(P11-041-25) Study Protocol Abstract: Effect of Peanut Butter on Gut and Metabolic Health in School-Aged Children

Objectives: Peanuts are a leguminous crop rich in nutrients, including healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), protein, vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, and iron. Their functional benefits stem from compounds like resveratrol, procyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which positively influence the gut microbiome. Studies show peanuts improve gut microbiome diversity and cognition in adults, but research in children is lacking. This study examines how eight weeks of daily smooth peanut butter consumption affects gut health, metabolic and inflammatory markers, sleep quality, microbiome diversity, gut barrier function, transit time, satiety, and cardiometabolic health in school-aged children, a population likely to benefit from early interventions to reduce disease risk.

Methods: This randomized, parallel-arm trial examines the effects of daily peanut butter consumption on gut and metabolic health in 60 children aged 6–13. Over eight weeks, the peanut butter group will consume a snack with smooth peanut butter, while the control group will have an isocaloric nut-free chocolate spread, both tailored to provide 20% of their daily estimated caloric needs based on age and sex. Data collection at baseline, week 4, and week 8 includes 3-day food logs, anthropometrics, physical activity and sleep habit questionnaires, and samples (blood, urine, fecal, and whole mouth oral swabs). Analyses will assess microbiome and metabolome, gut transit time (blue-dye capsules), lipid profiles, glucose, inflammation, appetite hormones, and urinary serotonin/melatonin metabolites.

Results: The study enrollment and data collection are ongoing.

Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate the prebiotic effects of daily peanut butter consumption on gut health in children, focusing on microbiome composition, diversity, gut barrier function, and transit time. Findings could inform dietary recommendations and promote the use of peanuts to improve gut health and reduce metabolic disorder risks in children.

Funding Sources: The Peanut Institute Foundation