Phthalate exposure and diet effects on reproductive health
Official title: Phthalate exposure, diet effect modification and human reproductive health
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11385760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will look at how phthalate exposure, along with diet factors like carotenoids and omega-3 fats, relate to fertility and pregnancy outcomes in people trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 25, 2026 |
| Project end | August 24, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,061,969 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038742-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals planning pregnancy or undergoing fertility treatments who contributed data and samples to the EARTH study.
✕Less likely to help
Participants not represented in the EARTH cohort or whose phthalate/diet interactions do not influence their outcomes may not see direct benefits.
What this research studies
Researchers will use data and samples from a long-running preconception cohort to examine whether urinary phthalate levels and their mixtures are linked to ovarian reserve, semen quality, and birth outcomes, and whether serum carotenoids and omega-3 fats modify these associations. The study will analyze existing urine, serum, and semen samples to explore biological pathways and potential interactions that could influence reproductive success. Findings could help identify dietary or exposure-related factors that affect fertility and pregnancy health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If relationships are clarified, it could inform lifestyle or dietary guidance to reduce phthalate-related risks in fertility and pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests phthalates can affect reproduction, and dietary factors may modify these effects, but human data on modifications are limited and this study expands on that.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Minguez Alarcon, Lidia — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Minguez Alarcon, Lidia
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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.