Understanding how sugar in the diet affects gut bacteria
Official title: Elucidating the consequences of dietary sugar consumption on the gut microbiota
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11018616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating a lot of sugary foods affects the good bacteria in our gut, especially one type called Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, to help us understand how our diet can influence our gut health and our risk of getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132711-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or those interested in understanding the impact of diet on gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume refined sugars or have no interest in dietary impacts on health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how diets high in refined sugars like glucose and fructose influence the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in human health. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which sugar consumption alters the abundance and function of gut bacteria, particularly focusing on a bacterium called Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Researchers will explore how sugar affects the expression of important bacterial factors and the overall interaction between the gut microbiome and the host. By examining these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into how dietary choices can impact gut health and disease susceptibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better dietary recommendations that promote gut health and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary changes can significantly influence gut microbiota, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Townsend, Guy Edmund — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Townsend, Guy Edmund
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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.