Measuring how well vitamin A is absorbed from fortified bouillon

Evaluation of Vitamin A Absorption From Fortified Bouillon Using Post-prandial Retinyl Ester Response in Comparison With an Oil-based Vitamin A Supplement

Not applicable Interventional University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06438562

This study tests how well different types of vitamin A added to bouillon are absorbed by healthy women aged 18 to 49 to find the best option for improving vitamin A levels.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Madison, Wisconsin and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06438562 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the absorption of different formulations of vitamin A palmitate when added to bouillon. Healthy adult women aged 18 to 49 will participate in a crossover design, consuming various bouillon treatments and undergoing blood sampling to measure vitamin A levels. The study seeks to determine which formulation is most effective in enhancing vitamin A absorption, addressing a significant public health issue related to vitamin A deficiency in low-income regions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy, nonpregnant women aged 18 to 49 with a BMI between 18.5 and 30.0.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions such as active eating disorders or chronic illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new method for improving vitamin A intake in populations at risk of deficiency.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of fortifying bouillon with vitamin A is promising, this specific study design is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy, nonpregnant women
* ≥18 and \<49 years of age
* Able and willing to provide informed consent
* Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 to 30.0 kg/m2
* Willing and able to undergo study procedures, including: repeated blood sampling, a baseline hemoglobin and pregnancy test, adherence to a low-vitamin A diet at specified times throughout the study, consumption of provided meals (specifically, a breakfast of bouillon, peanut butter, and a bagel or bread), and, except for the Screening visit, foregoing alcohol for at least 2 days before each visit and fasting for ≥8 hours before each visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant
* Breastfeeding a child under 1 year of age
* Allergic to soy or peanut butter
* Current use of smoking tobacco products or any other form of nicotine
* Active eating disorder diagnosis
* Current diagnosis of acute or chronic illness, including hepatitis, Celiac's disease, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis
* Moderate or severe anemia according to World Health Organization guidelines (i.e., hemoglobin ≤10.9 g/dL)
* Unable or unwilling to refrain from consuming alcohol when required
* Unable or unwilling to discontinue consumption of foods that are high in vitamin A and of vitamin A supplements when required during the study
* Taking prescription oral medication that includes a retinoid, e.g., isotretinoin/ Accutane
* Taking proton pump inhibitors.
* Unable/unwilling to avoid taking antacids during the fasting period prior to sample collection
* Unable/unwilling to fast for periods of at least 10 hours at a time
* Status relationship with a member of the study team.
* Unable to fulfill study requirements per the judgment of the investigator

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin and 2 other locations

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 Healthy VolunteersVitamin A
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.