RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07093346

The Impact of Pectin Supplementation on Systematic Inflammation Pathway, Gut Microbiome, and Metabolic Health in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

The Impact of Pectin Supplementation on Systematic Inflammation Pathway, Gut Microbiome, and Metabolic Health in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Dietary Intervention Study

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrollment

45 participants

Start Date

Jun 10, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

MASLD NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease NAFLD Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NAFLD - Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease MASLD - Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if daily supplementation with Low-methoxy (LM) pectin (polysaccharides extracted from citrus peels), which are commonly found in the UK diet (not pharmacological agents), can reduce systemic inflammation and improve gut microbiota composition in adults recently diagnosed with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). The main question it aims to answer is: -How does dietary Low-methoxy (LM) pectin supplementation affect systematic inflammation pathways such as those mediated by gut microbiota composition and what are the impacts on general metabolic indicators in individuals with MASLD? Researchers will compare a group taking 15g of LM-pectin with 10g of cocoa powder to a placebo group receiving 10g of placebo with 10g of cocoa powder to see if LM-pectin has measurable effects on inflammation and gut microbiota. Participants will: * Take a daily supplement for 6 weeks: either 15g of LM-pectin with 10g of cocoa powder (intervention), or 10g of placebo with 10g of cocoa powder (control) * Provide stool and fasting blood samples before and after the intervention * Undergo anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist/hip ratio, and blood pressure) * Complete a case report form (CRF) including demographics and health/medical history * Undergo a FibroScan™ to assess liver health * (Optional) Participate in MRI scans to evaluate gut permeability

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying Cocoa Powder, Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Contrast, and others for people with masld, masld - metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 3 locations.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPectin

15g of pectin with 10g of cocoa powder added as flavour were randomly allocated to eligible participants.

OTHERCocoa Powder

10g of cocoa powder served as the control/ placebo to compare the effects observed with pectin.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTMagnetic Resonance Imaging with Contrast

To validate MRI scans as a tool to assess intestinal wall thickness to indicate gut permeability on MASLD patients, the investigators will scan 15 healthy volunteers twice, at baseline and after 6 weeks, and then compare their results with MASLD participant results at baseline and after 6 weeks.