April 2018

Gut and Microbiome Study

March 28, 2018 – At the NRI, we are conducting pioneering research on the interplay of diet and the gut microbiome in human health. The gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living in our lower intestine; although we have long known of its existence, recent technological advances have allowed us to begin to define the composition and function of this dynamic community. This growing body of research demonstrates vast biologic activity within the gut microbiota, which may have the potential to affect our physiology and help guide health recommendations and interventions.
Read more.

Choline Biomarker Study Wins Federal Support

March 28, 2018 – UNC Nutrition Research Institute director Steven H. Zeisel, MD, PhD has been awarded a four-year, $2.6 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), one of the National Institutes of Health, to develop and validate a panel of laboratory tests that can assess choline status in humans.
Choline is an important and essential nutrient for human health, playing a key role in brain development, and liver and muscle function. But there are no good validated biomarkers for assessing choline nutritional status that can be practically applied in clinical or public health practice. Read more.

Appetite For Life – April 18, 2018 at Johnson & Wales University

Putting the Spring in Your Spring Chicken
Chef Megan Lambert, MS, and Steph Saullo, MS, RD
Program Summary
In collaboration with Johnson & Wales University, the UNC Nutrition Research Institute is pleased to present a cooking demonstration and nutrition talk at the JWU campus in Center City Charlotte. Chef Megan Lambert from Johnson & Wales and registered dietitian Steph Saullo, RD from the NRI will come together to present “Putting the Spring in Your Spring Chicken,” demonstrating delicious, healthy springtime meals while sharing tips for consuming a balanced, nutritious diet. Guests will be able to sample the fare. Space is limited. Register early for this much-anticipated event!
Program begins Wednesday, April 18, 6:00 PM in Hance Auditorium at Johnson & Wales University. Guests should arrive a few minutes early. Program seating is limited.
PARKING
Parking is available in the adjacent Cedar Street Parking Deck at 116 S. Cedar Street, Charlotte, NC [map] (entrance between West Trade Street and 4th Street). As you enter the Cedar Street Parking Garage, press the button and pull a ticket at the gate. Bring your parking ticket with you to the event for validation.
AFL Spring 2018 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

May 16 – Emma Allott, PhD
June 14 – Summer Tours begin at NRI

Registration for each program opens 4 weeks in advance on uncnri.org.

NGx Short Course June 4-7, 2018 in Kannapolis, NC

Designed for graduate students, health professionals and nutrition scientists from academia and industry
Presented by UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) and the UNC Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (NORC)
This workshop-style course (16 CEUs) will provide the fundamental concepts of nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics and precision nutrition through cutting edge presentations and hands-on experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a personal DNA test and examine their own nutrigenetic data. NGx website.

Defining Precision Nutrition Symposium – May 1-2

This new symposium is for scientists and nutrition and medical professionals from academia, government, and industry to help them understand response to interventions. Symposium website