NCT07009756

How Cricket Powder Affects Gut Microbiome and Cholesterol Metabolism

Impact of Dietary Supplementation With Cricket Powder on Intestinal Microbiota and Cholesterol Metabolism

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 17 (actual)
• Sponsor: Mahidol University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, including in Thailand. One of the major risk factors for CVD is dyslipidemia, or abnormal levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Recent research suggests that the balance of gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in the digestive system, may play a key role in regulating cholesterol levels and overall metabolism. This study explored the potential health benefits of cricket powder, a high-protein food that is already safely consumed in many parts of the world. Previous studies have shown that cricket powder may increase the number of beneficial gut bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium animalis, which supports the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) known to improve fat metabolism. Although crickets are considered safe to eat, more research is needed to understand their effects on gut health and blood cholesterol, especially in people with high cholesterol levels. This study assessed the safety of cricket powder consumption and whether it can help improve gut microbiota balance and lower cholesterol in Thai adults.

Conditions

• Hypercholesterolemia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Cricket Powder	The intervention product is each serving of cricket powder, which contains 21.5 grams of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) powder blended with pumpkin powder, packed in a sachet. The powder is prepared under sterile conditions and heat-treated to ensure microbiological safety, in compliance with Thai public health regulations. Each serving of cricket powder will be consumed together with 32 grams of instant pork-flavored congee, serving as the food base. This intervention is distinguished by its use of whole cricket powder as a natural, food-based source of protein, chitin, and bioactive compounds, rather than isolated nutrients or supplements. Unlike many clinical studies that use encapsulated insect protein, purified chitin, or insect extracts, this study utilizes a whole-food approach, incorporating cricket powder into a culturally relevant format, congee, to reflect real-life dietary practices.
OTHER	Placebo	32 grams of instant pork-flavored congee that does not contain cricket powder

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-15
• Primary completion: 2024-06-19
• Completion: 2024-06-19
• First posted: 2025-06-08
• Last updated: 2025-06-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Thailand