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Anti-inflammatory Activities of Vitamin C Supplementation on the Gut Barrier Function in Adults With Obesity

Who can join

Ages 18 to 50 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaking
* Men and women between 18-50 years of age
* BMI 30-40 kg/m²
* Resting blood pressure \<140/90 mm Hg
* No use of multivitamin/vitamin C supplement within past 1-month
* Non-vegetarian/non-vegan
* Willingness to follow a diet low in fruits and vegetables for two, 2-week periods

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current smoker or vaper, including tobacco, cannabis, or nicotine products
* Alcohol consumption \>2 drinks/day
* Use of antibiotics within past 1-month
* Use of probiotic supplements within past 1-month
* Use of anti-inflammatory drugs within past 1-month
* Individuals with unmanaged or poorly controlled diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension
* Known history of bleeding disorders, hemochromatosis, or kidney stones
* For Women: Pregnancy, lactation, or change in birth control within the past 3-months
* Use of certain medications that may interact with vitamin C, including blood thinners, some antiviral drugs (e.g., indinavir), and certain antipsychotic medications (e.g., fluphenazine).

About the study

This study is testing whether taking vitamin C every day can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in adults with obesity. Poor gut health-sometimes called "leaky gut"-can allow harmful substances from bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which may lead to inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease and liver problems.

Participants will complete two study periods, each lasting two weeks, with a two-week break in between. In one period, they will take vitamin C; in the other, a placebo. During each period, researchers will collect blood, urine, and stool samples, ask participants to track their diet and activity, and perform a test to measure gut permeability.

There are minimal risks, such as discomfort from blood draws or temporary stomach upset from a sugar drink. While participants may not directly benefit, their involvement will help researchers learn whether vitamin C is a safe and effective way to improve gut health in people with obesity.

What is being tested

• Vitamin C Supplement + Low Vitamin C Diet (dietary supplement)
• Placebo + Low Vitamin C Diet (dietary supplement)

Sponsor: Ohio State University · Participants: 34 · Started: Oct 1, 2025

Contact the study team

• Study Coordinator · Phone: 614-292-4751

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07151105

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.