Smoothie science: tiny greens, big iron hope for women
NCT ID NCT06972927
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tests whether eating iron-biofortified microgreens in a smoothie every day for 28 days can improve iron levels in women. Researchers will enroll 30 healthy women (15 of reproductive age and 15 postmenopausal) and measure changes in iron biomarkers. It is an early, exploratory diet intervention to see if vertical farming can help prevent iron deficiency.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- iron-biofortified microgreens
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary way to improve iron status in women without supplements.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early proof-of-concept study with only 30 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect on iron levels may be minimal.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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 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 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
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom