Examining zinc and iron absorption from common beans in young women
Official title: Zinc and Iron Absorption From Common Beans in Young Adult Women
Run by University of California, Davis · NCT06327529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how different types of common beans affect the absorption of zinc and iron in healthy young women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Davis, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06327529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy young adult women with regular menstrual cycles who consume beans regularly and have a low usual iron intake.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who dislike or are allergic to beans or those currently taking iron supplements may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how different varieties of common beans affect the absorption of zinc and iron in healthy young adult women. Fifteen participants will undergo a randomized crossover design, attending ten visits where they will consume beans with varying phytate and polyphenol contents. Blood samples will be taken to measure the absorption of isotopically labeled zinc and iron over a series of visits, allowing researchers to assess the bioavailability of these essential minerals. The study aims to provide insights into dietary sources of zinc and iron and their absorption dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance dietary recommendations for improving zinc and iron absorption in young women.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on mineral absorption from foods are common, this specific approach using isotopic labeling in common beans is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy eumenorrheic (regular monthly menstrual cycles of 25-30-days in length) * BMI 18.5 - 30 kg/m2 * Regular consumer of beans, i.e. ≥ 4 servings per month * Usual iron intake estimated by Food Frequency Questionnaire to be less than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of 18 mg/d (8) * Subject is willing and able to comply with the study protocols. * Subject is willing to participate in all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Dislike or allergy to beans * Self-reported current or recent pregnancy (within the past 12 months) * Self-reported recent termination of pregnancy (3 months if abortion in 1st or 2nd trimester, or 12 months if in 3rd trimester) * Self-reported plans to become pregnant during the study period * Self-reported cancer * Self-reported surgery without the past 12 months * Currently taking prescription drugs, other than for contraception, or any nutritional supplements * Any daily iron supplementation within the past 12 months. * Currently breastfeeding * Any medical conditions affecting iron or zinc metabolism (such as hemochromatosis or sickle cell disease)
Where it's running
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Department of Nutrition
Davis, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrew G Hall, PhD — University of California, Davis
- Study coordinator: Roberta R Holt, PhD
- Email: rrholt@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 530-400-5952
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.