Understanding how nutrient balance affects energy in aging muscles
Official title: Altered micronutrient partitioning as a regulator of mitochondrial health in skeletal muscle
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11336558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aging adults may lose muscle strength partly because mitochondria don’t work as well, and this project explores how nutrients inside cells influence that process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $223,782 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM139768-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) who may be affected by age-related muscle weakness or sarcopenia.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without aging-related muscle changes may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people aged 65 and older and investigates how nutrient distribution inside mitochondria affects energy production in skeletal muscle. Researchers will look at mitochondrial DNA changes and how they relate to muscle mass and function as we age. The goal is to identify nutrient-related factors that could help maintain mobility and reduce disability in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to dietary or lifestyle strategies to preserve muscle health and energy in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked mitochondrial changes with aging and muscle function, suggesting potential benefit from this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fiddler, Joanna — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Fiddler, Joanna
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.