VertiGreens Investigating the Effects of Iron Biofortification of Microgreens on Iron Status in Women
Study on Iron-Enhanced Microgreens and Iron Intake in Women
Brief description of study.
The investigators present a diet intervention study, to be conducted as a within-subject design, to assess the effect of the provision of iron biofortified microgreens on iron intake and status in women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women. This will be investigated by providing smoothie kits for 28 days containing these microgreens and determining the impact on iron biomarkers. The investigators will also assess habitual diet, BMI, physical activity and gastrointestinal symptoms. This study will be a proof-of-concept exploratory study to explore diet based biofortification through vertical farming systems.
Detailed description of study
In this study microgreens that were grown using agronomic iron biofortification will be supplied to women to add to their diet to establish the potential nutritional impact of iron biofortified microgreens on overall iron intake and iron status. Furthermore, it will assess the adherence to the provided consumption recommendations of the biofortified crops.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Diabetes Mellitus Types I and II, diabeties
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Age: 10 years - 45 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy females
- 15 of reproductive age (18-49)
- 15 postmenopausal (not had their period for an entire year)
Exclusion Criteria:
Medication exclusion criteria:
- Supplementing iron or vitamin B12
- Smoking or vaping
- Taking anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) except for Aspirin 75mg
Medical exclusion criteria:
- Anyone who is planning to be pregnant, is pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with iron or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
- Anyone with history of anaemia in the past 3 months that required treatment
- Anyone who has Hb <120 g/L (12 g/dL) at screening
- Anyone with food allergies, self-reported food sensitivity or intolerance
- Anyone with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance
- Anyone suffering from a psychiatric disorder or any type of substance abuse
- Anyone with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes
- Anyone suffering from unregulated thyroid disease
- Anyone with gastrointestinal conditions or bariatric surgery
- Anyone with haematological conditions including Thrombocytopaenia and Sickle cell anaemia
Other exclusion criteria:
- Anyone with unsuitable veins for blood sampling
- Anyone who donated blood in the last 16 weeks
- Anyone who is unable to fluently speak, read and understand English
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of iron biofortified microgreens on iron intake and iron status in women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women. Iron biofortification refers to the process of increasing the iron content in plants through agricultural practices. This study will provide participants with smoothie kits containing these microgreens for 28 days to assess the impact on iron biomarkers, which are indicators of iron levels in the body.
Participants will receive smoothie kits to consume daily, and researchers will monitor their habitual diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and any gastrointestinal symptoms. The study will also evaluate adherence to the consumption recommendations of the biofortified crops. This research aims to explore the potential nutritional benefits of using vertically farmed microgreens in diets.
- Who can participate: Healthy females aged 18-49 who are of reproductive age or postmenopausal women who have not had their period for a year can participate. Exclusions include those supplementing iron or vitamin B12, smokers, and individuals with medical conditions like iron deficiency anemia or diabetes.
- Study details: Participants will add iron biofortified microgreens to their diet through provided smoothie kits for 28 days. The study will assess the nutritional impact on iron intake and status. Researchers will also monitor adherence to consumption guidelines.
- Study Timelines: The study will last 28 days.
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