Understanding how diet influences gut bacteria and their metabolism

Dissecting the effect of diet on gut microbiome metabolism

NIH-funded research Princeton University · NIH-10997937

This study is looking at how what you eat, like protein and fiber, can change the bacteria in your gut and the helpful substances they produce, which could help people with gut health issues like inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10997937 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how different dietary components, such as protein and fiber, affect the metabolism of gut bacteria and the production of important metabolites like indole and phenol. By using advanced techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA sequencing, the study aims to explore how dietary modifications can change the composition of gut microbiota and their metabolic outputs. The findings could provide insights into how diet can be used to manage conditions related to gut health, such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by gut microbiome metabolism, such as inflammatory bowel disease or obesity.

Not a fit: Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those not interested in dietary modifications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that improve gut health and manage microbiome-related diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that dietary changes can significantly impact gut microbiome composition and function, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

Princeton, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.