This project is a renewal of a highly productive regional project that was started in 1971. The overall goal of W-5122 researchers is to understand the impacts of bioactive dietary components and their metabolites on human health throughout the lifespan and to ensure safety of the food supply. Specific interests include the effects of phytochemicals, foodborne toxicants, endogenous microbial metabolites, and specific macro- and micronutrients on human health outcomes, as well as how food processing alters the chemistry and biological effects of dietary components.  Group members collectively utilize mechanistic, preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological research methods to provide a comprehensive translational approach for understanding how natural chemicals impact human health and food safety. 

Group members utilize cutting-edge research methodologies to address a broad range of research questions related to relevant topics including: 1) examining the effects of whole foods and specific dietary components on the intestinal microbiome, 2) understanding the molecular mechanisms by which specific dietary nutrients benefit and/or harm human health and modulate risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity/diabetes, 3) determining the effects of food processing on bioactivity and bioavailability of food-derived compounds, and 4) investigating trans-generational health effects of dietary and environmental exposures. The objectives of this renewal application represent our continued commitment to understanding the relationship between dietary components and human health while emphasizing emerging areas of scientific inquiry, such as the interplay between dietary chemicals and the gut microbiome, developmental programming, and chronic disease risk. W-4122 was selected for the Western Region Award of Excellence in 2019, and has been highly successful over the past several reporting periods as measured by dozens of collaborative projects supported by substantial research funding (totals averaging ~$10M/year since 2017), extensive peer-reviewed scientific publications (>120 since 2019), graduate and undergraduate student training, and multiple outreach activities including presentation of lectures and development of websites and curriculum modules. We anticipate that this renewal project will be equally successful and will continue to have an impact on issues related to food safety and human health.