RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

VertiGreens Investigating the Effects of Iron Biofortification of Microgreens on Iron Status in Women

This study, called "VertiGreens," is investigating whether adding special iron-enriched microgreens to a daily smoothie can improve iron levels in women. Researchers want to see if these tiny plants, which have been grown to contain more iron, can be a good way to get more of this important mineral. The study will involve giving smoothie kits with these microgreens to women for 28 days. Scientists will then check their iron levels before and after. They are particularly interested in women of childbearing age and those who have gone through menopause. The main goal is to understand if this new way of getting iron through food grown in special ways can make a difference.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

04 May 2026

Iron Biomarkers/Status

What is this study about?

You might have heard about iron – it’s a very important mineral that your body needs to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around. Many women, especially those of childbearing age or who have gone through menopause, sometimes don't get enough iron from their diet. This can make them feel tired or run down.

This study, called "VertiGreens," is looking into a new and exciting way to help boost iron levels. Researchers are using something called 'microgreens' – these are tiny, young leafy vegetables harvested shortly after sprouting. For this study, these microgreens have been specialy grown using a technique to make them naturally contain more iron. The idea is to see if adding these iron-enriched microgreens to a daily smoothie can help women increase their iron intake and improve their iron levels.

Over 28 days, women taking part will be given smoothie kits containing these special microgreens. Researchers will take blood tests before and after to check their iron levels. They will also ask about other things like what you usually eat, your activity levels, and any tummy troubles you might have. This is a first step to see if this method of growing food with extra nutrients could be a helpful way to improve nutrition for many people.

Key takeaways

This study explores if special iron-enriched microgreens can boost iron levels.
It focuses on healthy women, both pre- and post-menopause.
Participants will drink a smoothie with these microgreens for 28 days.
Blood tests will check iron levels before and after.
It's a food-based study, not about new medicines.
You can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women aged 18 or older. They are particularly interested in two groups: women between 18 and 49 years old, and women who have gone through menopause, meaning they haven't had a period for at least a year.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. You also can't take part if you are already taking iron supplements or certain blood-thinning medications (except a very low dose of aspirin). If you have certain health conditions like specific types of diabetes, untreated thyroid problems, serious gut issues, or certain blood disorders, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you’ve had an iron deficiency recently that needed treatment, or if your iron levels are too low right now, you won't be able to join.

Lastly, if you have allergies to common smoothie ingredients like banana, mango, pineapple, or coconut, or if you've given blood in the last 16 weeks, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also need to be able to speak and understand English well to follow the study instructions.

Quick self-check

I am a healthy woman over 18 years old.
I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant soon.
I haven't taken iron supplements recently (or certain blood thinners).
I don't have severe medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or coeliac disease.
I am not allergic to banana, mango, pineapple, or coconut.
I can speak, read, and understand English fluently.

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to come to a study centre a few times. At the beginning, you'll have an initial check-up to make sure you're suitable for the study. This will involve some questions about your health, a check of your height and weight, and a blood test to measure your iron levels.

Once you begin the main part of the study, you will receive smoothie kits containing the special iron-enriched microgreens. You will be asked to consume these smoothies daily for 28 days. Throughout this time, researchers might ask you to keep a diary of what you eat and how much physical activity you do. They may also ask about any digestive symptoms you experience.

At the end of the 28 days, you will have another follow-up visit. This will involve repeating some of the initial measurements, including another blood test to see if your iron levels have changed. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be about 4-5 weeks, including the initial checks and the 28 days of smoothie consumption.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that consuming the iron-enriched microgreens could improve your iron levels, which might make you feel more energetic. However, this is a research study, so there's no guarantee you'll personally benefit. Potential risks are generally low; they include discomfort from blood tests, and there's a small chance of an allergic reaction to the smoothie ingredients if you don't know you have one. You might also experience mild digestive changes. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What exactly are "microgreens"?

Microgreens are very young vegetable shoots, harvested when they are just a few inches tall. They are often packed with nutrients.

How will the microgreens have more iron?

They will be grown using a special technique where extra iron is added to their growing environment, allowing the plants to absorb more of it naturally.

What will I have to do each day?

You'll need to prepare and drink a smoothie each day using the provided kit and possibly keep a simple diary of your diet and activity.

Will I know if my iron levels improve?

The researchers will be able to share general findings from the study, but specific personal results might not be available immediately during the study.

Is this a new medicine?

No, this is a diet study looking at how a special food (iron-enriched microgreens) affects your body, not a new medicine.

How to find out more

Alexandra Johnstone, Prof

alex.johnstone@abdn.ac.uk 01224 438614 Official trial record

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