Investigating vitamin D levels and health in aging humans and sled dogs in the Arctic
Official title: Vitamin D and Healthy Aging: Establishing the Sled Dog Sentinel for the Circumpolar North
Funded at University of Alaska Fairbanks · NIH-10840475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how vitamin D from food affects the health of older people and sled dogs in the northern regions, and it hopes to find out if eating traditional foods like salmon can help improve their health as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alaska Fairbanks NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairbanks, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $77,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AG081983-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and sled dog owners in the circumpolar north who are interested in the effects of vitamin D on health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in the circumpolar north or who do not have access to sled dogs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how vitamin D intake affects the health of both older humans and sled dogs living in the circumpolar north. It will explore how age influences vitamin D status and related health changes in sled dogs, which serve as a model for human health. Additionally, the study will examine the impact of traditional diets, particularly salmon, on vitamin D levels and metabolic health in these populations. By comparing young and old sled dogs, the research seeks to draw parallels that could inform dietary recommendations for both dogs and their human companions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary guidelines that enhance vitamin D sufficiency and overall health for aging populations in the Arctic.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary interventions can significantly impact health outcomes in both humans and animals, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunlap, Kriya L — University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Study coordinator: Dunlap, Kriya L
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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.