Intermittent Fasting versus Mediterranean Diet on HbA1c, Insulin Resistance, and Lipid Profile in Young Adults: A 4 Week Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial – Implications for Functional Food Development and Personalized Nutrition | ||
| مجله علوم و صنایع غذایی ایران | ||
| Volume 23, 176-ویژه نامه, July 1405, Pages 335-349 PDF (399.45 K) | ||
| Document Type: مقاله پژوهشی | ||
| DOI: 10.48311/fsct.2026.122300.83337 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ghenaa H.Abdulkreem* 1; Noor Sarhan Ahmed2; khattab Abdulsalam khattab1; Anwar Ahmed khalaf1 | ||
| 1Faculty of Agriculture / Tikrit University - Department of Food Science - Iraq. | ||
| 2Faculty of Agriculture / Samarra University - Department of Food Science - Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| To compare the short term effects of IF (12:12 schedule) and MED (4 week intervention) on glycemic indices (HbA1c and FBG), insulin resistance (HOMA IR), anthropometric measures (weight, waist circumference, BMI), lipid profile, and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) in young adults (20 25 years). A 4 week pilot RCT was conducted with 15 participants (10 IF, 5 MED; mean age 22.4 ± 1.6 years) stratified by metabolic status. Biological samples were analysed in triplicate (total 45 measurements). Adherence was monitored via 3 day food diaries reviewed weekly by a Registered Dietitian. Both dietary approaches improved metabolic outcomes. The IF group showed numerically larger reductions in FBG (Δ –8.44 vs. –5.80 mg/dL), waist circumference (Δ –2.79 vs. –1.90 cm), and BMI (Δ –0.54 vs. –0.38). The MED group demonstrated numerically greater reductions in total and LDL cholesterol (Δ –9.46 vs. –6.93 mg/dL) and hsCRP (Δ –0.42 vs. –0.35 mg/L). Between group differences reached nominal significance only for FBG, waist circumference, and BMI. These pilot data suggest that IF may have short term advantages in glycemic control and adiposity, while MED may offer greater anti inflammatory and lipid lowering benefits in Arab young adults. These findings provide a rationale for developing functional food products tailored to each dietary pattern and for integrating chrono nutrition principles into food formulation. From an industrial perspective, IF-optimized products could include meal replacements or snacks designed for specific eating windows, while MED-inspired products could focus on polyphenol-rich, prebiotic-fortified formulations targeting inflammation and cardiovascular health. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Metabolic Biomarkers; Chrono nutrition; Circadian Rhythm; Gut Microbiota; Metabolic Flexibility; Young Adults; Functional Foods Personalized Nutrition | ||
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