Aiming to keep older adults healthier by adjusting certain dietary amino acids
Official title: Translational analysis of a novel intervention to promote healthy aging.
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11397536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a major university tests whether reducing specific dietary amino acids can improve obesity and blood sugar control in aging, with the goal of healthier aging for adults 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,895,873 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG085898-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 65 years and older who are interested in dietary approaches to improve metabolic health could consider participation.
✕Less likely to help
People without obesity or insulin resistance or those unable to adhere to a specialized amino-acid–restricted diet may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests if lowering levels of specific amino acids in the diet can reverse obesity and insulin resistance in aged subjects, using mouse and nonhuman primate models and human data to guide the approach. Researchers will identify how much of these amino acids to cut and will study the resulting metabolic changes through blood, fat tissue, and muscle analyses. The study will also explore the underlying molecular mechanisms with comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to better understand how aging affects metabolic health and how diet can modulate it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to dietary strategies that help older adults maintain healthy glucose levels and body composition.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work in animals suggests that reducing certain amino acids can improve metabolic health and obesity; some human data links low intake of some amino acids with lower BMI.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colman, Ricki J — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Colman, Ricki J
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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.