How beta-carotene affects vitamin A production related to heart disease and obesity
Official title: Effects of beta-carotene on vitamin A production in atherosclerosis and obesity
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10563152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how beta-carotene, a natural pigment found in foods like carrots, might help produce vitamin A and affect heart disease and obesity, using a special mouse model to see if it can reduce fat buildup and inflammation, which could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $386,341 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL147252-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10563152 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis or obesity, particularly those interested in dietary interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for heart disease or obesity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of beta-carotene, a natural pigment, in the production of vitamin A and its effects on atherosclerosis and obesity. Using a specially developed mouse model that mimics human conditions, the study aims to understand how beta-carotene can influence lipid accumulation and inflammation, which are key factors in these diseases. By examining the benefits of beta-carotene ingestion, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for heart disease and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments that help prevent or manage heart disease and obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using this novel mouse model is relatively new, previous research has shown that dietary components like beta-carotene can influence health outcomes, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amengual Terrasa, Jaime — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Amengual Terrasa, Jaime
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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.