Clinical trials rely on volunteers–everyday people who help researchers understand how foods, supplements, or medical products affect human health. But who actually participates in these studies? The answer may surprise you.
Participants come from all walks of life, and each person plays a vital role in advancing scientific discovery. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important factors when it comes to who participates in clinical trials.
Clinical trials are designed to include a wide range of participants so researchers can see how different populations respond to a product or intervention. Diversity helps ensure that findings are accurate, inclusive, and applicable to real-world settings.
Volunteers may differ in age, gender, background, and health status. Some trials focus on specific groups, such as adults over 50, individuals with certain health conditions, or people who follow particular diets. Others seek healthy participants to help researchers understand baseline effects of nutrition or lifestyle changes.
Not all clinical trials involve people who are ill. Many nutrition-based studies look for healthy volunteers who meet specific criteria, such as having a stable weight, normal blood pressure, or no chronic diseases. These studies often examine how diet or supplementation affects wellness, metabolism, or nutrient absorption.
Other trials focus on participants with certain conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or digestive concerns, to test whether a particular nutritional approach may improve outcomes. By comparing results across groups, researchers can better understand how interventions work in different populations.
Before enrolling, potential participants go through a screening process. This step ensures that individuals meet the study’s inclusion criteria and that it’s safe for them to take part. Screening may involve answering health questionnaires, undergoing physical exams, or providing samples for lab tests.
Researchers carefully match participants to study requirements–for example, age range, dietary habits, or medical history–to maintain accuracy and protect volunteer safety.
People join clinical trials for many reasons. Some are curious about contributing to science or learning more about their own health. Others may be motivated by access to new nutritional approaches or professional health assessments.
Many participants find satisfaction in knowing their involvement helps develop better dietary recommendations, preventive strategies, or health products that could benefit others in the future.
Participation in a clinical trial comes with important responsibilities. Volunteers are expected to attend scheduled visits, follow study instructions, and communicate openly with researchers about any changes in health or habits. This consistency helps maintain data quality and ensures that the results accurately reflect the effects of the intervention.
Clinical research depends on people who are willing to give their time and trust to science. Each volunteer contributes valuable data that helps researchers uncover how nutrition impacts human health on a deeper level.
Whether you’re a healthy adult, someone managing a specific condition, or simply interested in contributing to progress, participating in a clinical trial is a meaningful way to be part of scientific discovery.
Biofortis is dedicated to protecting consumer health throughout the world by delivering a wide range of testing and consultancy services to the food, supplement, and nutrition industries. Biofortis supports this mission in two ways–through clinical trials and sensory and consumer insights testing. We specialize in clinical research targeting foods, ingredients, and dietary supplements that affect body structures, function, and overall health. Contact us with any clinical trial or scientific consulting needs.