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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Little Rock, Arkansas » Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center » Microbiome and Metabolism Research » Research » Research Project #448671

Research Project: Role of Early Life Diets and Gut Microbiota on Maternal and Offspring Health

Location: Microbiome and Metabolism Research

Project Number: 6026-10700-001-029-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 20, 2025
End Date: Sep 19, 2027

Objective:
1. Examine the role of polyphenol and anthocyanin rich diets on modulation of gut microbiome and its impact on metabolism, immune system, and brain using animal models. 2. Elucidate the role of malnutrition on gut microbiome and its direct impact on offspring health using animal models.

Approach:
A current focus of studies includes polyphenol rich staple crops and foods and studying their health effects. An important component of these physiological effects may include effects of dietary components on gut microbiome. Thus, to address these biological connections, we will conduct controlled dietary and gut microbiome studies using animal models. We will leverage conventional and germ-free mouse models to address the objectives.