Microbiome and Nutrition
The complex community of bacteria, yeasts and viruses living in our intestines, collectively known as the gut microbiome, is shaped, in part, by what we eat. Genetics, environment, and other factors also influence an individual’s microbial community. Research at the NRI investigates these complex relationships and their impact on disease risk. We use animal models and bioinformatics to study the associations between nutritional metabolites, gut microbiome, and health. What happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut. Your microbiome can play a role in cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, and even cancer. Our team envisions a future where analysis of your microbiome can determine disease risk, and medical foods can be prescribed to treat and prevent disease by regulating the microbiome.
Publications
Microbiome and Nutrition Publications
2020
Population studies of TMAO and its precursors may help elucidate mechanisms. Meyer K
2019
Association of dietary patterns with the gut microbiota in older, community-dwelling men. Meyer K
2018
Meta-analysis of human genome-microbiome association studies: the MiBioGen consortium initiative. Meyer K
Human microbiota, blood group antigens, and disease. Sumner S
2017
Trimethylamine N-Oxide, the Microbiome, and Heart and Kidney Disease. Zeisel S
2016
Diet and Gut Microbial Function in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Meyer K
Antibiotic-mediated gut microbiome perturbation accelerates development of type 1 diabetes in mice. Sumner S
Related News
February 17, 2015
The Role of Genetics and Other Biological Factors in the Obesity Epidemic Karen Corbin, Ph.D., R.D., joined the UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) in 2009 and was promoted to research assistant professor in 2011. Dr. Corbin’s research focuses on nutritional and...
November 2014
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders More Prevalent Than Expected The following, reprinted from HealthDay in an article by Tara Haelle, reveals the findings of a study conducted by NRI Researcher Professor Philip May, Ph.D. Although drinking during pregnancy has long been...
More Kids Harmed by Drinking in Pregnancy Than Expected, Study Reports
The following, reprinted from HealthDay in an article by Tara Haelle, reveals the findings of a study conducted by NRI Research Professor Philip May, Ph.D. MONDAY, Oct. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) – Although drinking during pregnancy has long been considered taboo, new...
Carol L. Cheatham, Ph.D. presented with National TRIO Achiever’s Award
On September 9, at Council for Opportunity in Education’s 33rd Annual Conference Gala, Dr. Cheatham was bestowed the 2014 National TRIO Achiever’s Award. The National TRIO Achiever’s award was created as a tribute to the success and outstanding endeavors of TRIO students and the programs that supported them in their journey to accomplished careers. Continue Reading Carol L. Cheatham, Ph.D. presented with National TRIO Achiever’s Award
Artificial Sweeteners: New Findings Suggest Negative Health Implications
As a registered dietitian, I am often asked: “What do you think about artificial sweeteners?” My answer is always the same: “Since they are artificial and not enough research has been conducted to know for certain if they can be harmful, I suggest using them in moderation, learning to drink beverages that are naturally sugar-free, or using regular sugar instead but in moderation.” New research published in the journal Nature indicates a negative impact of artificial sweeteners on the helpful bacteria that live in our intestines. The findings were intriguing and provide one important piece of the puzzle to help better understand the role of these food additives on health. Continue Reading Artificial Sweeteners: New Findings Suggest Negative Health Implications
October 2014
SoundBites is the NRI’s monthly e-newsletter. This month features Folami Ideraabdullah’s environmental lecture held at Catawba College and Dr. Zeisel’s input on a new research publication about gut microbes. Continue Reading October 2014