Understanding how Kombucha affects metabolism in the body
Official title: Elucidating the Host Metabolic Response to Consumption of Kombucha-associated Microorganisms
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10896931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny microbes in Kombucha tea affect the way our bodies process fats and stay healthy, using a small worm as a model to understand these effects better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,064 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AT012138-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the health effects of probiotics and fermented foods, particularly those who consume or are considering consuming Kombucha.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume Kombucha or have no interest in probiotic foods may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the metabolic responses of the body to the consumption of microorganisms found in Kombucha, a popular fermented tea. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the study aims to explore how these Kombucha-associated microbes influence lipid metabolism and overall health. By manipulating the diet of these organisms to include only Kombucha microbes, researchers can gain insights into the complex interactions between diet, gut microbes, and host physiology. The findings could help clarify the health benefits associated with Kombucha consumption.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a better understanding of how Kombucha may contribute to improved metabolic health and inform dietary recommendations.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the health benefits of probiotics, this specific investigation into Kombucha-associated microorganisms is novel and has not been rigorously tested before.
Where this research is happening
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Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dumez, Rachel Nell — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Dumez, Rachel Nell
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.