Investigating the role of vitamin D in obesity and insulin resistance in young veterans
Official title: Vitamin D and Development Origins of Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-11098588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how not getting enough vitamin D during pregnancy might lead to weight gain and health problems in young veterans and their children, and it hopes to find out if taking vitamin D supplements while pregnant can help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2018 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX003648-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include young veterans, particularly those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as well as their offspring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or do not have a family history of obesity or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in young veterans and their offspring. The study examines genetic programs activated by environmental factors that increase the risk of obesity, particularly in those with a military background. By analyzing data from both human and animal models, the research aims to determine if vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy can prevent obesity-related issues in future generations. The findings could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and metabolic disorders in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that reduce obesity and improve metabolic health in young veterans and their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that vitamin D plays a crucial role in metabolic health, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights, although the specific focus on veterans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis VA Medical Center
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernal-Mizrachi, Carlos — St. Louis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bernal-Mizrachi, Carlos
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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.