VertiGreens Investigating the Effects of Iron Biofortification of Microgreens on Iron Status in Women

Last updated: April 29, 2026
Sponsor: University of Aberdeen
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Smoothie containing iron biofortified microgreens

Clinical Study ID

NCT06972927
821
  • Ages > 18
  • Female
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy females

  • 15 of reproductive age (18-49)

  • 15 postmenopausal (not had their period for an entire year)

Exclusion

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 to banana, mango, pineapple, coconut

  • Anyone with coeliac disease

  • 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 cellanaemia

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

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Smoothie containing iron biofortified microgreens
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 01, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
May 04, 2026

Study Description

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.

Connect with a study center

  • Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD
    United Kingdom

    Active - Recruiting

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.