Plain-English translation of NCT07437430 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This is a small pilot study designed to see whether potassium sorbate—a preservative commonly added to foods—affects how much people eat over a 24-hour period. Researchers will give participants either the additive or a placebo (a dummy treatment) one at a time, with a break in between, to measure any differences in food consumption. The study is trying to understand whether food additives might play a role in obesity.
Very little is known about how food additives in our everyday diet might contribute to weight gain. This pilot study is a first step to see if it's possible to measure these effects in humans, which could eventually help us understand and prevent obesity.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You would first reduce your intake of foods containing similar additives for a period of time. Then you would receive either the food additive or a placebo as a one-time dose, and researchers would measure how much you eat over the next 24 hours. After a washout period (to let the first dose clear your system), you would do the same process again with whichever treatment you didn't receive first. The study involves eating foods provided during testing sessions.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
Canada
Sponsor
McMaster University
Collaborators
Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization
Enrollment target
~20 participants
Started
February 2026
Primary completion
June 2026
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
20 Years – 80 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in February 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Natalia McInnes, MD, MSc
McMaster University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.