Effects of sugary drinks on gut health and young-onset colorectal cancer

Impact of sugary drinks on gut microbiota and development of young-onset colorectal cancer

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10734338

This study is looking at how drinking sugary drinks might be linked to an increase in colorectal cancer in people under 50, using mice to see if these drinks speed up the growth of early cancer signs, and it hopes to find ways that changing our diets could help prevent this type of cancer in younger folks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10734338 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50. By using a mouse model that mimics early-stage colon cancer, the study aims to understand how SSBs may accelerate the development of precancerous polyps into cancer. The researchers will explore the role of diet in shaping gut microbiota and how an unhealthy diet may contribute to cancer development. This could provide insights into dietary interventions that may help prevent young-onset colorectal cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults under 50 who consume sugar-sweetened beverages regularly.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume sugar-sweetened beverages or who are over 50 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown a correlation between diet and colorectal cancer, but this research aims to establish a direct causal link, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.