Beans for Zinc and Iron Absorption

Overseen By Roberta R Holt, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

Must not be taking: Prescription drugs, Nutritional supplements

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Cancer, Surgery, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 4 days

15 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Fifteen female study participants will be enrolled in a randomized crossover study to measure fractional and total zinc and iron absorption from four common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties with varying phytate and polyphenolic contents. Phytate, the storage form of phosphorus in plants, and polyphenols, which contribute to the varied colors of common beans, are natural components of the beans and can reduce zinc and iron bioavailability from these foods.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any prescription drugs or nutritional supplements, except for contraception, to participate in this trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment KAT B1, Common Bean Variety KAT B1, LMP 1001, Common Bean Variety LMP 1001, LPA 586, Common Bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, LPA 586, SER 118, Common Bean Variety SER 118 for zinc and iron absorption?

Research shows that common beans are a good source of bioavailable iron and zinc, meaning the body can absorb these minerals from beans effectively. Studies indicate that the color of the bean does not significantly affect the absorption of these minerals, suggesting that different varieties, like those in the trial, could be effective in providing iron and zinc. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the common bean safe for human consumption?

The research does not specifically address safety concerns for humans, but common beans are generally considered safe to eat and are a staple food in many diets. The studies focus on iron and zinc absorption, suggesting that beans are a good source of these nutrients. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How does the treatment using common bean varieties differ from other treatments for zinc and iron absorption?

This treatment is unique because it uses specific varieties of common beans that are biofortified to have higher concentrations of iron and zinc, aiming to improve mineral intake through diet. Unlike other treatments that might involve supplements or medications, this approach focuses on enhancing the nutritional content of a staple food, although the presence of phytic acid in beans can still inhibit mineral absorption. ^{1 2 5 6 9}

Research Team

Andrew G Hall, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Davis

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adult women interested in understanding how their bodies absorb zinc and iron from different types of common beans. Participants should be generally healthy with no conditions affecting mineral absorption.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI 18.5 - 30 kg/m2

Usual iron intake estimated by Food Frequency Questionnaire to be less than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of 18 mg/d

Regular consumer of beans, i.e. ≥ 4 servings per month

Exclusion Criteria

Dislike or allergy to beans

Self-reported plans to become pregnant during the study period

I am currently taking prescription medication or supplements.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 visit

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Establish baseline distribution of naturally occurring zinc and iron isotopes in the blood

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants consume meals with beans enriched in specific isotopic masses of iron and zinc

4 days

4 visits (in-person)

Equilibrium Assessment

Measure zinc in blood plasma and iron equilibrium in red blood cells

14 days

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

14 days

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• KAT B1
• LMP 1001
• LPA 586
• SER 118

Trial Overview The study is testing the absorption of zinc and iron from four bean varieties (LMP 1001, LPA 586, SER 118, KAT B1) that differ in phytate and polyphenolic content. It's a randomized crossover study where each participant will try all four types.

Participant Groups

Group I: Bean Variety 4 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enriched with Zinc-70, Iron-58

Group II: Bean Variety 3 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enriched with Zinc-67, Iron-57

Group III: Bean Variety 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enriched with Zinc-70, Iron-58

Group IV: Bean Variety 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enriched with Zinc-67, Iron-57

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+

Findings from Research

In a study comparing red and white beans, it was found that the color of the beans does not significantly affect the bioavailability of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in vivo, as both types provided similar absorption rates in anemic piglets.

Despite the presence of polyphenols and phytates that can inhibit mineral absorption, both red and white beans are effective sources of bioavailable iron and zinc, making them beneficial for improving mineral intake.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Iron and zinc bioavailabilities to pigs from red and white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are similar. Tako, E., Glahn, RP., Laparra, JM., et al.[2015]

In a study involving 61 Rwandese women, high polyphenol (PP) beans showed 27% lower iron absorption compared to low PP beans when consumed as a puree, but this difference disappeared when beans were eaten in multiple meals.

Despite breeding beans for higher iron content, the study found that iron absorption from high iron beans was 40% lower than from normal iron beans, suggesting that achieving effective iron biofortification in beans may be challenging due to the presence of iron absorption inhibitors like phytic acid and polyphenols.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stable iron isotope studies in Rwandese women indicate that the common bean has limited potential as a vehicle for iron biofortification. Petry, N., Egli, I., Gahutu, JB., et al.[2023]

The study evaluated nine common bean genotypes across various locations in Uganda, revealing that seed zinc and iron concentrations are significantly influenced by genotype, environment, and their interactions, with red mottled genotypes showing the highest mineral concentrations.

