VertiGreens: iron‑enriched microgreens for women's iron health
VertiGreens Investigating the Effects of Iron Biofortification of Microgreens on Iron Status in Women
NA · University of Aberdeen · NCT06972927
This study will see if adding iron‑biofortified microgreens to daily smoothies for 28 days increases iron intake and improves iron biomarkers in women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Aberdeen (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aberdeen) |
| Trial ID | NCT06972927 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a within‑subject dietary intervention where participants receive smoothie kits containing microgreens grown with agronomic iron biofortification for 28 days. Women will add the provided microgreens to their diet and researchers will measure iron biomarkers before and after the intervention. The study also records habitual diet, BMI, physical activity and gastrointestinal symptoms to contextualize changes in iron status. It is a proof‑of‑concept, exploratory trial testing diet‑based biofortification using vertical farming systems.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy women aged 18–49 (reproductive age) or postmenopausal women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, not taking iron or vitamin B12 supplements, and who meet the hemoglobin screening threshold are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with existing iron or B12 deficiency anemia, recent anemia requiring treatment, Hb <120 g/L, gastrointestinal disorders, bariatric surgery, or other listed medical exclusions are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a food‑based way to increase iron intake and improve iron status in women without relying on supplements.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of iron biofortification in staple crops have improved iron intake or biomarkers in some populations, but using iron‑enriched microgreens grown in vertical farms is a novel, early‑stage approach with limited human data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy females * 15 of reproductive age (18-49) * 15 postmenopausal (not had their period for an entire year) Exclusion Criteria: Medication exclusion criteria: * Supplementing iron or vitamin B12 * Smoking or vaping * Taking anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) except for Aspirin 75mg Medical exclusion criteria: * Anyone who is planning to be pregnant, is pregnant or breastfeeding * Anyone with iron or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia * Anyone with history of anaemia in the past 3 months that required treatment * Anyone who has Hb \<120 g/L (12 g/dL) at screening * Anyone with food allergies to banana, mango, pineapple, coconut * Anyone with coeliac disease * Anyone suffering from a psychiatric disorder or any type of substance abuse * Anyone with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes * Anyone suffering from unregulated thyroid disease * Anyone with gastrointestinal conditions or bariatric surgery * Anyone with haematological conditions including Thrombocytopaenia and Sickle cell anaemia Other exclusion criteria: * Anyone with unsuitable veins for blood sampling * Anyone who donated blood in the last 16 weeks * Anyone who is unable to fluently speak, read and understand English
Where this trial is running
Aberdeen
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen — Aberdeen, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandra Johnstone, Prof — University of Aberdeen, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Johnstone, Prof
- Email: alex.johnstone@abdn.ac.uk
- Phone: 01224 438614
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.
Conditions: Iron Biomarkers/Status, vertical farming, iron biomarkers, iron status, biofortification, microgreens