The Impact of Faba Bean Rich Bread on Iron Status, Postprandial Lipaemia and Satiety

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF READING · Jun 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how eating bread made with faba bean flour affects iron absorption, blood fat levels, and feelings of fullness in healthy adults aged 18 to 50 who have low iron stores. Researchers want to find out if this pulse-enriched bread, which is rich in nutrients, can be a better option than regular white bread for improving iron levels and potentially reducing risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

To participate in the study, individuals must be non-anemic, between 18 and 50 years old, and have a body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 30. They should also have low iron levels but not have any food allergies to faba beans or gluten. Participants will visit the study site seven times over 60 days, where they will consume meals with either the faba bean-enriched bread or regular bread, provide blood samples, and share how full they feel after eating. This research could help improve dietary recommendations and promote healthier eating habits.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Non-anaemic, males and pre-menopausal females (must have regular periods)
• • Aged 18-50 years old
• • BMI between 19 - 30 kg/m2
• • Low iron stores (serum ferritin between 13-40 µg/L for females and 30-90 µg/L for males)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Food allergies or intolerances to faba beans (favism) or gluten
• • Diagnosed with anaemia (haemoglobin \<115 g/L for females or \<130 g/L for males) or haemochromatosis
• • C-reactive protein (\>3mg/L)
• • Smokers
• • A history of alcohol abuse (\> 14 units/ week)
• • CVD or medical history of MI or stroke in the past 12 months
• • Diabetes (fasting glucose \>7.0 mmol/L)
• • Kidney, liver, pancreas or intestinal disease, gastrointestinal disorder or use of drugs likely to alter gastrointestinal function
• • Pregnancy, planning a pregnancy in the next six months or breastfeeding
• • Peri- and post-menopausal women or women with irregular periods
• • Planning on a weight-reducing regimen (lost \>3kg in last 6 months)
• • Parallel participation in another intervention study
• • Hypertension (blood pressure \> 140/90 mmHg), cancer, taking medication for hyperlipidaemia (statins), or inflammation
• • Taking vitamin or mineral supplements
• • Donated blood in the last 3 months
• • Any other unusual medical history or diet and lifestyle habits or practices that would preclude volunteers from participating in a dietary intervention and metabolic study (such as a pacemaker)