Optimizing pulse (beans, lentils, peas) intake for cardiometabolic health
Official title: Pulses: Optimizing Pulse Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health
Run by University of Arizona · NCT06861153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether eating 1.5 or 3 cups of pulses each week helps adults who currently eat less than 1.5 cups/week improve cholesterol, inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Arizona Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tucson, Arizona and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06861153 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age ≥18) who currently consume less than 1.5 cup-equivalents of pulses per week and are able to participate in a 12-week dietary program and in-person visits in Tucson, Arizona.
✕Probably not a fit
People who already consume high amounts of pulses, have pulse allergies or intolerances, or cannot make the required dietary changes are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, parallel-arm trial that assigns adults with low baseline pulse intake to one of three groups: a MyPlate-based nutrition education control, a pulses 1.5 cups/week group, or a pulses 3.0 cups/week group. All groups attend six cooking classes and receive nutrition education, while the two intervention groups are provided with pulse servings to take home for 12–14 weeks. Primary outcomes include LDL-C, CRP, HbA1c, and blood pressure, with secondary outcomes covering full lipid profile, Healthy Eating Index, and measures of life and food satisfaction. Randomization is balanced by gender and conducted via REDCap at study sites in Tucson, Arizona.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, food-based approach to lower LDL cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and modestly improve blood sugar and blood pressure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials and meta-analyses indicate pulses can lower LDL cholesterol and modestly improve glycemic control, but rigorous dose-response randomized data are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years old (with no upper age limit) * Currently consuming less than 1.5 cup-equivalents of pulses per week * Willing and able to participate in a 12-week dietary intervention focused on increased pulse consumption * Able to communicate in English and provide written informed consent * Assessed as suitable to participate in a nutrition intervention by the study dietitian or primary healthcare provider Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals already consuming \>150 minutes/week of pulse-based dietary programming or otherwise regularly meeting high pulse intake benchmarks at baseline * Patients with food allergies or intolerances that preclude the consumption of pulses * Individuals who have not received clearance from their healthcare provider to make significant dietary modifications * Participants anticipating major changes in dietary habits due to elective surgery, planned relocation, or other lifestyle alterations during the study period (12 weeks)
Where it's running
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, United States Recruiting -
Tucson Village Farm
Tucson, Arizona, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kenneth Wilud, PhD
- Email: kwilund@arizona.edu
- Phone: 520-626-3718
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.