How the timing of food intake affects reproductive health
Official title: The circadian time of food intake and its effect on reproductive health
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11061826 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $567,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109477-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061826 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing reproductive health issues, particularly those with irregular eating patterns or shift work schedules.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have stable eating patterns and do not experience reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butler, Matthew P — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Butler, Matthew P
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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.