Actively Recruiting
Zinc and Iron Absorption From Common Beans in Young Adult Women
Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2026-02-20
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how well young adult women absorb zinc and iron from four different varieties of common beans that have various levels of phytate and polyphenols. These natural compounds in beans can reduce how much zinc and iron the body can absorb. This randomized crossover study aims to measure both fractional and total absorption of these minerals to better understand their bioavailability from beans. Fifteen female participants aged 19 to 24 will take part in the study. Each will consume beans enriched with specific isotopes of zinc and iron during meals, allowing precise measurement of mineral absorption. The study includes multiple visits: initial screening, baseline blood sampling with zinc isotope intake, consecutive-day feeding of enriched beans, and follow-up blood tests to measure zinc and iron levels. The study design accounts for menstrual cycle timing to reduce hormonal effects on zinc metabolism. Participants will attend a total of 10 visits, including questionnaires on health and diet, urine pregnancy tests, blood draws after fasting, and dietary recalls. Blood samples will be analyzed for zinc and iron isotopes to assess absorption. Researchers will monitor participants for any changes in pregnancy status during the study. The main outcomes measured are fractional zinc and iron absorption 24 hours after intake, with total absorption as secondary measures. The study is sponsored by the University of California, Davis and will continue until the end of 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Zinc and Iron Absorption From Common Beans in Young Adult Women
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female participants aged 19 to 24 years
- Healthy with regular menstrual cycles of 25 to 30 days
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2
- Regular consumer of beans, at least 4 servings per month
- Usual iron intake estimated to be less than 18 mg per day
- Willing and able to comply with study procedures and participate fully
You will not qualify if you...
- Allergy or dislike of beans
- Current or recent pregnancy within the past 12 months
- Recent pregnancy termination within specified timeframes depending on trimester
- Plans to become pregnant during the study
- History of cancer
- Surgery within the past 12 months
- Taking prescription drugs other than contraception or nutritional supplements
- Daily iron supplementation within the past 12 months
- Currently breastfeeding
- Medical conditions affecting iron or zinc metabolism such as hemochromatosis or sickle cell disease
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 6 weeks
Participants consume meals containing different varieties of beans enriched with specific isotopes of zinc and iron over several visits to measure absorption. Blood samples and dietary recalls are collected to assess zinc and iron levels.
10 visits including visits on consecutive days and spaced over several weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Nutrition
Davis, California, United States, 95616
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Roberta R Holt, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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