Effect of Phytin on Human Gut Microbiome (EPoM)

Within many plants, such as seeds, nuts and cereals, there is a compound called phytic acid. Phytic acid has many beneficial properties, including producing molecules which slows down the damage that can be caused to other molecules within the body. Phytic acid has also been known to help in the treatment of cancer. Phytic acid binds iron very strongly. Iron is an extremely important nutrient not only for humans, but also for a lot of bacteria. In humans, iron is absorbed in the small intestine. Unfortunately, iron does not get absorbed very well and so a lot of it travels into the large intestine. The large intestine contains trillions of bacteria and a lot of these bacteria use iron as food. However, not all bacteria in the large intestine are 'good bacteria'. Some bacteria, such as Enterobacteria, can be harmful to people's health. For this reason, if iron is kept away from these 'bad bacteria' through the binding of phytic acid and iron, it could prove to be beneficial to human health. In general, the gut contains trillions of bacteria, many of which help to unlock extra nutrients from the food people eat. Some bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria, are often referred to as 'good bacteria' and are added to foods such as yoghurts. Many 'good bacteria' are able to survive without iron and this makes it even more important to make sure the 'bad bacteria' have limited access to iron. Otherwise, it is possible that the large intestine could populate more more harmful bacteria than beneficial bacteria.

In this study, investigators will ask participants to consume either the test capsule, which contains phytin (a salt form of phytic acid), or a control capsule, which contains a powder resembling phytin but is actually an inactive substance. The investigators are interested in whether consuming these capsules will decrease Enterobacteria (one of the 'bad bacteria' in the large intestine).

The study will take place at the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at the Quadram Institute in Norwich, with participants attending the QI CRF for screening and to collect the capsules for consumption (capsules will be randomly allocated, containing either phytin or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose)). The participants will be recruited from within a 40-mile radius of Norwich and this is clearly stated in the Participant Information Sheet (PIS). In this study, male and female participants aged between 18 and 50 years will be recruited until 14 participants complete the study. The participants will consume the randomly allocated capsules (containing either phytin or placebo), and collect their faecal samples at their home.

The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether the delivery of phytin to the colon will cause a decrease in the proportions of human gut enterobacteriaceae, and a potential concomitant increase in the proportion of human gut bifidobacteriaceae, through chelation of iron.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women aged between 18 and 50
* Non-smokers (e-cigarette/vape users are able to participate)
* Those with a body mass index (BMI) between 19.5 and 30 kg/m\^2
* Those that live within a 40-mile radius of Norwich

Exclusion Criteria:

* results of our screening test indicate the participant is not suitable to take part in this study
* are pregnant, have been pregnant in the last year or are lactating and/or breast feeding
* are currently suffering from, or have ever suffered from, any diagnosed gastrointestinal disease, gastrointestinal disorders including regular diarrhoea and constipation (excluding hiatus hernia unless symptomatic), and/or have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, or the study intervention/procedure is contraindicated
* have been diagnosed with any long-term medical condition that may affect the study outcome (e.g. cancer, diabetes, haemophilia, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, anaemia). These will be assessed on an individual basis
* have been diagnosed with any long-term medical condition requiring medication that may affect the study outcome
* regularly taking over the counter medications for digestive/gastrointestinal conditions
* are on long-term antibiotic therapy. Participant may be able to take part if 4 weeks has passed from the end of a course of antibiotics (this will be assessed on an individual basis)
* regularly take laxatives (once a month or more)
* take certain dietary supplements or herbal remedies and are unwilling to stop taking them for one month prior to and during study period. This will be assessed on an individual basis
* take pre- or pro-biotic drinks \&/or yoghurts on an occasional basis, unless willing to abstain for one month prior to and during the study period. (if participant regularly takes pre-\&/or pro biotics (3+ times a week, and for more than one month) and will continue throughout the study then participant will not be excluded)
* are on or plan to start a diet programme that may affect the study outcome (e.g. 5:2 fasting diet) unless willing to abstain for 1 month prior to and during study period. This will be assessed on an individual basis
* recently returned to the United Kingdom (UK) following a period abroad, and who have suffered gastric symptoms during the period abroad or on return to the UK. These will be assessed on an individual basis
* regular/recent (within 3 months) use of colonic irrigation or other bowel cleansing techniques
* are involved in another research project that includes dietary intervention or involving blood sampling
* record blood in participant's stools or have two or more episodes of constipation or diarrhoea (type 1, 2, or 7 stools) during the study
* are unwilling to provide their General Practioner's (GP's) contact details
* are unable to provide written informed consent.
* regularly consume more than 15 units (women) or 22 units (men) of alcohol a week
* Regularly taking iron supplements
* Those unable to swallow capsules
* Those with abnormal blood pressure measurements (160/100 will be regarded as an exclusion value)
* Are related to someone in the study (e.g. spouse, partner, immediate family member)