Investigating how diet affects physical function in older adults
Official title: Plasma metabolite markers of dietary factors associated with age-related declines in physical function
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-10790112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how what older adults eat affects their physical abilities as they age, and it involves checking their diet and taking small samples to find out which nutrients might help them stay active and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $436,969 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085005-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related declines in physical function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have any age-related physical function declines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between dietary factors and age-related declines in physical function among older adults. By analyzing plasma metabolite markers, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that link diet to physical health in the elderly. Participants may undergo dietary assessments and provide biological samples for metabolomic analysis, which will help identify key metabolites associated with physical function. The ultimate goal is to develop effective prevention strategies to enhance the quality of life for seniors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that improve physical function and overall health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using metabolomics to understand chronic diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Talegawkar, Sameera a — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Talegawkar, Sameera a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HLA-F and KIR3DS1: unlocking NK cell help to control HIV
A short, patient-friendly look at how a specific immune interaction might help the body control HIV and reduce long-term health problems.
-
Emerging therapies for rare maternal mitochondrial diseases with shared causes
A basket clinical trial will test new drug candidates for two ultra-rare mitochondrial diseases (MELAS and LHON-Plus) that share the same underlying energy-making problem in people who could be affected.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine for liver fluke infection and bile duct cancer
A vaccine approach aims to stop liver fluke interactions with the human bile ducts to prevent bile duct cancer in regions where the parasite is common.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during liver fluke infection
A vaccine approach aims to block how a liver fluke parasite communicates with the human liver to prevent bile duct cancer in people in Southeast Asia.
-
Understanding why youth develop type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it
A nationwide study aims to unravel why some teens with obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others don’t, and to identify factors that could help prevent it.
-
Ultrasensitive antibody-detection method to screen HIV-bNAbs
A new, ultra-sensitive test will help identify which broadly neutralizing antibodies can best block HIV-1 in people, by quickly checking how well these antibodies interact with the virus in patient-derived samples.
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.