Intermediate Wheatgrass Products and Gut Health

This study will evaluate the effect of daily consumption of intermediate wheatgrass-based products on measures of gut health compared with whole wheat-based products in healthy adults with traditional western fiber intake. Participants will first complete screening, stool sample collection, and the Diet History Questionnaire III. Participants with dietary fiber intake greater than 12g/1000 calories per day will complete the study after baseline procedures. Participants with dietary fiber intake of 12g/1000 calories per day or less will enter a randomized crossover dietary intervention. During the intervention, participants will consume intermediate wheatgrass-based products and whole wheat-based products in randomized order. Each intervention period will last 2 weeks and will be separated by a 2-week washout period. The primary outcome is change in Gut Microbiome Wellness Index. Gastrointestinal symptom scores will also be assessed.

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