The research identified specific genotypes, particularly the Manteca seed class, that combine high levels of iron and zinc with superior bioavailability, making them promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at improving the nutritional quality of common beans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Investigation of Genotype by Environment Interactions for Seed Zinc and Iron Concentration and Iron Bioavailability in Common Bean. Katuuramu, DN., Wiesinger, JA., Luyima, GB., et al.[2021]

A study of 99 bean genotypes in Tanzania identified certain landraces with significantly higher seed iron and zinc contents compared to released varieties, making them promising candidates for biofortification efforts.

The research utilized statistical methods like ANOVA and GGE to analyze the stability and adaptability of these genotypes across different growing environments, highlighting the potential for improving nutritional content in common beans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multilocation dataset on seed Fe and Zn contents of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes grown in Tanzania. Philipo, M., Ndakidemi, PA., Mbega, ER.[2020]

In a study involving 23 young women with low iron reserves, beans with higher iron and zinc concentrations (HFeZnB) showed improved zinc absorption compared to common beans, but both types had low iron absorption rates (less than 2%).

The research suggests that while high-zinc bean varieties could enhance zinc status, high-iron beans do not significantly improve iron absorption when consumed alone in single meals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Iron and zinc absorption from two bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes in young women. Donangelo, CM., Woodhouse, LR., King, SM., et al.[2013]

Iron bioavailability from iron-biofortified beans is significantly affected by phytic acid (PA) levels, with higher PA concentrations leading to lower iron absorption; in this study, absorption from biofortified beans was 30% lower than from control beans with native PA levels.

Dephytinization of beans (reducing PA content) greatly enhances iron absorption, with absorption increasing by 37% and 51% when PA was reduced by 50% and over 95%, respectively, highlighting the need for plant breeders to focus on lowering PA in high-iron beans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Phytic acid concentration influences iron bioavailability from biofortified beans in Rwandese women with low iron status. Petry, N., Egli, I., Gahutu, JB., et al.[2023]

A study involving 20 women showed that low-phytic acid (lpa) beans significantly improve iron absorption, with the lpa bean high in polyphenols providing 60-130% more iron than its parent bean counterparts.

The reduction of phytic acid by 90% in these lpa beans enhances iron bioavailability regardless of the polyphenol content, suggesting that this genetic modification could be an effective strategy to combat iron deficiency from bean consumption.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Genetic reduction of phytate in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds increases iron absorption in young women. Petry, N., Egli, I., Campion, B., et al.[2023]

The study evaluated the bioavailability of iron (Fe) from 24 different bean genotypes using a rat model, revealing that Fe absorption varied significantly between genotypes, ranging from 53% to 76%.

Higher concentrations of Fe in bean seeds were associated with increased bioavailable Fe, but the presence of antinutrients like myo-inositol pentaphosphate and tannins did not significantly correlate with Fe bioavailability, suggesting other unknown factors may influence absorption.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Genetic selection for enhanced bioavailable levels of iron in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds. Welch, RM., House, WA., Beebe, S., et al.[2022]

This study identified new genetic loci associated with higher iron and zinc concentrations in common beans, which could help improve the nutritional quality of staple crops through biofortification.

The research involved 110 recombinant inbred lines grown across three sites in Colombia, revealing overlapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) on specific chromosomes that may enhance our understanding of mineral uptake in plants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

QTL for seed iron and zinc concentration and content in a Mesoamerican common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) population. Blair, MW., Medina, JI., Astudillo, C., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Iron and zinc bioavailabilities to pigs from red and white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are similar. [2015]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stable iron isotope studies in Rwandese women indicate that the common bean has limited potential as a vehicle for iron biofortification. [2023]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Investigation of Genotype by Environment Interactions for Seed Zinc and Iron Concentration and Iron Bioavailability in Common Bean. [2021]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multilocation dataset on seed Fe and Zn contents of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes grown in Tanzania. [2020]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Iron and zinc absorption from two bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes in young women. [2013]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Phytic acid concentration influences iron bioavailability from biofortified beans in Rwandese women with low iron status. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Genetic reduction of phytate in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds increases iron absorption in young women. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Genetic selection for enhanced bioavailable levels of iron in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds. [2022]

9. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

QTL for seed iron and zinc concentration and content in a Mesoamerican common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) population. [2021]