Personalized Nutrition for Metabolic Disorders

Exploring Interaction of One-carbon Metabolism Nutrients Intakes and Genetic Susceptibility on Risk of Metabolic Disorders among Multi-ethnic U.S. Adults

ABOUT THE PROJECT

A close up of a variety of vegetables.

Sponsor:

THRC's Community Health and Economic Resilience Research (CHERR) Center of Excellence

PI:

Dr. Jie Zhu

Research Pillar(s):

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A briefcase icon with a Red Cross symbol, meant to represent the STEM and Healthcare Workforce priority.
A head icon with a heart in place of a brain, meant to represent the Personal Health and Wellbeing pillar.
An icon of an medical monitor showing heart beat activity, meant to represent the Digital Healthcare Transformation pillar.
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This study examines how genetics affect nutrient intake (e.g., folate and B vitamins) and how these factors influence the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Significantly, the study’s cohort of participants who are ethnically diverse with unique sociodemographic, biomedical, and lifestyle characteristics. As a result, the project may inform development of nutritional interventions that are personalized for the individual. 

Findings from this study may help mitigate nutrition-related health disparities and improve chronic disease prevention across diverse populations. 

Researchers & Collaborators

Headshot of Dr. Jie Zhu.

Dr. Jie Zhu

Faculty Fellow, THRC

Assistant Professor, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Headshot of Dr. Jie Zhu.

Dr. Vangelis Metsis

Faculty Fellow, THRC

Associate Professor, Texas State University

Headshot of Dr. Xiaoxi Shen.

Dr. Xiaoxi Shen

Collaborator

Assistant Professor, Texas State University

Headshot of Dr. Nicholas Joseph Bishop.

Dr. Nicholas Joseph Bishop

Collaborator

Associate Professor, University of Arizona

Headshot of Dr. Ka Kahe.

Dr. Ka Kahe

Collaborator

Professor, Columbia University

Headshot of Dr. Martin Kohlmeier.

Dr. Martin Kohlmeier

Collaborator

Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

PARTNERS

University of Arizona logo.
Columbia University logo.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo.

PRESENTATION

A Holistic Approach to Health, Immunity, and Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation

November 9, 2022

Our inaugural Health+Resilience Research Network meeting brought together faculty and staff from around campus for a lunch research talk to listen to Dr. Jacky Zhu (School of Family & Consumer Sciences) present his research. 

Zhu, J. (2022). A holistic approach to health, immunity, and post COVID-19 rehabilitation: The role of nutrition. Health+Resilience Research Network, San Marcos, Texas.

PUBLICATIONS

Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 Status in Association With Metabolic Syndrome Incidence

Are intakes and serum levels of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence among the US population? This study investigates intakes and serum concentrations of each supplement in association with MetS risk in a large US cohort.

Do B Vitamins Enhance the Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)? A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

This study aims to examine whether the combined supplementation of both B vitamins and omega-3 PUFAs could provide additional beneficial effects to prevent CVD beyond the effect of each supplement.

IN THE NEWS

Beautiful heads of lettuce grow among spinach and other plants in a South Austin garden plot at Emerald Wood Community Gardens. Green leaf vegetables have a lot of vitamins that are thought to lessen your chance of getting metabolic syndrome.

Could Vitamins Help You Avoid Diabetes, Heart Disease? Here's What a Texas State Researcher Found.

Austin American-Statesman | Nicole Villalpando    
February 3, 2023    
Read Story >>

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of abnormal health conditions that include central obesity, hypertension, impaired fasting blood glucose and dyslipidemia. Image © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

Could B Vitamins Protect Against the Metabolic Syndrome?

Nutra Ingredients | Stephen Daniells     
January 26, 2023     
Read Story >>

Group of foods high in b vitamins.

Study Shows Folate, Vitamins B6, B12 May Help Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

TXST Newsroom | Jayme Blaschke 
January 25, 2023 
Read Story >>

A tangerine peeled lays on a table.

High Folate Intake Linked to Low Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome

Pharmacy Times | Erin Hunter 
January 19, 2023 
Read Story >>