Dr Nutrition Branches

[Grimarlon Varner]

Thegoal of the Nutrition and Metabolism Branch (NME) is to provide robust scientific evidence on the role of nutrition, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction in cancer development that can translate to both clinical and population-level interventions and to public health policy. NME aims to go beyond what may be considered the traditional domains of nutrition in cancer research and fully exploit methodological advances in molecular techniques to implement an integrated, multidisciplinary programme of research. Given the potential for advances in molecular profiling to help overcome methodological challenges in nutrition research and delineate the underlying biological pathways, emphasis is placed on conducting molecular epidemiological research that integrates metabolomics, hormone measurements, the microbiome, and genomics, within population-based cohorts and intervention studies.

The overall strategic vision of NME is centred on three major research themes: (i) understanding the role of obesity and metabolic dysfunction in cancer development; (ii) identifying biomarkers of diet and nutrition and applying them within studies of cancer etiology; and (iii) investigating multimorbidity and biological pathways common to cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Within these themes, NME focuses on a core set of cancer sites, primarily colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer, as well as hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and endometrial cancer. Particular emphasis is placed on cancer types that have clear links to nutrition and metabolic abnormalities and for which much remains to be discovered about their etiology. Moreover, the cancer sites of focus are those with high or rapidly rising incidence for which preventive strategies may be most effective to reduce the future burden. In addition to coordination of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, NME also devotes resources to the development of studies in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, Morocco, and countries in Latin America where, because of the epidemiological transition, cancer types linked to diet and lifestyle are increasing in incidence. NME also leads research in cohort consortia such as the NCI Cohort Consortium, the International 100K+ Cohorts Consortium, and the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO), and conducts research within resources such as the UK Biobank and SIDIAP.

PGNB serves as the focal point for NICHD extramural research in pediatric endocrinology and nutrition and their impact on health promotion and disease prevention throughout the life course. PGNB also serves as the focal point for NICHD training in child health research.

The branch supports research to understand the relevant biological systems and factors that influence mechanisms of physical and neurological development, beginning in utero and extending through the lifespan, as well as the role and impact of nutritional status in these systems. PGNB also encourages research to explore the external contextual (social, behavioral, and environmental) factors that influence these processes.

Furthermore, PGNB supports translational and systems-based research in the application of behavioral science, medical science, and nutrition science to develop interventions for promoting health and mitigating disease during critical periods in human development.

Priority: Research aimed at (1) elucidating the factors affecting the ontogeny of human lactation (including mammary gland biology/function, maternal neuroendocrinology, nutrition, and the impact of these factors over the course of gestation, a feeding, a day, and the duration of lactation); (2) characterizing the systems biology of human milk including its composition and function according to stage of lactation, circadian biology, and infant gestational age; (3) applying this knowledge to understand the effects of (and differences among) directly breastfed, expressed/stored and bottle-fed, and banked/donor bottle-fed human milk on infant health and development; (4) improving our understanding of how human milk composition over time affects decisions regarding the timing and composition of complementary feeding practices; and (5) understanding the factors (social, cultural, behavioral, and environmental) that affect infant feeding choice.

Priority: Research aimed at (1) ascertaining the macro- and micronutrient requirements to optimize survival, growth, and development for preterm infants; (2) discerning the impact of both total parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition in the feeding of preterm infants; (3) understanding the factors that influence the ontogeny of the infant microbiomes (oral and gut) and whether or how those factors influence infant health and development; and (4) understanding the role of bioactive components of human milk (e.g., human milk oligosaccharides, peptides) in feeding preterm infants.

Gap: Translational studies have shown that hormones and cytokines secreted from bone and muscle may be essential for normal linear growth and skeletal development. Furthermore, translational studies suggest that bone cells secrete hormones that may regulate metabolism and fertility. However, many gaps remain in our understanding of normal growth and development, and there is little research characterizing the endocrine functions of bone and describing its effects on the multitude of temporal changes that occur during growth and development over the various stages of childhood.

Priority: Research aimed at (1) identifying the genetic factors involved in bone acquisition and linear growth; (2) characterizing the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the control of linear growth and the acquisition of bone and muscle mass; (3) elucidating the autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine effects of bone-derived hormones and how they evolve over time during childhood and into young adulthood; and (4) identifying approaches to prevent, treat, and reverse abnormal linear growth and bone loss resulting from chronic illness.

Gap: Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States with a prevalence approaching 20% in children and adolescents 2 to 19 years old, putting affected youth at risk for poor short- and long-term health. However, the pathophysiology of obesity in youth differs from that in adults, and there is a dearth of knowledge about how to effectively prevent and treat childhood obesity, especially in high-risk populations.

Priority: Research aimed at (1) identifying early risk factors and sensitive time periods for exposure to risks for childhood obesity; (2) elucidating the biological processes involved in the development of childhood obesity; and (3) using information on early risk factors and sensitive time periods to develop and test novel interventions for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, particularly in high-risk and underserved populations.

Gap: We have a limited understanding of the developmental processes and factors that contribute to the initiation of puberty and the determination of the tempo of developmental changes that occur during adolescence.

Opportunities: Research aimed at (1) understanding the mechanisms responsible for the onset of puberty and the genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to disorders of pubertal timing and tempo; (2) elucidating the factors affecting the timing and duration of the pubertal growth spurt and their relevance on achieving optimal skeletal maturation and bone density; and (3) understanding the impact of pubertal timing and tempo on reproductive health.

Our Focus is on the root cause. We conduct an in-depth assessment of your entire picture by addressing body systems as a whole rather than individual parts or isolated issues. This includes: Health history, current nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and mindset. An attainable plan is created in relation to nutrition & lifestyle; factoring in body system imbalances and your individual needs & goals. We provide encouragement and compassion while following you along your journey.

**All Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioners adhere to a Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice. All client intake forms are secure and kept confidential. Please check with your health insurance provider as some employers may cover Certified Holistic Nutrition Counseling under extended wellness benefit plans. **

AMS facilitates the strategic marketing of agricultural products in domestic and international markets while ensuring fair trading practices and promoting a competitive and efficient marketplace. AMS constantly works to develop new marketing services to increase customer satisfaction.

APHIS provides leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants. The agency improves agricultural productivity and competitiveness and contributes to the national economy and the public health.

ERS is USDA's principal social science research agency. Each year, ERS communicates research results and socioeconomic indicators via briefings, analyses for policymakers and their staffs, market analysis updates, and major reports.

The Farm Service Agency implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs through a national network of offices.

FNS increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.

FAS works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products. This USDA agency operates programs designed to build new markets and improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace.

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