How eating eggs affects gut bacteria, cholesterol and immune cells in adults
Compares daily egg whites and whole eggs in adults of normal weight or with obesity.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Investigation of Egg Intake and the Relationship Between Gut Microbiome, Metabolic, and Immune Profiles
Key facts
- Where
- Storrs, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Source: NCT07844616, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of ConnecticutStorrs, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Connecticut
- Trial code
- NCT07844616
- Record updated
- 22 October 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this intervention study is to investigate the effects of daily egg intake on markers of gut health, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), metabolic, and immune cell profiles in adults with body mass indexes (BMI) in normal and obesity ranges. This study further aims to determine whether egg effects are associated with baseline gut microbiome profiles, and whether egg effects are different between males and females and by BMI status. The study will address the following objectives:Read full original descriptionShow less
Investigation of Egg Intake and the Relationship Between Gut Microbiome, Metabolic, and Immune Profiles
The purpose of this intervention study is to investigate the effects of daily egg intake on markers of gut health, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), metabolic, and immune cell profiles in adults with body mass indexes (BMI) in normal and obesity ranges. This study further aims to determine whether egg effects are associated with baseline gut microbiome profiles, and whether egg effects are different between males and females and by BMI status. The study will address the following objectives:
Objective 1: Evaluate the effects of daily egg white vs. whole egg intake on gut health, microbiome, and metabolome profiles.
Objective 2: Evaluate the effects of daily egg white vs. whole egg intake on HDL composition and function.
Objective 3: Evaluate the effects of daily egg white vs. whole egg intake on immune profiles and function in culture (ex vivo).
Participants will be asked to consume egg whites and whole eggs on a daily basis for 4-weeks each, and avoid eating eggs for a total of 8 weeks at different points in the study. Participants will be asked to complete surveys about dietary intake and physical activity, as well as provide blood and stool samples throughout the course of the study.
Inclusion: 18-50 years old (at time of screening); Premenopausal status for women; Body mass index (BMI) 18.5 to < 25 kg/m2; or ³ 30 kg/m2 and >30% and >40% body fat for men and women, respectively; Willing to consume whole eggs and egg whites provided during the study on a daily basis, and refrain from other eggs or egg-based foods and beverages during the study; Do not fit any exclusion criteria.
Exclusion: Self-reported and/or physician-diagnosed history of severe constipation, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, renal or liver disease, cancer, eating disorders, certain severe and/or relapsing/remitting autoimmune, inflammatory, intestinal or metabolic diseases, chronic infections, scleroderma, blood clotting disorders, intravenous drug use, or current pregnancy or lactation, postmenopausal; Allergy to eggs; Implanted medical device (e.g., pacemaker) or other health condition that would prevent measurement of body composition by bioelectrical impedence; Elevated fasting glucose levels (fasting glucose higher than 126 mg/dL) and triglycerides greater than 500 mg/dL, or total cholesterol < 120 mg/dL and HDL- cholesterol < 15 mg/dL; Currently taking lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, fibrates), glucose-regulating medications, anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids), or medications that primarily affect blood clotting (e.g., warfarin), long-term antibiotics or probiotics in the last 3 months or during the intervention; <18 years old and ≥ 51 years old; BMI <18.5, 25-29.9, or body weight < 110 pounds; Experienced >10% weight change in the past 4 weeks; Active smoker.