Impact of Peanut Consumption on Stress, Immune Function, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Health in High-Stress Individuals

Inclusion Criteria

• Males and females
• 18-65 years old
• BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 39.9 kg/ m2
• Recruitment will be based on Perceived Stress Scale - 4 (PSS-4) score

Exclusion Criteria

• Less than 18 and over 65 years old
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Adults who rely on prescription medication that may influence study variables, apart from birth control
• BMI \< 18.5 kg/m2 and > 39.9 kg/m2
• Smokers who currently use tobacco- or marijuana-containing products including e-cigarettes, vape pens, pod mods, tanks, and electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS)
• Habitual consumption of nuts, nut butters, nut powders, nut side dishes, nut bars or other nut products
• Known food allergies (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame, corn) due to samples not prepared in a hypoallergenic environment
• Currently living in close contact with individuals who have an allergy to peanuts, in order to avoid exposing these individuals to an allergen
• Self-reported history of difficulties with blood drawing procedures including prior fainting or dizziness, or veins assessed as not suitable for four separate venipunctures by licensed phlebotomist
• Diagnosed active chronic diseases for which the individual is currently taking daily medication, including but not limited to:

• Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, asthma, autoimmune disorders, hypertension, osteoporosis
• Recent minor surgery (within 4 weeks) or major surgery (within 16 weeks)
• Known gallbladder disease or history of cholecystectomy
• History of gastrointestinal surgery, including gastric bypass surgery or resection
• Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
• Recent antibiotic therapy (within 4 weeks)
• Recent hospitalization (within 4 weeks)
• Current participation in another research study
• Has HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, or another disease that affects the immune system
• Gives regular blood donations and is unwilling to stop during the study
• Blood Pressure ≥ 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic
• Current diagnoses of an eating disorder (ex. anorexia, bulimia, etc.)
• High - very high triglyceride levels: ≥ 300 mg/dL
• Adults who are unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children and teenagers), pregnant women and prisoners will be excluded from participation in the study
• Participants who are unwilling to collect and transport urine, stool and saliva samples
• Abnormal hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels
• Abnormal liver function (defined as liver enzymes that are >200% of upper limit (ALT upper limit is 43 U/L or Aspartate transaminase (AST) upper limit is 54 U/L)
• Unwillingness to discontinue probiotic, prebiotic, fiber, or other supplements (except RDA-level vitamin and mineral supplements) during the study
• Unwilling to consume study foods
• Alcohol consumption > 20 g/day