Investigating the Impact of Vitamin D Biofortified Tomatoes on Serum Levels of 25(OH)D
This study, called ViTaL-D, is exploring if eating tomato soups made with specially grown tomatoes can help people with low vitamin D levels. Our bodies need vitamin D, especially in the UK winter, and these tomatoes are bred to have more of it. Researchers will compare four types of tomato soup: two made with these special tomatoes, one with regular shop-bought tomatoes, and one with regular tomatoes with added vitamin D. We want to find out if these special tomato soups are a safe and simple way to boost vitamin D and if they're easy to include in your daily diet. Participants will eat a specific soup every day for 21 days and have regular check-ups.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people in the UK, especially during the colder months, don't get enough vitamin D. This vital nutrient helps keep your bones healthy and your immune system working well. Researchers at the John Innes Centre have developed special tomatoes that naturally contain more vitamin D, like a built-in vitamin boost. This study, called ViTaL-D, is a really important step to see if these new tomatoes, when made into a soup, can help bring up low vitamin D levels in people. This could offer a new and natural way for people to get the vitamin D they need through their food.
The main goal of this study is to answer two key questions. Firstly, can eating these special vitamin D-rich tomato soups actually increase the amount of vitamin D in a person's blood? Secondly, are these soups easy and safe to eat every day as part of a normal diet? To answer these questions, the study will compare four different types of tomato soup. Some soups will be made with the special vitamin D-rich tomatoes, some with regular shop-bought tomatoes, and one will even have extra vitamin D added to it. By comparing these, researchers can understand which one works best and why.
This study is designed to be very careful and thorough. It will be conducted at a special research facility in Norwich. The findings of this study could be very exciting, potentially leading to new foods that naturally help people get enough vitamin D. It's about finding friendly and accessible ways for everyone to stay healthy.
Key takeaways
- A UK study investigating new vitamin D-rich tomatoes.
- Aims to see if special tomato soup can increase vitamin D levels.
- Participants eat a specific soup daily for 21 days.
- Requires regular clinic visits for tests and measurements.
- Could offer a new food-based way to boost vitamin D.
- Not suitable for vegans or those with certain health conditions/allergies.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You'll also need to have vitamin D levels in your blood that are a bit low, specifically between 25 and 40 nmol/L. Your weight should be within a healthy range, generally with a BMI between 18.5 and 35. You'll also need to live fairly close to the study centre in Norwich, within about 40 miles.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're allergic to tomatoes or other ingredients in the soup (like milk or wheat), or if you have certain health conditions like severe kidney problems, bone diseases, or an illness that affects your immune system. If you're already taking a lot of vitamin D supplements or have recently changed your dose, or if you take certain medications that could affect vitamin D, you might not be able to participate. Also, the soups aren't suitable for vegans, so if you follow a vegan diet, unfortunately, this study wouldn't be for you.
If you're unsure after reading these points, it's always best to ask the study team directly. They can explain everything clearly and help you understand if this study is a good fit for you.
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 18 years old or older?
- Do you have slightly low vitamin D levels (between 25-40 nmol/L)?
- Are you able to eat tomato soup every day for 21 days?
- Do you live within 40 miles of Norwich (Quadram Institute)?
- Do you *not* have allergies to tomatoes, milk, or wheat?
- Are you *not* taking high doses of vitamin D supplements or certain medications?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to eat one specific type of tomato soup every day for 21 days. Which soup you get will be decided by chance, like drawing straws. You won't know which type of soup you're eating, and neither will the study team, which helps make the results fairer.
During these 21 days, you'll need to visit the study clinic four times, once every 7 days. These visits will be after you haven't eaten anything for 12 hours (a 'fast'). At each visit, the team will take some body measurements, do blood tests, and ask you to fill out some questionnaires about your diet and general health. You'll also be given a small device to wear that tracks how much sunlight you get and asked to keep a daily diary of when you eat your soup and when you spend time outdoors.
There will also be a first 'consent' visit to make sure you understand the study and agree to take part, and a 'screening' visit to check if you meet all the requirements. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be just over three weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Quadram Institute BioscienceVerified postcodeNorwich, United Kingdom
Common questions
What happens if I forget to eat my soup one day?
It's important to try and eat the soup every day, but if you occasionally forget, please note it in your diary and let the study team know at your next visit.
Will I know if my vitamin D levels improve?
While your individual results generally won't be shared during the study, the overall study findings will be published and shared with participants once complete.
Do I have to stop taking my usual medications?
It's crucial to tell the study team about all medications you take. They will advise if any need to be stopped or changed for the study. Some medications might prevent you from joining.
What if I can't get to the clinic for my appointments?
You need to be able to attend all scheduled clinic visits. If you foresee any difficulties, please discuss them with the study team beforehand.
Is there any cost to me for participating?
No, there are no costs for participating in the study. You will receive the soups for free during the study period.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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