NCT07082348 · University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of Herbs and Spices for Improving Dietary Quality in College Students: A Pilot Study
(HerbSpicesDiet)
What this study is about
The goal of this single-treatment group$1 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)
View original scientific description
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Herbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program
Participants will attend two group visits at the UNLV Nutrition Center (weeks 0 and 3 of the 6-week intervention), where trained RDs will deliver the HSNP, covering the principles and health benefits of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), recommended food group intake, and practical, budget-friendly strategies for incorporating herbs and spices into the diet. Sessions will include education, supporting materials, and a sensory evaluation of 20 foods (spanning fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and proteins) prepared with various herbs and spices, rated using a 9-point hedonic scale to identify preferred flavor profiles and promote long-term DGA adherence through enhanced taste and acceptability.
Primary outcome measures
Changes in Dietary Quality
Time frame: Pre- and Post- HSNP: 6 weeks
Dietary Quality measured via Health Eating Index-2020 from three-day food records using NCI's Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool. The index score will be from 0-100, with 0 indicating poorest diet quality and 100 excellent.
Changes In Dietary Intake
Time frame: Pre- and Post- HSNP: 6 weeks
Dietary intake measured from three-day food records using NCI's Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool, will be measured throughout the study period to indicate any changes in overall macro and micro nutrient intake between the treatment and comparative control group.
Feasibility of HSNP
Time frame: Pre- and Post- HSNP: 6 weeks
To recruit at least 80% of the target sample size (24 out of 30 participants), retain at least 85% of enrolled participants through to the end HSNP (no more than 4 dropouts), deliver ≥90% of planned HSNP intervention, and collect ≥90% of three-day food records through the study period.
Adherence of HSNP
Time frame: Pre- and Post- HSNP: 6 weeks
To have ≥80% of participants completing the whole HSNP (attending both study visits and nutrition education sessions; 24 out of 30 participants)
Acceptability of HSNP
Time frame: Pre- and Post- HSNP: 6 weeks
To asses acceptability at the 3-week HSNP visit and upon completing of HSNP via survey and optional semi-structured interviews. The survey will include Likert-Scale items (1-5 and 1-10) across satisfaction, perceived relevance, taste, convenience, and likelihood of continued use.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 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),
- Maintain current lifestyle habits (e.g., medications/ supplement use, exercise, and sleep), and avoid taking new supplements or medications throughout the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals diagnosed with myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- BMIs \<18.5 or \>40 kg/m2
- Autoimmune disease or immune compromised
- A recent diagnosis of cancer or under current treatment for cancer
- A history of kidney stones
- Having pacemaker
- Participating in a weight loss program
- Having a history of any significant GI disease
- Insulin use
- Currently on dialysis
- Currently consuming pro-/pre-biotics or antiobiotics
- Diagnosed with unstable chronic metabolic disease
- Have allergies to any herbs and spices
- Are pregnant/nursing
- Participating in another investigational study
- Unable or unwilling to give consent
Where
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Collaborators
McCormick Science Institute
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 24, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations