Location: Potato, Pulse and Small Grains Quality Research
Project Number: 3060-21650-002-070-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2025
End Date: Dec 31, 2026
Objective:
This project aims to build upon prior research and explore the prebiotic benefits of dietary pulses using a multi-omics and comprehensive approach in a randomized clinical trial. In addition to assessing the biological effects of pulses, this project addresses a critical need to establish how pulses can be successfully incorporated into children's diets—a population with notoriously low pulse consumption. By evaluating both dietary adherence and acceptance, we will determine the feasibility of long-term pulse integration in childhood nutrition, while also assessing its impact on gut health, metabolic markers, and overall dietary quality. Specifically, (1) evaluate the effectiveness of 6-weeks of nutrition education and pulse provision on adherence to a pulse-based diet (1.5 cups/week) in young children, (2) evaluate the effect of weekly whole-cooked pulse consumption for 6-weeks on gut health, including microbiome-metabolome arrays and gut epithelial/barrier function, in young children, and (3) evaluate the effect of weekly whole-cooked pulse consumption for 6-weeks on the measures of metabolic health and inflammation in young children.
Approach:
The aim of this project is to evaluate the role of pulses in promoting gut health, metabolic function, and sustainable dietary habits in children while adopting strategies for increasing pulse consumption through nutrition education and accessibility interventions. Further, we aim to generate translational evidence on how structured education and accessibility to pulses impact dietary habits in young children, providing critical insights for nutrition policy and future public health strategies. To achieve the above-mentioned goals, we will utilize a six-week, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial in children aged 6-13. Participants will be randomized into two groups: (1) the Education-Only Group (EO), receiving a 6-week pulse-focused nutrition education program but procuring their own pulses; and (2) the Education + Pulse Provision Group (EP), receiving the same education program along with weekly pre-measured pulse supplies (black beans, lentils, and chickpeas) to support dietary adherence. Both groups will be instructed to consume three pulse-based meals per week, following a stepwise intake schedule that gradually increases pulse consumption from 0.5 cups/week in Week 1 to 1.5 cups/week by Week 3, maintaining that intake through Week 6. We will track adherence through weekly checklists, food logs, and surveys assessing meal satisfaction, pulse acceptability, and preparation feasibility. At baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 6), data will be collected on dietary intake, microbiome, metabolic health, and gut health markers. A longitudinal follow-up at Week 12 will assess how families continue consuming pulses beyond the intervention period. This design allows for a comprehensive evaluation of how education and accessibility influence pulse adoption, dietary adherence, and health outcomes in children. This approach will yield robust translational and extrapolatable data compared to previous studies because it is more representative of an effective and sustainable strategy for Americans to start including pulses into their diets while minimizing any temporary effects if any such as bloating due to introducing pulses into diet. This design aims to circumnavigate barriers to pulse intake for children.