Pulse-Based Nutrition for Digestive Issues
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week pulse-focused nutrition intervention in school-aged children (6-13 years). The study aims to assess adherence to a pulse-based diet providing 1.5 cups of pulses per week and to examine the effects of whole-cooked pulse consumption on gut health, including gut microbiome composition, metabolomic profiles, and gut barrier function. Secondary objectives include evaluating the impact of pulse consumption on markers of metabolic health and inflammation. Forty participants will be randomized to either a pulse-focused nutrition education program with weekly provision of pre-measured pulses (black beans, lentils, and chickpeas) or a pulse-focused nutrition education program in which participants independently procure their own pulses. Participants will follow the assigned intervention for 6 weeks.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ravinder Nagpal, PhD
Principal Investigator
Florida State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children ages 6-13 who are able to follow a pulse-based diet and participate in nutrition education. Children with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions may not be eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a 6-week pulse-focused nutrition intervention, including education and pulse provision or independent procurement
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for sustainability of pulse intake and health markers after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Trial Overview
The study compares two groups: one receives nutrition education plus weekly pre-measured pulses (like beans, lentils, chickpeas), while the other gets only education and buys their own pulses. Both interventions last 6 weeks.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will a six-week pulse education program similar to the education-only group. However, this group will include individualized dietitian counseling alongside written educational materials, a common strategy in dietary education interventions. In addition to education, families will receive free weekly supply of pulses, pre-measured and packaged according to a stepwise intake plan (0.5 cups in Week 1, 1.0 cup in Week 2, and 1.5 cups from Weeks 3-6). The pulses provided will include chickpeas, lentils, and black beans, owing to their prebiotic and gut health benefits as identified in previous research. Families will be asked to prepare three pulse-based meals per week and complete adherence tracking. Pulse provisions are scaled to household size to ensure all members meet intake goals.
Participants will receive six weekly pulse-focused nutrition sessions via printed handouts, PPTs, and recipe cards covering pulse nutrition, health benefits, and cooking methods. Families will be asked to prepare three pulse-based meals per week following a stepwise intake schedule (0.5 cups in Week 1, 1.0 cup in Week 2, and 1.5 cups from Weeks 3-6) and purchase pulses independently. Adherence is tracked through weekly food logs, checklists, and surveys on child acceptance, meal satisfaction, and preparation feasibility.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Florida State University
Lead Sponsor
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