Bean Supplementation for Colon Health

Overseen By Hisham Hussan, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

Must not be taking: Opioids, Anti-inflammatories, Antibiotics, others

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Gastrointestinal disease, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 4 weeks

25 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how adding beans to the diet might improve metabolic and bowel health. Researchers aim to determine if bean smoothies can enhance colon health and potentially help prevent colon cancer. Participants will either add a bean smoothie to their usual diet for two weeks or maintain their usual diet before switching to the bean smoothie. The trial seeks individuals who are overweight or obese and scheduled for a routine colonoscopy to check for colon cancer. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance dietary recommendations for better colon health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes people who use opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, prebiotics, or probiotics regularly. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

What prior data suggests that bean supplementation is safe for colon health?

Research has shown that Bush's Best Cannellini Beans are generally safe to eat. Known for their nutritional value, these beans provide a good source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy choice for many diets. They are often used in various dishes without causing problems.

Past studies on beans and colon health have reported no major negative effects from consuming Bush's Best Cannellini Beans. These beans contain components that are not digested but benefit gut health and are usually well-tolerated.

Although this study does not include specific safety data from earlier trials, the regular use of these beans in diets suggests they are safe for most people. Those with concerns or existing health conditions should consult a healthcare provider. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Bush's Best Cannellini Beans for colon health because this approach focuses on a natural dietary intervention rather than pharmaceuticals. Unlike standard treatments for colon health, which often involve medications or more invasive procedures like colonoscopies, this trial explores the potential of a simple bean smoothie to improve gut health. Cannellini beans are rich in fiber and other nutrients, which may support colon health by enhancing digestion and promoting beneficial gut bacteria. This approach could offer an accessible, everyday dietary change with minimal side effects, making it an appealing option for maintaining colon health.

What evidence suggests that bean supplementation might be an effective treatment for colon health?

Research has shown that eating Bush's Best Cannellini Beans may benefit colon health. In earlier studies, participants who included these beans in their meals experienced less inflammation and a greater variety of gut bacteria. These changes are important for maintaining a healthy colon. This trial will test two different approaches: one group will add a bean smoothie to their usual diet for two weeks before a colonoscopy, then return to their usual diet for two weeks. The other group will maintain their usual diet for two weeks before a colonoscopy, then add a bean smoothie for two weeks. Evidence also suggests that beans can benefit individuals with obesity and colorectal adenomas, which are growths that can lead to colon cancer. Overall, these findings indicate that beans could improve metabolic and bowel health. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Hisham Hussan, MD

Principal Investigator

UC Davis

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 35-75 who are overweight or obese and scheduled for a routine colonoscopy. It's not suitable for those with bean intolerance, high bean consumption, pregnancy plans, gastrointestinal diseases like IBD, cancer history, or significant health conditions such as heart disease.

Inclusion Criteria

My BMI is 25 or higher, indicating I am overweight or obese.

I am scheduled for a routine colonoscopy for colon cancer screening.

I am between 35 and 75 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have or had cancer, including colorectal cancer that might be inherited.

I haven't taken opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or probiotics regularly in the last month.

I have a serious health condition or abnormal blood tests.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive a bean smoothie intervention or continue with their usual diet for 2 weeks before and after colonoscopy

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person), 1 visit (on the day of colonoscopy)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including collection of various samples and data

2-12 weeks

1-2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Bush's Best Cannellini Beans

Trial Overview The study examines the effects of adding Bush's Best Cannellini Beans to the usual diet on metabolic and bowel health in hopes of improving diets and preventing colon cancer.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Usual diet then bean smoothie Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants first receive 2 weeks of usual diet before colonoscopy. After colonoscopy, they add bean smoothie to usual diet for 2 weeks

Group II: Bean smoothie then usual diet Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants first receive 2 weeks of adding bean smoothie to usual diet before colonoscopy. After colonoscopy, they receive usual diet for 2 weeks

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study with healthy mice, diets supplemented with kidney beans significantly improved gut health by increasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids and enhancing gut barrier integrity, as indicated by higher levels of MUC1 and Relmβ mRNA expression.

During induced colitis, kidney bean diets reduced disease severity and colonic damage while lowering pro-inflammatory markers and enhancing antimicrobial gene expression, demonstrating their potential to mitigate inflammation and support gut health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

White and dark kidney beans reduce colonic mucosal damage and inflammation in response to dextran sodium sulfate. Monk, JM., Zhang, CP., Wu, W., et al.[2020]

The newly recognized Italian bean variety 'Fagiola di Venanzio' is rich in proteins, sugars, and polyphenols, which contribute to its potential health benefits.

In vitro studies show that extracts from 'Fagiola di Venanzio' exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities, particularly against colon cancer cells, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to a health-promoting diet.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Venanzio Grown in Tuscany: Chemical Composition and In Vitro Investigation of Potential Effects on Colorectal Cancer. Finetti, F., Biagi, M., Ercoli, J., et al.[2020]

The BE GONE trial is investigating whether increasing the intake of pre-cooked, canned dry beans can improve metabolic health and reduce cancer risk in overweight/obese patients with a history of colorectal polyps or cancer, using a randomized crossover design with 16 weeks of monitoring.

