe) is a traditional marine or "blue" food "that is produced in a sustainable manner. Bottarga's composition supports that it has excellent nutritional properties, but to date no human/clinical studies have been published. This pilot study will explore the potential benefits of Bottarga consumption in humans. If the results show potential benefits, this would help promote more sustainable blue foods. Methods: Before initiating the crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT), the investigators will conduct a preliminary dose-testing study in fi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
* Adults aged 18-60 years * Residents of Massachusetts * Presence of at least one metabolic abnormality (low HDL cholesterol, elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, obesity, or HbA1c ≥ 5.7%) or a diagnosis of diabetes * Not pregnant * Willing to consume a nutritional supplement and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Use of any medications for diabetes (except metformin), dyslipidemia (except statins), or immunosuppression * Current use of any supplements containing n-3 fatty acids * Current use of illicit drugs (other than marijuana) * Use of hormone therapy (excep…
Interventions
- OtherBottarga
Participants will consume prepackaged daily doses of Bottarga, each containing the required amount (20 grams/day) for 8 weeks.
- OtherComparator
Participants will consume 28g of cream cheese/day for 8 weeks.
Location
- Cambridge Health AllianceSommerville, Massachusetts