🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-07-15

Effects of Goji vs. Fiber on Macular Degeneration (NCT06237127)

Effects of Goji Berry Intake on Risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 📋 Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: University of California, Davis

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The goal of this project is to conduct a clinical trial in 60 participants ranging from age 65-95 who are at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study will evaluate the effects of 14g of goji berry intake or an equivalent amount and type of fiber, five days a week for six months, on visual health, gut microbiome profiles, skin carotenoid measures, and lipoprotein profiles.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (14 items).

Location: UC Davis Eye Center, Tschannen Eye Institute — Sacramento, California

Age range: 65 Years to 95 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Dislike of, or allergy to, goji berries or any of the ingredients in the fiber-rich wafers and gummies (wheat, corn, oats, soy, natural orange flavor, xylitol, annatto, pectin, or other food ingredients)
  • Consumption of \> 2 alcoholic drinks per day
  • Indications of substance or alcohol abuse
  • Current or planned use of a blood thinner (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin) at any time during study
  • Use of multi-vitamin or any other supplements that contain lutein and/or zeaxanthin (if willing to stop the supplement, subject can be enrolled 6 months from stop date)
  • Taking any new medications started within the past 6 months, or changes in medication regimen planned in the next 6 months (stable use greater than 6 months is not exclusionary)
  • Any planned international travel during the study
  • Consuming \>3 servings/day of a combination of spinach, kale, lettuce, orange bell peppers, corn, parsley, squash, broccoli, pumpkin, edamame
  • Regularly consuming \>3 eggs/day
  • Currently participating in any other interventional research study
  • Diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, other gastrointestinal disorder, undergoing cancer therapy or immunocompromised, or diagnosis of another condition where lutein, zeaxanthin and/or fiber supplementation would be contraindicated or would interfere with ability to participate in the study

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • UC Davis Eye Center, Tschannen Eye Institute — Sacramento, California

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (916) 734-6303

Email: dcmacias@ucdavis.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

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💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