Effects of Adding Chickpeas to the American Diet (Long Term Study)

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This prospective study will assess the effects of adding legumes, especially chick peas, to the diet of healthy adults on the commensal bacteria from feces of human subjects and resulting self-reported GI symptoms as well as markers of immune function.

Detailed Description
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Long-term observational study: Subjects enrolled will participate in an observational setting for three months. During this time period, individuals will be encouraged, to maintain increased legume intake and explore new recipes that allow them to maintain a diverse menu of legume based foods. Fecal samples for microbiota analysis will be collected every month. Participants will record a weekly online questionnaire about legume intake and GI health as well as other health status updates. While participants will be encouraged to maintain regular intake of chickpeas throughout the long-term study, consumption of other legumes will be encouraged.

Official Title
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Effects of Adding Chickpeas to the American Diet on Fecal Microbiota Composition and Markers of Inflammation

Conditions
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Inflammation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Observational Chickpea Diet


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Good Health No systemic antibiotics during the preceding two months No medication suppressing immune function Willingness to provide basic demographic as well as medical history data Exclusion Criteria: Gastric Ulcers Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Chronic constipation/diarrhea Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30 Dietary restrictions that prevent legume intake Currently on any medication that can affect GI transit time Consumption of >3 servings/week of chickpeas or >6 servings/week of legumes BEFORE study begins

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Observational Chickpea Diet<br>Observed long-term to study legume intake and GI health (Observational Chickpea Diet) | Other: Observational Chickpea Diet<br>* Individuals encouraged to maintain increased legume intake and explore new recipes that allow them to maintain a diverse menu of legume based foods. Fecal samples collected monthly.<br>* Other names: Go'Bonzo's;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in Number of 16S RNA Sequences on Days 31, Day 62, and Day 93. | Compare the gut microbiota composition of individual subjects before and after the implementation of a controlled and observed diet of chickpeas and legume products. | Change from Day 31, Day 62, and Day 93 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Gut Microbiota