A culturally tailored diet to improve heart and metabolic health in Puerto Rico
Official title: A culturally-tailored dietary trial for cardiometabolic health in Puerto Rico
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11061241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help adults in Puerto Rico improve their heart and metabolic health by encouraging a diet that fits their culture, and it’s for people who have at least one risk factor for type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018750-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 30-65 living in Puerto Rico who have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes but do not currently have these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 30 years old or already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve heart and metabolic health among adults in Puerto Rico by promoting a culturally appropriate diet. It builds on previous findings that a Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but adapts this approach to fit the local culture and food availability. The study will involve a two-year trial with 250 participants who have at least one risk factor for these conditions, focusing on the effectiveness of this tailored dietary intervention compared to standard healthy eating programs. Participants will be monitored for changes in their health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in heart and metabolic health for participants, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies, such as the PREDIMED trial, have shown that Mediterranean diets can significantly improve health outcomes, suggesting that culturally tailored dietary interventions may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mattei, Josiemer — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Mattei, Josiemer
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.