This study aims to understand how dietary changes, specifically the addition of dry beans, affect the gut microbiome and related health markers, potentially offering a scalable prevention strategy against colorectal cancer and other obesity-related diseases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The BE GONE trial study protocol: a randomized crossover dietary intervention of dry beans targeting the gut microbiome of overweight and obese patients with a history of colorectal polyps or cancer. Zhang, X., Browman, G., Siu, W., et al.[2023]

In a 28-day dietary intervention trial with 16 adults (7 non-cancer and 9 CRC survivors), the inclusion of 35 grams of cooked navy bean powder in meals was feasible and led to significant increases in fiber intake, particularly for CRC survivors.

Non-cancer participants showed a significant decrease in total caloric intake after four weeks, suggesting that navy bean powder can be a beneficial addition to diets for both cancer prevention and overall health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of Increased Navy Bean Powder Consumption for Primary and Secondary Colorectal Cancer Prevention. Borresen, EC., Gundlach, KA., Wdowik, M., et al.[2021]

Frequent and long-term consumption of legume seeds, like red kidney beans, significantly increases dietary fiber intake, leading to greater fecal output and higher concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in feces.

Despite no differences in colonic function between habitual and infrequent legume consumers, the addition of beans to both diets improved colonic health by providing beneficial fiber and influencing fecal characteristics positively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of frequent and long-term bean consumption on colonic function and fermentation. Fleming, SE., O'Donnell, AU., Perman, JA.[2018]

In a study involving 53 male F344 rats, those fed a diet of dry beans developed significantly fewer colon tumors compared to those fed a casein diet, indicating that dry beans may have protective effects against colon cancer.

The bean diet not only resulted in fewer rats developing tumors (24% vs. 50% in casein-fed rats) but also showed a lower average number of tumors per rat, suggesting that dry beans contain compounds that inhibit colon carcinogenesis, although the specific components responsible remain unidentified.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dry beans inhibit azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in F344 rats. Hughes, JS., Ganthavorn, C., Wilson-Sanders, S.[2018]

The bioaccessible fraction of cooked Cannellino and Piattellino bean extracts significantly induces cell death in colon cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116) through autophagy, demonstrating potential anticancer properties.

At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, these bean extracts reduced cell vitality by over 86% and clonogenicity by up to 96%, indicating their selective effectiveness against colon cancer cells.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In vitro Digestion of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Cooked Beans Induces Autophagy in Colon Cancer Cells. Bernardi, C., Macrì, G., Biagi, M., et al.[2023]

Incorporating cooked navy bean powder into a high-fat diet for obese mice significantly improved intestinal health and reduced inflammation, as indicated by changes in the fecal microbiome and increased expression of intestinal health markers.

While switching to a low-fat diet also reduced body weight, it did not improve intestinal health or inflammation as effectively as the high-fat diet supplemented with beans, suggesting that beans can enhance health outcomes even in the context of an obesogenic diet.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Navy Bean Supplementation in Established High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Attenuates the Severity of the Obese Inflammatory Phenotype. Monk, JM., Wu, W., Lepp, D., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06032104?draw=2&rank=1

NCT06032104 | Feasibility and Colorectal Benefits of ... The goal of this study is to look at how bean supplementation affects metabolic and bowel health. ... 0.5 cup of Bush's Best Cannellini Beans, three times per day ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-1-colorectal-adenomas-8-2023-75738

Bean Supplementation for Colon Health ... Bush's Best Cannellini Beans will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Obesity, Colorectal Adenomas and Obesity. See if you qualify today!

3. studypages.com studypages.com/s/feasibility-and-colorectal-benefits-of-pulses-supplementation-315246/

Feasibility and Colorectal Benefits of Pulses ... The goal of this study is to look at how bean supplementation affects metabolic and bowel health. In the long-term, the investigators believe this research ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7284421/

It's No Has Bean: A Review of the Effects of White Kidney ... In this review, drawing evidence from both human and animal studies, we discuss the current evidence around the effects of WKBE on body composition and ...

5. cancertodaymag.org cancertodaymag.org/summer-2024/easy-as-beans/

Easy as Beans | Cancer Today After eight weeks, participants' blood and stool samples exhibited reduced inflammation and improved gut bacteria diversity, which resulted from ...

6. ewg.org ewg.org/foodscores/products/039400018728-BushsBestCannelliniBeansWhiteKidneyBeans/

EWG's Food Scores | Bush's Best Cannellini Beans White ... The product score is based on weighted scores for nutrition, ingredient and processing concerns. Generally, nutrition counts most, ingredient concerns next and ...

7. walmart.com walmart.com/ip/Bush-s-Cannellini-Beans-Canned-White-Kidney-Beans-15-5-oz-Can/10306799

BUSH'S Cannellini Beans Canned White Kidney ... Bush's Cannellini Beans are canned white kidney beans with a silky texture, nutty flavor, and seasoned with salt. They are a good source of protein and ...

8. bushbeans.com bushbeans.com/en_US/product/cannellini-beans

Cannellini Beans Our canned Cannellini Beans are a silky, nutty bean that can be used in pasta dishes, tuna salads, or as a year-round side dish to make any meal complete.