Clinical trials

The purpose of this research study is to identify biomarkers of whole grain (WG) corn intake following an acute exposure in a pharmacokinetic (how the body absorbs, processes, and gets rid of a substance or ingredient) feeding study. In this aim, we will conduct a randomized crossover acute pharmacokinetic study of corn. We will then use a targeted metabolomics approach to identify the exposure markers of corn intake, further develop analytical methods to study its pharmacokinetics, and build our in-house WG metabolite database, and an untargeted metabolomics approach to investigate postprandial biomarkers of corn intake. At the completion of this study, our expectation is that we will identify corn phytochemicals and its metabolites as objective biomarkers of total and individual WG corn that are commonly consumed by Americans.

This randomized crossover study will compare low- and high-flavonoid diets in healthy adults to identify flavonoid-derived biomarkers in urine and plasma. Using targeted LC-MS metabolomics, researchers will measure known and novel flavonoid metabolites and evaluate whether a higher flavonoid intake reduces carbonyl stress markers, including reactive carbonyl species (RCS) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Low energy availability (LEA) occurs when the body does not get enough calories to support both daily life and exercise. This can happen when athletes train hard but do not eat enough to match their energy needs. In both 2012 and 2023, the International Olympic Committee on Sports Nutrition recognized LEA as an important factor that can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD), which includes conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. LEA can affect many systems in the body. It may disrupt hormones (such as menstrual cycles), cause changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, weaken bones, impair digestion, and negatively impact mental health. Over time, these changes may be linked to chronic inflammation, which plays a key role in the development of disease. Maintaining proper energy balance can be especially challenging for athletes because they often train at levels well above general health recommendations. As a result, even highly fit athletes may unintentionally remain in a calorie deficit. Our recent pilot research found a significant relationship between LEA and high blood pressure in Black Division I collegiate athletes. This is important because this group has historically been understudied and may face a higher risk of serious heart-related events, including sudden cardiac death. Despite assumptions that collegiate athletes are uniformly healthy, there is a need to better understand hidden health risks in this population. Our research aims to improve how we identify and monitor early signs of cardiometabolic disease by examining markers such as inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. These insights will help healthcare providers, athletes, and families make more informed decisions about nutrition, training, and long-term health. Ultimately, this work seeks to develop practical, evidence-based strategies to protect athlete health and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness, likability, and implementation potential of PACT, an adapted digital program to teach non-heterosexual adolescent boys about sexual consent and condom negotiation in a randomized controlled trial over 9 months.