Examining zinc and iron absorption from common beans in young women

Zinc and Iron Absorption From Common Beans in Young Adult Women

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Davis · NCT06327529

This study tests how different types of common beans affect the absorption of zinc and iron in healthy young women.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 24 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Davis, California)
Trial IDNCT06327529 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adult women with regular menstrual cycles who consume beans regularly and have a low usual iron intake.

Not a fit: Patients who dislike or are allergic to beans or those currently taking iron supplements may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: While studies on mineral absorption from foods are common, this specific approach using isotopic labeling in common beans is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Davis, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Zinc AbsorptionIron Absorptionzincironabsorptionphytatepolyphenolsbeans
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.