Blackcurrants Mitigate Postmenopausal Bone Loss through Gut Microbiota-Bone Axis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Coupled with a Multi-omics Approach to Inform Precision Nutrition

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The University of Connecticut, Department of Nutritional Sciences, is looking for volunteers to take part in a research study. The purpose of this study is to determine how blackcurrant consumption impacts the gut microbiome and bone mass in adult women at risk of bone loss. Participants will be asked to visit the Department of Nutritional Sciences in Storrs, CT, for 5 clinical visits over a period of 12 months. 

Eligibility:

  • Healthy woman aged 45-70
  • Be classified as postmenopausal (defined as no menses in the last 12 months, or had hysterectomy or endometrial ablation without bilateral oophorectomy before age 55) for less than 10 years
  • Willing to ingest a blackcurrant supplement or placebo daily for 12 months
  • No cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, liver or kidney disease
  • Not on hormone replacement therapy for at least one year
  • Not heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/day) or heavy drinkers (>2 drinks/day)
  • Not taking prescription medications altering bone and Ca metabolism
  • Willing to avoid other dietary supplements and foods extremely rich in anthocyanins and fermented dairy products for the duration of the study
  • Willing to have 5 blood draws, 4 urine and stool collections, and 3 bone scans at the beginning of the study and at months 6 and 12

Benefits of Participation:

  • Participation in this study will provide you with information about your bone density scan results and diet analysis reports, which may provide insight into your overall nutrition and bone health status. Additionally, you will help scientists better understand the benefits of blackcurrant consumption.
  • Participants will receive up to $300.

To learn more about this study, contact:

To complete the eligibility screener: click here

This research study was approved by the BRANY IRB #25-02-472-910