Objective:
The objective of this Grant is to provide USDA, ARS, WHNRC Scientists with expertise and resources to conduct human studies to examine the effects of diet on molecular and functional biomarkers of nutrition and health. Research issues to be addressed include the following: 1) the role of various types of energy restricted diets or dietary patterns on fuel metabolism, appetite, and body composition; 2) impact of dietary components on the development of biological risk factors for chronic disease; and 3) the role of nutrition in development of immunological function and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Approach:
The grant is specific for enhancing our ability to conduct human clinical metabolic studies. The University of California will provide clinical investigators, physicians, nurses, dietitians and provide support for the conduct of research protocols in their areas of expertise. Support under this grant will include placement of intravenous catheters for blood drawing and infusions, biopsies of adipose, muscle or gastrointestinal tissue for measurements of endpoints, use of endoscopes for visualization, and nuclear magnetic imaging for tracing metabolic pathways. Medical and dietary expertise will include physicians who are board-certified in endocrinology or gastroenterology, research nurses or technicians with specialized training in selected clinical procedures, research dietitians and metabolic kitchen personnel, and professional staff with experience in volunteer recruitment and study coordination. The WHNRC would also have access to core analytical facilities and scientific expertise to the research effort. Documents Grant with UC Davis.