(P22-033-23) Study Protocol: Translational Potential of Red Cabbage Microgreen Biofortification for Promoting Human Health

Objectives: Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) microgreens are rich in nutrients and contain phytochemicals like anthocyanins and glucosinolates which are associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Previous preclinical research supports the cardioprotective potential of red cabbage microgreens. However, the translational potential of microgreen biofortification for the purpose of enhancing nutritional quality and promoting human health, including nutrient and/or phytochemical bioavailability, has not been explored. The objective of this study is to optimize the nutritional quality and bioavailability of select micronutrients and phytochemicals in red cabbage microgreens through biofortification.

Methods: Red cabbage microgreens will be grown hydroponic tray systems placed on multilayer shelves in a growth chamber under various conditions including reduced air temperature and supplemental far-red (700 to 800 nm) light at varying intensities, and plants will be assessed for growth, quality, and nutrient and phytochemical concentration. Plants will undergo simulated gastrointestinal digestion and applied to a Caco-2 cell culture model of the human small intestine to assess bioavailability of select nutrients and phytochemicals in vitro. Acute bioavailability of select nutrients and phytochemicals will be further assessed in a randomized clinical crossover trial. Healthy adults aged 45-75 years will consume 2 cups of biofortified red cabbage microgreens, conventionally grown microgreens, or mature red cabbage on independent test days following an overnight fast, with each test day separated by a 1-week washout. Blood collection and assessments of cardiovascular health will be performed at baseline, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours post treatment consumption. Targeted ionomics and metabolomics will be used to determine nutrient and phytochemical metabolite concentrations in the blood.

Results: N/A - study protocol

Conclusions: We expect that nutrient and phytochemical concentrations in red cabbage microgreens can be optimized without compromising plant quality, and that biofortified red cabbage microgreens will have the greatest nutrient and phytochemical bioavailability relative to conventionally grown red cabbage microgreens and mature red cabbage.

Funding Sources: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project