How arsenic exposure affects gut bacteria and health in young children
Official title: Arsenic, the Microbiome & Health Outcomes: Mechanisms to Methods of Intervention
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-10973186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to arsenic might change the gut bacteria in young children, especially those between 0 and 3 years old, and how these changes could affect their health, particularly their lungs; it will also explore ways to help reduce any negative effects of arsenic on their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | December 7, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,254 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033988-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children aged 0 to 3 years who have been exposed to arsenic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0 to 3 years or those not exposed to arsenic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between arsenic exposure and changes in the gut microbiome, particularly in children aged 0 to 3 years. It aims to understand how these changes can influence health outcomes, especially respiratory diseases. By studying mother-infant pairs, the research will explore how arsenic impacts the microbiome and immune development during a critical growth period. The project will also test interventions to mitigate the harmful effects of arsenic on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for children exposed to arsenic by identifying ways to protect or restore gut microbiome health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the impact of environmental toxins on the microbiome, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'toole, George a. — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: O'toole, George a.
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.