We lead the field of Precision Nutrition research by applying advanced scientific methods for understanding individual requirements for and responses to nutrients.

 

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Rewriting Cancer's Energy Story with a Natural Compound

November 13, 2025 Our findings show a completely novel function of resveratrol that help us understand how it may target cancer cells by altering how they generate energy. By uncovering these shifts in fat metabolism we’re identifying new ways to think about nutrition’s role in cancer research. Read More

This Recipe for Trust Could Change Nutrition Research

November 7, 2025 When researchers move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and engage families as true partners, they can design interventions that reflect real experiences and lead to meaningful, lasting change. Read More

Choline Under Pressure: A New Finding

October 29, 2025 By understanding that alcohol changes how choline is used, we can focus on making sure mothers get enough of this essential nutrient to support their baby’s brain and body development. It’s a step toward giving more children the healthiest possible start in life. Read More

Discover What Your Support Made Possible This Year

October 17, 2025 Read More

Go Behind the Scenes at the NRI

October 8, 2025 Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute and see where discoveries are made. Learn how our scientists’ work is advancing nutrition and health. Read More

Dual Grants Advance NRI’s Mission to Prevent FASD

October 7, 2025 Two recently awarded grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) will fuel research aimed at better understanding, and ultimately preventing, the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Read More

Read the Latest News

Understanding How a Common Food Toxin Affects the Body

Understanding How a Common Food Toxin Affects the Body

Feb 28, 2025

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a harmful mycotoxin produced by certain fungi and commonly found in staple foods like rice, corn, wheat, and nuts. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), mycotoxin contamination affects up to 25% of...

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Research that transforms lives.
PUBLICATIONS FROM OUR RESEARCHERS

Bladder Cancer Bladder CancerDifferential Expression of One‐Carbon Pathway Enzyme ALDH1L1 Is Linked to Tumorigenicity of Low‐Grade Bladder Cancer Cells Through Metabolic Reprogramming (Read more)
Pesticide Exposure Pesticide ExposurePrenatal Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Targeted Maternal Pregnancy Metabolomic Profiles in the NYU CHES Cohort (Read More)
Diet and Metabolites Diet and MetabolitesBody Mass Index Modifies Associations Between Diet Quality and Circulating Metabolites: The CARDIA Study, 2005 to 2006 (Read More)
Prenatal Nutrition Prenatal NutritionPrenatal Choline Attenuates the Elevated Adiposity and Glucose Intolerance Caused by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (Read More)
Lung Cancer Lung CancerProbing the metabolic regulator and candidate tumor suppressor ALDH1L1 as a target for non-small cell lung cancer gene therapy (Read More)

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS!

Your generosity and support make our achievements possible. We’re deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission. Together, we’re advancing nutrition science, supporting life-changing discoveries, and building a path to a healthier future for all.

Why Your Support Matters

Community

Get involved with the UNC Nutrition Research Institute and help us become a global leader in scientific discovery.

Our vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition. To do this, we need your help! Many of our research studies rely on volunteers to help us learn how nutrition science works in differing people. Read through the opportunities to learn more.

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Appetite for Life
Appetite for Life is a series of community programs that bring the latest scientific research down to earth in educational and interactive lectures, demonstrations and events.

Work at the NRI

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute is forging a path toward a healthier tomorrow for generations to come. Be a part of groundbreaking research and education that makes a lasting impact on human health.

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Training for Scientists

The NRI is a center for precision nutrition training through programs for graduate and medical students, post-doctoral trainees, faculty, practicing physicians and other medical providers, registered dietitians, and industry professionals.

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