NIH-funded research R01 grant

How early nutrition affects health and cognitive function into middle age

Official title: The impact of early-life nutrition on socioeconomic status, physical health and cognitive function through middle age

Funded at Emory University · NIH-11045012 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how the food we eat when we're young can affect our health, thinking skills, and financial well-being as we grow older, and it follows people from childhood into their 40s to see these changes over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startMarch 15, 2023
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$462,825
NIH project number5R01AG079990-03
Project IDNIH-11045012 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experienced nutritional interventions during childhood and are currently between the ages of 47 and 64.

Less likely to help

Patients who did not receive any nutritional supplementation during their early years may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term effects of early-life nutrition on physical health, cognitive function, and socioeconomic status as individuals transition into middle age. By utilizing data from a historical nutritional supplementation program in Guatemala, the study aims to understand how early nutritional interventions can influence health outcomes and cognitive abilities later in life. Participants will be followed from childhood into their 40s to assess changes in these areas over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how improving early nutrition can lead to better health and cognitive outcomes in adulthood.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early-life nutrition significantly impacts health and cognitive outcomes, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Stein, Aryeh David — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Stein, Aryeh David

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.