Effects of faba bean enriched bread on iron levels and heart health
The Impact of Faba Bean Rich Bread on Iron Status, Postprandial Lipaemia and Satiety in Adults with Low Iron Stores
This study tests if eating bread made with faba bean flour can help healthy adults with low iron levels absorb more iron and improve their heart health compared to regular white bread.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Reading Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Reading, Berkshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06466746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of consuming bread enriched with faba bean flour on iron absorption, blood sugar levels, and feelings of fullness compared to conventional white bread. It aims to recruit 16 healthy, non-anaemic individuals aged 18-50 with low iron stores to participate in a randomized controlled cross-over design. Participants will consume both types of bread to assess how the faba bean enrichment influences iron bioavailability and cardiometabolic risk factors. The study seeks to provide insights into how plant-based foods can improve dietary iron intake and overall health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, non-anaemic males and pre-menopausal females aged 18-50 with low iron stores.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed anaemia, significant medical conditions, or dietary restrictions related to faba beans or gluten may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance dietary recommendations for improving iron status and reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes through plant-based foods.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on plant-based diets and iron absorption exist, this specific approach using faba bean enriched bread is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-anaemic, males and pre-menopausal females (must have regular periods) * Aged 18-50 years old * BMI between 19 - 30 kg/m2 * Low iron stores (serum ferritin between 13-40 µg/L for females and 30-90 µg/L for males) Exclusion Criteria: * Food allergies or intolerances to faba beans (favism) or gluten * Diagnosed with anaemia (haemoglobin \<115 g/L for females or \<130 g/L for males) or haemochromatosis * C-reactive protein (\>3mg/L) * Smokers * A history of alcohol abuse (\> 14 units/ week) * CVD or medical history of MI or stroke in the past 12 months * Diabetes (fasting glucose \>7.0 mmol/L) * Kidney, liver, pancreas or intestinal disease, gastrointestinal disorder or use of drugs likely to alter gastrointestinal function * Pregnancy, planning a pregnancy in the next six months or breastfeeding * Peri- and post-menopausal women or women with irregular periods * Planning on a weight-reducing regimen (lost \>3kg in last 6 months) * Parallel participation in another intervention study * Hypertension (blood pressure \> 140/90 mmHg), cancer, taking medication for hyperlipidaemia (statins), or inflammation * Taking vitamin or mineral supplements * Donated blood in the last 3 months * Any other unusual medical history or diet and lifestyle habits or practices that would preclude volunteers from participating in a dietary intervention and metabolic study (such as a pacemaker)
Where this trial is running
Reading, Berkshire
- Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading — Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julie A Lovegrove, BSc PhD
- Email: j.a.lovegrove@reading.ac.uk
- Phone: 011 44 118 378 6418
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.