Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Probiotics Research

    Are you interested in contributing to exciting health research?

     

    The Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus is seeking men and women to participate in a 15-week nutrition research study to explore how a probiotic supplement, Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain TW01), affects gut health and microbiome composition, body composition, and markers of inflammation in the body. You will be provided with daily probiotic/placebo study capsules, complimentary meal delivery service kits, and be compensated up to $50 for your time.

     

    We are looking for men and women who are:

    - Between 18 and 60 years of age

    - Body mass index (BMI) between 28 kg/m2 and 40 kg/m2

    - Waist circumference ≥ 88 cm or 35 inches for women, ≥ 102 cm or 40 inches for men

    - Willing to consume study capsules daily

    - Willing to prepare and consume the delivered meal kits

    - Willing to provide blood and stool samples throughout the study

    - Do not fit any exclusion criteria

     

    What is involved?

    You will take daily capsules (probiotic or placebo)

    You will receive complimentary meal delivery service kits to prepare and consume

    Non-invasive collection of stool samples using a simple, easy-to-use kit (works like toilet

    paper)

    Small blood samples collected at scheduled intervals

    Body composition assessments

     

    Benefits of participating:

    - Free body composition and gut health analysis upon request

     

    To inquire about participating in the study contact:

    - Christopher Blesso, Principal Investigator, 860-486-9049

    o Email: christopher.blesso@uconn.edu or

    - Emma Hickey, Graduate Assistant, 860-486-8755

    o Email: emma.hickey@uconn.edu

    - Oliver Otoko, Graduate Assistant, 860-486-8755

    o Email: oliver.otoko@uconn.edu

     

    This research study was approved by the UConn IRB, Protocol #B2025-0034

    For more information, contact: Emma Hickey at emma.hickey@uconn.edu