Low Energy Availability and Heart Health in Division I Athletes
Official title: Low Energy Availability (LEA), Nutritional Deficiencies and Hypertension in Division I Athletes
Funded at North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ · NIH-11397757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring whether low energy levels and nutrient gaps affect blood pressure and heart health in 18- to 26-year-old Black college athletes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $179,432 |
| NIH project number | 5R16HL179144-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Black NCAA Division I athletes aged 18–26 with varying levels of energy intake and access to nutrition.
✕Less likely to help
Athletes outside the Division I context or those without risk factors related to LEA may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how not getting enough calories and nutrients might relate to high blood pressure in young Black NCAA Division I athletes. Researchers will collect health information, review dietary intake, and measure biological markers to understand potential links to cardiovascular risk. The study aims to identify measurable connections and determine if improving nutrition could lower hypertension risk. The work is designed to inform athletes, coaches, and healthcare teams about potential modifiable factors affecting heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help teams tailor nutrition and wellness programs to reduce hypertension risk among young athletes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest a strong association between LEA and hypertension, supporting the rationale for further study.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Purdom, Troy — North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
- Study coordinator: Purdom, Troy
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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.