Assessing the Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of Herbs and Spices for Improving Dietary Quality and Adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in College Students With Poor Dietary Quality: A Pilot Study
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Summary
The goal of this single-arm feasibility, pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of the Herbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program (HSNP-focusing on incorporating herbs and spices into the diet for adherence to the DGA's) for determining the scalability of implementing this intervention for a larger scale, more comprehensive study The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating herbs and spices into the diet along with DGA-focused nutrition education through the HSNP in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the preliminary effects of the HSNP on dietary intake/quality, cardiometabolic, and gut health in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the barriers associated with HSNP implementation in college students with poor dietary quality? Participants will: * Be asked to come to the study site initially for a Screening Study Visit to confirm eligibility. * Be asked to come the clinical study site for a Pre-HSNP and Post-HSNP Study Visit (one week prior starting the HSNP and after week 6 of completing the HSNP) for assessments of cardiometabolic and gut health. * Be asked to come to the Nutrition Center for weeks 0 and 3 of the HSNP, where they will receive education on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the health benefits of herbs and spices, have a sensory evaluation of foods, be provided budget-friendly recipes and resources, and given take-home herbs, spices, and supporting materials * Be asked to complete 3-Day Food Records throughout the 6 week study period for assessment of dietary quality (4 total)
Description
Study Overview: Investigators will recruit 30 college students experiencing poor dietary quality, to participate in this 6-week pilot, single-arm clinical trial. Participants will be recruited from the metropolitan Las Vegas area through campus and community advertisements including flyers, newspaper articles, social media, and public events. Randomization will not be needed as all participants recruited will be receiving the intervention. There will be two cohorts of 15 participants for the 6-week HSNP. Prescreen Interview: Potential participants who inquire about the study by calling the re…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–39 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * College students (undergraduate and graduate) * Ages 18-39 years * BMI 18.5-40 kg/m * Having poor dietary quality (a Rapid Prime Diet Quality Score of 12 or below), * Maintain current lifestyle habits (e.g., medications/ supplement use, exercise, and sleep), and avoid taking new supplements or medications throughout the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals diagnosed with myocardial infarction within the past 6 months * Uncontrolled hypertension * BMIs \<18.5 or \>40 kg/m2 * Autoimmune disease or immune compromised * A recent diagnosis of cancer or under current tre…
Interventions
- BehavioralHerbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program
Participants will attend two group visits at the UNLV Nutrition Center (weeks 0 and 3 of the 6-week intervention), where trained RDs will deliver the HSNP, covering the principles and health benefits of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), recommended food group intake, and practical, budget-friendly strategies for incorporating herbs and spices into the diet. Sessions will include education, supporting materials, and a sensory evaluation of 20 foods (spanning fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and proteins) prepared with various herbs and spices, rated using a 9-point hedonic scale to identify preferred flavor profiles and promote long-term DGA adherence through enhanced taste and acceptability.
Location
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas, Nevada