Improving vitamin E and K absorption with eggs and spinach

Achieving Nutritional Adequacy Of Vitamins E and K With An Egg/Plant-Based Food Pairing - Study 1

NA · Ohio State University · NCT04287816

This study is testing if eating hard-boiled eggs with spinach can help people absorb more vitamins E and K.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University (other)
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT04287816 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the bioavailability of vitamins E and K by pairing deuterium-labeled spinach with varying amounts of hard-boiled eggs. Participants will consume spinach with different quantities of eggs to assess how this food pairing affects the absorption of these essential nutrients. The study will utilize a randomized cross-over design to evaluate the impact of egg intake on the plasma levels of vitamins E and K derived from spinach. The goal is to establish an effective dietary strategy to improve nutrient adequacy in individuals with low intake of these vitamins.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults with a BMI between 19-25 who do not have any gastrointestinal disorders and are not taking medications that affect lipid or glucose metabolism.

Not a fit: Patients with egg allergies, those who are pregnant or lactating, and individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the nutritional status of individuals who struggle to meet their vitamin E and K requirements.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific pairing of eggs and spinach is novel, previous studies have indicated that dietary fat can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Body Mass Index (BMI) = 19-25 kg/m2
* Normolipidemic (total cholesterol \<240 mg/dL; triglyceride \<150 mg/dL)
* Fasting glucose \<100 mg/dL
* Normal hematocrit level (41%-50% for men and 36%-48% for women)
* Normal hemoglobin level (13.5-17.5 g/dL for men and 12.0-15.5 g/dL for women)
* No use of dietary supplements for \>1 month
* No use of medications that affect lipid or glucose metabolism
* Non-smoker
* No history of gastrointestinal disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

* Egg allergy
* Alcohol intake \> 2 drinks per day
* Aerobic activity \>7 h/wk
* Body mass change \>2 kg in the past 1 month
* Women who are pregnant, lactating, or initiated or changed birth control in the past 3 month
* Vegetarian

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Nutritional Requirements, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Egg, Spinach

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.