Intermediate Wheatgrass Products and Gut Health

Intermediate wheatgrass is a perennial grain that is high in protein, antioxidants, and fiber. This study is designed to evaluate whether regular consumption of intermediate wheatgrass-based products improves measures of gut health compared with whole wheat-based products in healthy adults consuming a traditional western fiber intake.

The study will enroll healthy adults who are willing to consume bread products daily and have regular access to a smartphone. Participants will complete a REDCap pre-screening questionnaire. Eligible participants will complete informed consent, the National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire III, and baseline stool sample collection.

Participants with dietary fiber intake greater than 12g/1000 calories per day will complete participation after baseline procedures. Participants with dietary fiber intake of 12g/1000 calories per day or less will proceed to the randomized crossover dietary intervention.

Participants in the crossover intervention will complete two 2-week dietary intervention periods separated by a 2-week washout period. They will be randomized to consume either intermediate wheatgrass-based products first or whole wheat-based products first. During each intervention period, participants will consume two slices of bread and 1/2 cup of puffed cereal per day. No additional dietary instruction will be provided.

Gut health will be assessed using stool samples and the Gut Microbiome Wellness Index. Gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel movement patterns will be assessed using a modified Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire. Additional dietary intake information will be collected using diet recalls and a food logging smartphone application.

Inclusion criteria

• Greater than 18 years of age
• Regular access to a smartphone
• Willingness to consume bread products daily in accordance with study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Antibiotic use within 3 months
• Underlying chronic gastrointestinal disease, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease
• History of malabsorptive bariatric surgery or colectomy
• Use of medications known to influence the gut microbiome
• In the opinion of the investigator, unable to complete study procedures
• Children
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners
• Adults lacking capacity to consent or adults with diminished or fluctuating capacity to consent
• Non-English speakers
• Individuals unable to read