Evaluating a 6-Week Pulse Nutrition Program for Children Ages 6 to 13 to Study Effects on Gut and Metabolic Health

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a 6-week pulse-focused nutrition intervention in children aged 6 to 13 years to study its effects on gut and metabolic health. The study aims to assess how well children adhere to a diet including 1.5 cups of pulses weekly and its impact on gut microbiome diversity, metabolomic profiles, and gut barrier function. Secondary goals include examining changes in metabolic health markers and inflammation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group receives pulse nutrition education plus weekly pre-measured pulses black beans, lentils, chickpeas with individualized dietitian counseling, while the other group receives pulse nutrition education only and purchases pulses on their own. Both groups follow a stepwise intake plan increasing from 0.5 cups in Week 1 to 1.5 cups from Weeks 3 to 6, preparing three pulse-based meals weekly. During the study, families will track adherence through food logs and surveys on meal satisfaction and child acceptance. Researchers will collect data from baseline to Week 6 on pulse intake adherence, gut microbiome changes, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and gut barrier markers. Follow-up at Week 12 will assess pulse intake sustainability. Additional measurements include blood lipid profiles, glucose levels, metabolomics, gut transit time, inflammatory markers, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Total participation lasts at least 6 weeks with extended evaluation at Week 12.

Pulse Education and Children