Investigating how lifestyle changes and branched-chain amino acids affect heart health
Official title: Lifestyle, branched-chain amino acids, and cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized trial
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-10907792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in your diet, exercise, and weight can help lower certain amino acids in your body that are connected to heart disease and diabetes, and it’s for anyone interested in improving their health through lifestyle changes.
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 | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $121,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL169803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults at risk for cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes, particularly those with elevated BCAA levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between lifestyle factors, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and cardiovascular risk factors. It aims to determine if changes in diet, physical activity, and weight loss can effectively lower BCAA levels, which are linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Participants will engage in behavioral lifestyle interventions to assess their impact on various health markers, including inflammation and blood pressure. The study seeks to provide personalized recommendations based on individual BCAA levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases and managing diabetes through lifestyle modifications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in reducing cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle interventions, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Dam, Rob M. — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Van Dam, Rob M.
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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.