How the timing of food intake affects reproductive health
The circadian time of food intake and its effect on reproductive health
This study looks at how eating at odd times can mess with your body's internal clock and affect fertility, especially for people with irregular eating habits like shift workers, and it aims to understand how these timing issues can disrupt hormones that are important for reproduction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how disruptions in the body's internal clock, particularly related to food intake timing, impact reproductive health. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind reduced fertility and other reproductive issues observed in individuals with irregular eating patterns, such as shift workers. By using animal models, the study aims to explore how mis-timed meals can lead to hormonal disruptions that affect ovulation and mating behaviors. The research will assess the sensitivity of both male and female reproductive functions to these dietary timing changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing reproductive health issues, particularly those with irregular eating patterns or shift work schedules.
Not a fit: Patients who have stable eating patterns and do not experience reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary guidelines that improve reproductive health and fertility outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that circadian disruptions can negatively affect reproductive health, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in existing findings.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butler, Matthew P — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Butler, Matthew P
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 below.