Impact of Lentils and Chickpeas on Gut Health and Metabolism

The Effect of Regular Lentil and Chickpea Intake on Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health in Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Florida State University · NCT06914375

This study is testing whether eating lentils and chickpeas every day for eight weeks can improve gut health and metabolism in healthy young adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorFlorida State University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Tallahassee, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06914375 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates how daily consumption of whole-cooked chickpeas and lentils for eight weeks affects gut health and metabolic parameters in healthy young adults. Participants will be divided into groups consuming either chickpeas, lentils, or a control diet without pulses. The study aims to assess changes in the gut microbiome, metabolic health, and inflammation levels, as well as the feasibility of incorporating these foods into daily diets. The findings could provide insights into dietary interventions for improving gut health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adults aged 18 to 30 who can read and speak English.

Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, or endocrine disorders, as well as those with food allergies to study foods, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how dietary pulses can improve gut microbiome health and metabolic outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of lentils and chickpeas has not been extensively studied, similar dietary interventions have shown promising results in improving gut health and metabolic markers.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 18 and 30 years old
* Ability to speak and read in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intake of antibiotics in the last 3 months
* Intake of pre/pro/postbiotics in the last 3 months
* Current or past (within the last 6 months) user of tobacco, marijuana, or E-cigarette products
* Cardiovascular disease (heart failure, hypertension, hyper/dyslipidemia, past myocardial infarction)
* Gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, peptic ulcers, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, fistulas, suspected or known gastric strictures, gastritis, radiation enteritis, GI bleeding, gastric bezoar, recent GI surgery in the last 3 months, etc..),
* Neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, meningitis, recent stroke) or endocrine disorders (uncontrolled thyroid disorders, growth hormone disorders, adrenal gland disorders, uncontrolled or insulin dependent diabetes - A1C \> 9%).
* Food allergy to study foods (pulses or soy, milk, peanuts, tree nuts)
* Regular consumption of pulses (\>1 cup/wk for males; \>0.5 cup/wk for females)
* Current heavy alcohol use (≥ 15 drinks / week for men, ≥ 8 drinks / week for women)
* Class 3 Obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m2)
* Known to be currently pregnant (self-disclosed).

Where this trial is running

Tallahassee, Florida

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 Dysbiosisfibergutmicrobiomepulseschickpealentilyoung adults
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.