A research study that tests a healthy eating and exercise program for 12 weeks.
• 18-39 years of age
• BMI between 25 and 45
• See eligibility criteria
Kannapolis, NC
Researchers need health information from large numbers of people who have different backgrounds and come from different parts of the country.
• 18+ years of age
• Children can also participate at some locations
Kannapolis, NC & surrounding areas
Chapel Hill, NC & surrounding areas
NPH is a partner of the All of Us Research Program. NPH studies how individual people respond to different foods.
• 18+ years of age
• Speak English or Spanish
• Must be enrolled in the All of Us Research Program.
Kannapolis, NC
Provides adolescent and young adult cancer survivors with tools and strategies to manage their weight and improve diet quality and physical fitness.
• 18-39 years of age
All measures can be completed virtually/remotely
The purpose of this study is to show how nutrition helps babies grow and learn.
• 18 to 35 year old women who are pregnant and plan to breastfeed
OR
• Currently breastfeeding babies younger than 3 months of age
Kannapolis, NC
Researching whether consuming blueberries and exercising can support brain health as we age.
• Ages 65–85
• Experiencing memory issues
• Physically inactive (less than 150 min/week of moderate exercise in the last 4 weeks)
Kannapolis, NC
This study looks at how your body processes different amounts of flavonoids (nutrients found in certain foods) over time.
• Age between 40 and 70 years
• BMI between 18 and 30 kg/m²
• Not taking medications, supplements, or antibiotics
• No allergy to milk, soy milk, green tea, blueberries, apples, or pineapples
• Non-smoking
Kanapolis, NC
Do you feel out of control around food? Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?
• 18+ years of age
• Have Type 2 Diabetes (A1c 7.5+)
• Have a working smartphone
• Feel out of control around food
See eligible criteria
Kannapolis, NC
A 3-month diet intervention to show how nutrition helps babies grow and learn.
• 18 to 35 year old women who are pregnant and plan to breastfeed
OR
• Currently breastfeeding babies younger than 3 months of age
Kannapolis, NC
Studying how gut bacteria break down food and how nutrition supports overall health.
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• BMI between 18–25 or 30–40
• Not currently breastfeeding
• Not taking medications or antibiotics
Kanapolis, NC
Studying how an omega-3 dietary supplement may affect adults with obesity.
• Ages 25-65 years of age
• BMI 30-40
If you smoke, are allergic to fish, or take medication for diabetes, asthma, or any autoimmune disease, you do not qualify.
Kannapolis, NC
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Female Scientists Breaking Barriers at the Nutrition Research Institute
by Grace Gable Research Technician Sergey Krupenko Laboratory UNC Nutrition Research Institute Ada Lovelace, founder of scientific computing and the first computer programmer, approached science in a poetical way that still inspires scientific perspectives today....
Precision Nutrition Considered in NIH Strategic Plan
Recognition of the importance of Precision Nutrition can be seen in several recent funding initiatives announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the major funding source for biomedical research in the US, and its funding priorities reflect what it...
Fighting Vitamin D Deficiency May Lower Risk of Contracting COVID-19 Especially among Common High-risk Groups
Vitamin D deficiency impedes good immune function and has been shown to contribute to the seasonal increase of viral respiratory infections, possibly including COVID-19. A combination of factors makes it likely that individuals are deficient in vitamin D: old age,...
Myth or Fact? When You Eat Is as Important as What You Eat
By Cecilia Kwan, PhD, RD Postdoctoral Research Associate, Smith Lab, UNC NRI Many people are concerned with maintaining a healthy weight and look for special food rules to help guide them. But sometimes these rules turn out to be more myth than fact. When to eat is...
About the NRI
Deborah F. Tate, PhD
Interim Director
Professor of Nutrition

As a trailblazer in precision nutrition research, the UNC Nutrition Research Institute investigates the intricate interplay between nutrients, lifestyle behaviors, environmental influences, genetic and other biological factors. We’re dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of nutritional diversity among individuals. By leveraging top-tier scientific minds and cutting-edge genetic, metabolic, and digital tools, we’re poised to revolutionize personalized nutrition recommendations and the behavioral support tools needed for realizing healthier futures.
