How early nutrition affects health and cognitive function into middle age

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

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11045012

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 IDNIH-11045012 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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

Atlanta, 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.
Conditions age associated chronic diseaseage associated chronic disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.