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
Appetite for Life SoundBites Summer 2013
In this issue:
First comprehensive nutrigenetics book published
2013 Appetite for Life highlights
Art contest and N.C. Science Festival
Faculty News and Meet the People Behind the Science: Jody Albright, Research Asst.
Additions to Our Team
Student-led IMPACT Program
Catawba College Transfers Scientific Instruments to NRI
When Catawba College transferred state-of-the-art instrumentation to the NRI, it opened the door to expanding research capabilities for NRI scientists and real-life lab experience for Catawba students. The NRI will use the equipment to further its research into how metabolism and nutrition requirements are individualized.
Helping the world get healthier, one person at the time
May 31, 2013 – Researchers at the NRI are studying nutrition in a new way, discovering how diet and exercise affect health and help prevent chronic disease. Strengthened associations between individualized nutrition and enhanced health will have a global impact.
Dr. Philip May awarded $5.3M grant to study FASD
The National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism awarded NRI Research Scientist Philip May, Ph.D. a $5.3 million grant to study Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in South Africa .
Dr. Martin Kohlmeier honored with Weinsier Award
Martin Kohlmeier, M.D., Ph.D., faculty member at the NRI, received the 2013 Roland L. Weinsier Award for Excellence in Medical/Dental Nutrition Education from the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).
NRI Director receives prestigious Greenberg Award
Stephen H. Zeisel, M.D., Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished University Professor in Nutrition and Pediatrics and UNC NRI Director, was the 2012 recipient of the Bernard G. Greenberg Alumni Endowment Award from the UNC Gillings School of Public Health. Dr. Zeisel was recognized for excellence in service to the public health community.