REMEDY Study

Why is this research important?

Both diet and the gut microbiome play crucial roles in preventing and managing modern diseases. However, gut microbiome profiles vary significantly across the world due to environmental, lifestyle, and dietary differences.

The interactions between Asian diets and the gut microbiome remain poorly understood. This highlights the need for research on Asian diets, prebiotics, and postbiotics, as well as their impact on gut microbiome composition and overall health. Insights from this study will be key to advancing precision nutrition tailored to Asian populations.

What does participation involve?

As a participant, you will take part in a 9-day full-feeding research study. During this period, we will collect biological samples, including blood, stool, urine, saliva, and skin, for sequencing and analysis. You will also be asked to complete a series of questionnaires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please attach any other enquiries in the "Research/Donors" section of the enquiry form.

1. How long is the REMEDY study?
   
   The study lasts 8 days, with an additional 1-day onboarding session. You'll also receive a full 8-day meal plan. On the day before your study begins, you'll attend a one-hour onboarding session. Additionally, you will need to complete a DEXA scan at an external facility, which you can schedule at your convenience.
   
   
2. Can I choose when to undergo the REMEDY study?
   
   Yes, you will receive a scheduling link to select your preferred onboarding date. You can choose a time that works best for you. Separate links will also be provided to schedule your DEXA scan, room calorimetry (if applicable), and meal deliveries.
   
   
3. Are the meal plans fixed? Can I consume other food during the study?
   
   Yes, the meals provided in the study are fixed. To avoid study bias, we cannot provide meal details in advance. However, the food is reflective of a typical Singaporean diet and includes bee hoon, rice, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
   
   You are advised to consume only the provided meals and water during the study period. If you eat anything else, please log it in the food diary app.
   
   
4. How will the meals be delivered? Can I choose the delivery address for my meals?
   
   All meals will be delivered frozen in one batch for the 8-day intervention to one chosen delivery address. You can select your preferred delivery address, date, and time. The delivery schedule will be confirmed at a later stage. You may bring the meals to office as needed. Please ensure you have sufficient space in your freezer and/or fridge to store all the meals.
   
   
5. What biological samples are collected, and how are they taken?
   
   You will have to collect stool, urine, saliva, skin, and blood (via finger prick) samples. The samples are collected using at-home kits, which are designed for minimal invasiveness. Different samples will be collected on different days, with detailed instructions provided during the onboarding session.
   
   You will only have to return the samples at the end of your study on Day 8 via self-return or courier pick-up.
   
   
6. What are the reports provided post-study?
   
   You will receive reports on your gut health, blood, urine, glucose levels, and DEXA scan results.
   
   
7. Do I have to change my daily activity, sleeping or eating habits to fit the study?
   
   You do not need to adjust your routine. We encourage you to maintain your usual daily habits for accurate data capture of your lifestyle.