Building upon our legacy as a leader in fundamental and translational science, we’re expanding our reach into human clinical and community trials. I am determined to further this expansion, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research both in our laboratories and within our communities.
The NRI is forging a path towards a healthier tomorrow for generations to come. Through this website, we aim to keep you informed about our fantastic people, latest developments, participation opportunities, milestones, and community engagements.
Deborah F. Tate, PhD
Core Values
Our Core Values are the shared values to which we commit ourselves for how we conduct our work at the NRI and the way we approach our mission and vision.
Collaboration
We work together to achieve collective and individual goals because we believe that multiple perspectives promote better outcomes.
Innovation
We are innovative and compassionate in our approach to complex issues in precision nutrition.
Cultural Stewardship
We seek to respect the unique qualities of each individual and to foster an environment where open inquiry and expression by all members of this institute are embraced.
Dedication
We are determined to excel in every aspect of our research enterprise.
Integrity
We conduct ourselves with integrity in all our scientific, business and community endeavors.
Research Excellence
We are responsible for conducting publicly and privately funded innovative research with excellence.
We Develop Precision Nutrition
The UNC Nutrition Research Institute is an internationally recognized center that conducts innovative basic and translational science studying how individual differences in requirements and responses to diet affect our individual nutritional needs. We believe that our advances in nutrition science are leading to successes in preventing or mitigating the negative effects of chronic diseases and aging and in improving human development, even prior to conception. → Learn more about Precision Nutrition
UNC-Chapel Hill
The Nutrition Research Institute is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We’re proud of our Carolina heritage and to represent UNC on the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.
NC Research Campus
Located in Kannapolis just north of Charlotte, the North Carolina Research Campus brings together eight university research centers along with industry, government, and nonprofit partners to advance human health through nutrition. Together, scientists study precision nutrition and work to develop safer, more nutritious crops and foods.
Kannapolis, NC
Kannapolis, North Carolina, just north of Charlotte, is a growing city with deep roots in textile history and a strong focus on the future. Home to the North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis brings together universities, innovators, and community partners in a walkable downtown setting with parks, local dining, and year-round events.
Where We Are
UNC Nutrition Research Institute
500 Laureate Way
Kannapolis, NC 28081
704-250-5000
UNC Nutrition Research Institute
Research Spotlight
“GLP-1 medications don’t just change your appetite. They also change how your body absorbs and handles nutrients,” noted Evan Paules, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow. “As these medications become more widely used, we need to understand how they might shift nutrient needs, including choline, so we can keep people healthy while they are on them.”
Research that transforms lives.
PUBLICATIONS FROM OUR RESEARCHERS
Precision Nutrition Training and Mentoring
Research Spotlight
Evaluating the Evolving Real-World Adverse Events of GLP-1RAs Using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
NRI Contributor: Stephen D. Hursting, PhD, MPH
Obesity remains one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time, contributing to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as promising tools for obesity and weight management, offering new opportunities to improve cardiometabolic health. But as their use grows, so does the need to better understand their safety in real-world settings.
Research that transforms lives.
PUBLICATIONS FROM OUR RESEARCHERS
Nutri-epigenetics of Mitochondrial Function and Energy Homeostasis in Obesity
How nutrition-related epigenetic changes may disrupt mitochondrial function and energy homeostasis, helping drive obesity beyond the effects of genetics, diet, and physical activity alone.
Choline, Lipidomics, and MASLD: Insights From the CARDIA Study
Certain blood lipids and choline-related metabolites were linked to fatty liver disease, suggesting they may help explain risk and serve as possible biomarkers.
Holding the Line: Preventing Weight Gain in Emotional Eaters
Weight gain prevention is a critical component of comprehensive obesity care. Emotional eating may contribute to unwanted weight gain, increasing cardiometabolic risk factors among adults with obesity.
















