NIH-funded research R15 grant

How reducing dietary protein affects motivation and physiology

Official title: Persistent Effects of Dietary Protein Restriction on Protein Motivation and Underlying Physiology

Funded at Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge · NIH-10874208 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how cutting back on protein in your diet affects your cravings and body reactions, and whether those changes stick around even after you go back to eating normal amounts of protein, helping us learn more about how what we eat can impact our health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLouisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baton Rouge, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$455,398
NIH project number1R15DK139555-01
Project IDNIH-10874208 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals interested in understanding the effects of dietary protein on their health and motivation to consume protein-rich foods.

Less likely to help

Patients who have no interest in dietary changes or those with specific dietary restrictions unrelated to protein may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how a period of dietary protein restriction influences both behavior and physiological responses related to protein intake. It aims to understand whether the effects of reduced protein consumption persist even after normal protein levels are restored. By examining changes in protein motivation, preference, and the body's physiological responses, including hormone production and brain activity, the study seeks to provide insights into how dietary changes impact health. The findings could have implications for nutritional strategies in humans.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations and interventions for better health outcomes related to protein consumption.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited direct testing of these assumptions, preliminary data suggest that similar approaches may yield valuable insights into dietary impacts on behavior and physiology.

Where this research is happening

  • Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
    Baton Rouge, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Soto, Paul — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
  • Study coordinator: Soto, Paul

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.