June 3, 2019 – The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) in Kannapolis, North Carolina is looking for volunteers to help move science forward. The NRI’s mission is to advance the field of precision nutrition by investigating how genetics, gut microbiota, and environment affect an individual’s requirements for and responses to nutrients. To that end, several NRI principal investigators are currently recruiting participants for their clinical studies.
The NRI seeks research participants of all ages. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the study. All studies compensate participants. There are currently four studies actively enrolling participants. Contact each lab through the information provided to see if you qualify.
Children’s Health Study: We are looking for families to provide dietary and physical activity information as well as biological samples to help us identify genetic and lifestyle factors that affect children’s risk for obesity, health status and overall well-being. Children should be between the ages of 5 and 19. For details call 704-250-5055 / 5060 or email brea_correll@unc.edu or chinmayee_panda@unc.edu or visit https://vorugantilab.web.unc.edu/.
Choline Status Study: Choline is an essential nutrient and most Americans’ diets do not achieve the recommended daily intake. Currently there is no validated blood test to determine if someone has the amount of choline needed to sustain optimal bodily function. We are looking for individuals between the ages of 17 and 70 to participate in this study to help develop a reliable test for choline status. Call the team at 704-250-5048 or email hrc_studies@unc.edu or julie_stegall@unc.edu.
Fructose Liver-Fat Study: We are looking for individuals to participate in this study to help identify genetic and dietary factors that affect the risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Caucasian adolescents and adults between the ages of 12 and 40 are needed. For further information call (704) 250-5055 or 5060 or email brea_correll@unc.edu or chinmayee_panda@unc.edu or visit https://vorugantilab.web.unc.edu/
Infant Cognition and Nutrition Study (ICAN): With this research study, we will determine if eating eggs during lactation will improve the nutrient content of mothers’ milk and subsequently, improve infant recognition memory. We are looking for healthy, breastfeeding women whose babies are under 3 months old. See if you qualify: email feedingbrains@unc.edu or call 704-250-5018.
Carol L. Cheatham, Ph.D., principal investigator of the ICAN study, values the time and dedication of research participants. “Without the generosity of those who volunteer to participate in research studies, our work would literally be impossible. We are eternally grateful to them as they help us determine how we can use nutrition to improve health and well-being.”
Every person is metabolically unique. The NRI is dedicated to finding out how these differences affect an individual’s health so that current one-size-fits-all dietary guidelines can be replaced with customized nutritional recommendations and actions to improve a person’s health and quality of life.
Posted June 3, 2019
