How chitin and vitamin C affect iron absorption from edible insects
The Effect of Chitin and Ascorbic Acid on Dietary Iron Absorption From Tenebrio Molitor Larvae in Young Women.
This test will see if adding chitin or vitamin C changes how well iron from edible insects is absorbed by women aged 18–45 with low iron stores.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT06822062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy women aged 18–45 with low iron status but without anemia will eat a series of prepared meals containing edible insects (Tenebrio molitor) with different combinations of chitin and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Iron absorption will be measured after these test meals using blood samples taken at scheduled visits. Participants must meet strict eligibility requirements (normal BMI, weight under 70 kg, no recent antibiotics or supplements, no chronic disease or pregnancy) and follow study visit procedures at ETH Zürich. The study is run by the Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich).
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–45 with normal BMI, body weight under 70 kg, and low iron stores but without anemia who can attend visits in Zurich and avoid excluded medications or supplements are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are anemic, pregnant or lactating, male, outside the BMI/weight limits, or with chronic digestive/renal/metabolic disease are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify simple ways (e.g., adding vitamin C) to improve iron uptake from sustainable insect-based foods for people with low iron stores.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies reported that iron from insects is moderately well absorbed, but the specific effects of chitin and added vitamin C on insect iron absorption have not been fully established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female aged between 18-45 years * Normal BMI (18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2) * Body weight \< 70 kg * Low iron status (being in the lower half of the serum ferritin distribution at screening) Exclusion Criteria: * Anaemia (Hb \< 12 g/dL) * Inflammation (CRP \> 5.0 mg/L) * Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant during the study or within 30 days after the discontinuation of the study intervention * Lactating up to 6 weeks before the study initiation * Chronic digestive, renal and/or metabolic diseases * Antibiotics in the last 4 weeks prior to the study and during the study * Mineral and vitamin supplementation in the last 2 weeks prior to the study and during the course of the study * Chronic medication intake (except for oral contraceptives) * Blood transfusion, blood donation or significant blood loss (accident, surgery) over the past 4 months * Earlier participation in a study using stable isotopes or in any clinical study within the last 30 days * Food allergies, especially known hypersensitivity to crustacea, dust mites, sea food, gluten, milk, or eggs * Cigarette smoking (\> 1 cigarette per day)
Where this trial is running
Zurich, Canton of Zurich
- ETH Zürich — Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Diego Moretti, Prof. — Fernfachhochschule Schweiz
- Study coordinator: Diego Moretti, Prof.
- Email: diego.moretti@ffhs.ch
- Phone: +41 44 512 09 20
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.