Effects of different types of Nebraska dry beans on gut health

Effects of Distinct Nebraska-Dry Bean Market Classes on Gut Microbiota

This study is testing whether eating different types of Nebraska dry beans can improve gut health and overall well-being in adults, both with and without obesity.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 12 (estimated)
• Ages: 19 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Nebraska Lincoln (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Lincoln, Nebraska)
• Trial ID: NCT06935435 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial investigates how various market classes of Nebraska dry beans, specifically pink beans and great northern beans, affect gut microbiota and overall health. Participants will consume these beans in isolation or as a mixture over a series of 2-week intervention periods, with washout phases in between. The study aims to assess the impact of these beans on gut microbes, blood pressure, metabolism, and gut symptoms in adults with and without obesity. By understanding the distinct effects of different bean types, the research seeks to provide insights into dietary interventions for improving gut health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 to 50 years with a stable BMI within the specified ranges and no major dietary changes in the past month.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgery or disease, or those with cardiac devices, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to tailored dietary recommendations that enhance gut health and overall well-being through specific bean consumption.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of beans on gut health are recognized, this specific comparison of distinct bean market classes is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 19 to 50 years.
2. Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant (Females Only).
3. Stable body mass index (BMI) of either 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 or 27.0-39.9 kg/m2 for the last month.
4. Has not made any major dietary changes in the last month.
5. Able to read and speak English
6. Requires no legally authorized representative (LAR).
7. Not institutionalized (e.g., prison, psychological treatment center, etc.).
8. Able to wear ambulatory blood pressure monitor and limit physical activity over a 24-hr. period.
9. Have a bowel movement at least every other day.
10. Able to collect and deliver stool samples to Innovation Campus within 4 hours of collection.
11. No known allergies or intolerance to beans.
12. Able to avoid consuming beans during the study, except for the provided beans (up to 1.5 cups/day).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has a cardiac device.
2. History of organ transplant
3. History of gastrointestinal surgery or disease diagnosed by a physician that involves the stomach, small, and large intestines (e.g., IBD, IBS, chronic constipation, diverticulosis, gastric bypass).
4. Recent history of cancer (excluding skin cancer) in the last year.
5. Current use of tobacco or vaping.
6. Current or recent use (last 3 weeks) of digestive enzymes, laxatives, dietary fiber, prebiotic, or probiotic supplements.
7. Medication or supplement regimen or dosage changed within the last 2 months or 3 weeks, respectively.
8. Taken antibiotics in the last 2 months.
9. Known allergies or intolerances to beans.
10. BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 (normoweight): Current use of oral or injectable medications for the treatment of most chronic conditions.
11. BMI 27.0-39.9 kg/m2 (overweight): Current use of oral or injectable medications for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, or autoimmune.

Where this trial is running

Lincoln, Nebraska

• Nebraska Food for Health Center — Lincoln, Nebraska, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Edward C Deehan, PhD, RD — University of Nebraska Lincoln
• Study coordinator: Edward C Deehan, PhD, RD

Conditions Dietary Intervention; Gut Microbiota; Dry Beans; Nutritional Microbiology