RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This UK study explores whether bread enriched with faba beans (a type of pulse, like peas or lentils) can help improve iron levels in healthy adults aged 18-50 who have low iron stores. It also investigates how this faba bean bread might affect blood fats and sugars, which are important for heart health and diabetes, as well as how full people feel after eating it. Researchers will compare this special bread to conventional white bread. The aim is to understand the health benefits of including more plant-based proteins like faba beans in our diet, especially for commonly eaten foods like bread.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Anemia, Iron Deficiency Cardiometabolic Disease Low Iron Stores

What is this study about?

You might have heard that eating less red meat and more plant-based foods can be good for your heart and overall health. Pulses – like beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils – are a fantastic example of healthy plant foods. They're packed with fibre, iron, and other good stuff, and they're also sustainable to grow. However, most people in the UK don't eat enough of them.

This study looks at a new idea: what if we could easily get more pulses into our diets through something we eat every day, like bread? Researchers are specifically looking at bread made with faba beans. The main goal is to find out if eating this faba bean enriched bread helps your body absorb iron better, especially if you have slightly low iron levels but aren't officially anaemic. Iron is crucial for energy and preventing feelings of tiredness.

Beyond iron, the study also wants to see if this special bread affects other important health markers. This includes your blood fat levels (like cholesterol) and blood sugar levels, which are factors in developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They'll also measure how full you feel after eating the bread, which can be helpful for managing weight. By understanding these effects, we can learn more about how plant-based bread could contribute to a healthier diet.

Key takeaways

This study investigates faba bean bread's effects on iron, blood fats, and sugars.
It aims to identify plant-based dietary benefits for common health concerns.
Compares faba bean enriched bread to regular white bread.
Participation involves seven visits over two months, including blood tests.
Focuses on healthy adults aged 18-50 with mildly low iron levels.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you should be a healthy man or a healthy woman who has regular periods, aged between 18 and 50. Your body mass index (BMI) should be within a healthy range (between 19 and 30). Importantly, you'll need to have iron levels that are a bit low, but not so low that you're considered anaemic. You also shouldn't have any serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have allergies to faba beans or gluten, or if you smoke. If you've recently donated blood, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are planning to get pregnant soon, this study isn't for you. You also can't be taking certain medications or supplements, or be trying to lose weight quickly. The researchers want to make sure the study results are clear and not affected by other health issues or lifestyle choices.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Do you have regular periods (if you are a woman)?
Have you been told your iron levels are a bit low, but you're not fully anaemic?
Do you have a healthy weight (BMI between 19-30)?
Do you have any food allergies to faba beans or gluten?
Are you currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy soon?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to attend seven study visits spread out over approximately 60 days. There will be two main study periods during which you'll eat special bread for breakfast.

During each of these two study periods, you'll have one longer visit (about 7 hours) and two shorter visits (about 2 hours each) on consecutive days. You'll either eat the faba bean bread or regular white bread, and you won't know which one you're getting at first. After a break of 28 days, you'll come back for the second study period and eat the other type of bread. The last visit will be 28 days after the second study period. You'll need to give blood samples during the two longer 7-hour visits. You'll also be asked to fill out simple questionnaires about how hungry or full you feel, and you'll need to keep a record of what you eat before and during the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a small benefit by increasing your understanding of your own iron levels and how different foods affect your body. However, the main benefit is to contribute valuable knowledge that could help improve public health guidelines for diet. Potential risks are generally low, mainly involving discomfort from blood draws. There's also a small chance of an allergic reaction if you have an unrecognised sensitivity to faba beans, though you will be screened for known allergies. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What are faba beans?

Faba beans are a type of pulse, also known as broad beans. They belong to the same family as peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

Why is iron absorption important?

Iron is vital for carrying oxygen around your body and for energy. If your body doesn't absorb enough iron, you can feel tired and run down. This is called iron deficiency.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The study information provided does not mention payment for participation. You can ask the research team directly about this if you are interested.

What does 'low iron stores' mean?

It means the amount of iron stored in your body is lower than ideal, but not yet low enough to cause anaemia (a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells).

What is a 'randomised controlled cross-over study'?

This means that participants are randomly assigned to receive either the faba bean bread or the regular white bread first. After a break, they then switch and receive the other type of bread. This helps to ensure fair comparison.

How to find out more

Julie A Lovegrove, BSc PhD

j.a.lovegrove@reading.ac.uk 011 44 118 378 6418 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.