Pulses: Optimizing Pulse Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health

This study, called "Pulses," is looking at how eating more pulses (like beans, lentils, and peas) affects your heart health. You could join if you're between 18 and 75 years old, currently eat less than 1.5 cups of pulses per week, and are willing to try a new diet for 12 weeks. The study wants to see if eating 1.5 cups or 3 cups of pulses each week can improve things like your "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), blood sugar (HbA1c), and blood pressure. The study is currently recruiting 180 participants.

Study design
This is a randomized study with three groups: two groups will eat different amounts of pulses, and one control group will follow general healthy eating guidelines. About 180 participants will be involved.
What's involved
You would participate in a 12-week dietary intervention, which includes nutrition education and cooking classes. You would also have your blood and blood pressure checked at the beginning and after 3 months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your health markers, like cholesterol and blood pressure, will be measured at the start and again after 3 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06861153

Pulses: Optimizing Pulse Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health

Recruiting
NAAges 18–75InterventionalTreatment
University of Arizona
~180 participants
Updated 2025-08-19 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Pulses 1.5 cups GroupPulses 3 cups GroupMy Plate Group (Control)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in serum LDL cholesterol
Measured over baseline, 3 months
+3 more outcomes measured
Cardiovascular (CV) Risk
Healthy Eating Index
HbA1c
Lipid Profile
CRP

NCT06861153

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 2 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Tucson Village Farm

    Tucson, Arizonastudy coordinator listed

    Not yet recruiting

  • University of Arizona

    Tucson, Arizonastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

≥ 18 years old (with no upper age limit)
Currently consuming less than 1.5 cup-equivalents of pulses per week
Willing and able to participate in a 12-week dietary intervention focused on increased pulse consumption
Able to communicate in English and provide written informed consent
Assessed as suitable to participate in a nutrition intervention by the study dietitian or primary healthcare provider

Exclusion

Individuals already consuming \>150 minutes/week of pulse-based dietary programming or otherwise regularly meeting high pulse intake benchmarks at baseline
Patients with food allergies or intolerances that preclude the consumption of pulses
Individuals who have not received clearance from their healthcare provider to make significant dietary modifications
Participants anticipating major changes in dietary habits due to elective surgery, planned relocation, or other lifestyle alterations during the study period (12 weeks)
  • Change in serum LDL cholesterolbaseline, 3 months

    LDL cholesterol will be measured using a standard lipid panel. Blood samples will be collected after an overnight fast and analyzed using standardized laboratory methods. LDL cholesterol will be reported in mg/dL. Minimum Value: 0 mg/dL (theoretically, though not physiologically possible). Maximum value: No absolute upper limit, but values above 190 mg/dL are considered very high and associated with significant cardiovascular risk. Interpretation: \<100 mg/dL (Optimal, low risk). ≥190 mg/dL (Very high, significantly increased cardiovascular risk).

  • Change in serum HbA1cbaseline, 3 months

    HbA1c will be measured using standard laboratory methods (such as high-performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay) to assess the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. Blood samples will be collected at the specified time points. Minimum Value: 0% (theoretically, though not physiologically possible). Maximum Value: There is no absolute upper limit, but values above 15% are typically associated with severe uncontrolled diabetes. Interpretation: Normal: \<5.7%. Diabetes: ≥6.5% (diagnostic threshold for diabetes, confirmed by a repeat test). Diabetes: ≥6.5% (diagnostic threshold for diabetes, confirmed by a repeat test).

  • Change in Brachial Blood Pressurebaseline, 3 months

    Blood pressure will be measured using a standardized sphygmomanometer or an automated digital device. Measurements will be taken after the patient has been at rest for at least 5 minutes. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures will be recorded in mmHg at specified time points. Minimum Value: 0 mmHg (theoretically, though not physiologically possible). Maximum Value: There is no absolute upper limit, but very high values, typically above 200/120 mmHg, represent hypertensive crisis and require immediate medical intervention. Interpretation: Normal: Systolic \<120mmHg, Diastolic \<80mmHg. Hypertension Above: Systolic 130-139mmHg, Diastolic: 80-89mmHg

  • Change in serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP)baseline, 3 months

    CRP levels will be measured using a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) blood test to assess systemic inflammation. A decrease in CRP levels will indicate a reduction in inflammation, potentially reflecting treatment efficacy. Minimum Value: \<0.3 mg/L (considered normal). Maximum Value: \>10 mg/L (indicative of significant inflammation or infection). Interpretation: \<1 mg/L → Low risk of inflammation (cardiovascular risk assessment); \>10 mg/L → Suggests acute infection or chronic inflammatory disease.