Faculty Research
Impact of Edible Cricket Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults
Abstract:
Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional livestock with growing popularity among North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluated. In addition to high protein levels, crickets contain chitin and other fibers that may influence gut health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of consuming 25 grams/day whole cricket powder on gut microbiota composition, while assessing safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults participated in this six-week, double-blind, crossover dietary intervention. Participants were randomized into two study arms and consumed either cricket-containing or control breakfast foods for 14 days, followed by a washout period and assignment to the opposite treatment. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after each treatment period to assess liver function and microbiota changes. Results demonstrate cricket consumption is tolerable and nontoxic at the studied dose. Cricket powder supported growth of the probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium animalis, which increased 5.7-fold. Cricket consumption was also associated with reduced plasma TNF-α. These data suggest that eating crickets may improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation; however, more research is needed to understand these effects and underlying mechanisms.
Association between restaurant menu item descriptions and their nutrient content
DM Krobath, WA Masters, MP Mueller
Diabetes nutrition education and healthy food resource for American Indian and Alaska Natives with type 2 diabetes
Bacteriophage for Gastrointestinal Health (PHAGE) Study
Evaluating the safety and tolerability of supplemental bacteriophage consumption.
Objective: The gut microbiota has been recognized as a critical regulator of human health, and novel interventions to selectively modulate the microbiota are actively being sought. Bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) have the potential to selectively eliminate specific detrimental microbes while enhancing beneficial microbe populations. The Bacteriophage for Gastrointestinal Health (PHAGE) study aimed to determine the safety and tolerability of supplemental bacteriophage consumption in a population of healthy adults with mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress.
Mediation of the Gastrointestinal Redox Environment via Dietary Antioxidants
CB Van Buiten, E Nock, I Raskin
Exploring food insecurity as a social determinant of health among American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents at risk for gestational diabetes
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of EFNEP Utilizing Biomarkers of Chronic Disease Risk
The purpose of this study is to assess whether the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a cost-effective nutrition education intervention that generates sustained improvement in chronic disease biomarkers.
This study utilizes a paired longitudinal quasi-experimental design with two parallel arms (untreated control versus EFNEP) and four waves of data collection (baseline pre-test, immediate post-test, six-months-post-test, 12-months-post-test). Chronic disease biomarkers (BMI, blood pressure, HbA1c) will be measured for 500 adults (250 control; 250 EFNEP) across four state EFNEP programs (Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Washington). Difference-in-differences analysis will be used to identify the impact of adult EFNEP on chronic disease biomarkers. The estimated impacts will then be incorporated into a biomarker cost-benefit analysis to assess the economic value generated by adult EFNEP through chronic disease risk reduction.
Project results will provide objective estimates of the economic value generated by EFNEP through chronic disease risk reduction and provide insight to support coordinators’ efforts to enhance programming and accurately demonstrate the economic value generated by the program to policymakers and stakeholders.
This research was supported by funds from USDA NIFA AFRI Grant 2022-69015-36283, Hatch Project 7002300, and Multi-State Project 7004820.