How early metal exposure affects gut health and brain development in children
Official title: Early life metal exposure, the gut microbiome, and neurodevelopment in childhood
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10914297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around certain metals when they were younger might affect kids' gut health and brain development, especially in terms of attention and behavior, and it’s for families who want to help us learn more about these connections by sharing health information and samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $242,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES032884-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 11 years who may have been exposed to metals during early life.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or who have not been exposed to metals in early life may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between early life exposure to metals, the gut microbiome, and neurodevelopment in children. It aims to understand how these factors influence attention and behavioral outcomes by analyzing biological samples and health data from children. The study involves collaboration with experts in various fields, including microbiome research and neurodevelopment, to ensure a comprehensive approach. Participants may undergo assessments and provide samples to help uncover these important relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for neurodevelopmental issues in children related to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of environmental exposures on health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eggers, Shoshannah Iylene — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Eggers, Shoshannah Iylene
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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.