Sustainable and Inclusive Use of Alternative Proteins in Mediterranean Supply Chains (CIPROMED)

This study investigates the effects of foods enriched with alternative protein sources, including edible insects, microalgae, hemp, and legumes, on appetite regulation, satiety, food preferences, and metabolic health in healthy adults and individuals with overweight. The study is part of the CIPROMED project, which aims to support sustainable and circular food systems in the Mediterranean area. The study consists of two phases. In the acute phase, participants will consume different protein-enriched bread products in a controlled setting following a randomized crossover design. Each participant will be exposed to multiple test conditions, allowing within-subject comparisons of postprandial responses. Outcomes assessed during this phase include satiety, hunger, food preference, craving, and short-term energy intake, measured using validated scales and dietary assessment tools. In the chronic phase, participants will follow structured dietary interventions over a longer period within a Mediterranean dietary framework. Participants will be assigned to different dietary patterns including alternative protein-based foods and control products. This phase aims to evaluate the effects of repeated consumption of alternative protein sources on metabolic parameters, gastrointestinal tolerance, nutritional status, and behavioral responses. The study aims to assess the acceptability and physiological effects of alternative protein sources and to compare their impact with that of traditional protein sources commonly used in Mediterranean diets.

NCT Number	NCT07553936
Lead Sponsor	University of Bologna Collaborators: IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Turin, Italy, Azienda Usl di Bologna
Conditions	Food Preferences, Satiety and Food Intake, Appetite Regulation, Overweight (BMI > 25), Gut Microbiota
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2026-03-18
Primary Completion	2026-10-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-01-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-04