About this trial
The goal of this single-arm feasibility, pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of the Herbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program (HSNP-focusing on incorporating herbs and spices into the diet for adherence to the DGA's) for determining the scalability of implementing this intervention for a larger scale, more comprehensive study The main questions it aims to answer are:
* What is the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating herbs and spices into the diet along with DGA-focused nutrition education through the HSNP in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the preliminary effects of the HSNP on dietary intake/quality, cardiometabolic, and gut health in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the barriers associated with HSNP implementation in college students with poor dietary quality?
Participants will:
* Be asked to come to the study site initially for a Screening Study Visit to confirm eligibility. * Be asked to come the clinical study site for a Pre-HSNP and Post-HSNP Study Visit (one week prior starting the HSNP and after week 6 of completing the HSNP) for assessments of cardiometabolic and gut health. * Be asked to come to the Nutrition Center for weeks 0 and 3 of the HSNP, where they will receive education on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the health benefits of herbs and spices, have a sensory evaluation of foods, be provided budget-friendly recipes and resources, and given take-home herbs, spices, and supporting materials * Be asked to complete 3-Day Food Records throughout the 6 week study period for assessment of dietary quality (4 total)
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
College students (undergraduate and graduate)
Ages 18-39 years
BMI 18.5-40 kg/m
Having poor dietary quality (a Rapid Prime Diet Quality Score of 12 or below),
Disqualifiers
Individuals diagnosed with myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
Uncontrolled hypertension
BMIs <18.5 or >40 kg/m2
Autoimmune disease or immune compromised
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Herbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lead sponsor
McCormick Science Institute
Collaborator