We are no longer recruiting participants for the GutMMAP study.
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to better understand how individuals respond differently to nutrients in the diet based on the differences in normal bacteria that lives in people’s guts (microbiomes).
In order to achieve this, we are conducting a research study in two phases. Phase 1 will identify individuals who have a particular gut microbiome characteristic that may be involved in differently breaking down (metabolizing) a group of dietary nutrients called flavonoids (which are commonly found in fruits and vegetables), compared to people without that gut microbiome characteristic. Flavonoids are generally considered to a be a healthy aspect of diet, but individuals may get different benefits from a high-flavonoid diet based on their gut microbiome. Phase 2 will involve having people consume diets high in flavonoids to see what impact the gut microbiome has on their metabolism based on gut microbiome characteristics.
Update: Data collection on Phase 2 was finished in spring 2025. Come back for updates on results and publications!
This research is being conducted by Dr. Margaret Slavin, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Food Science, and has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Maryland, College Park, project #2046124.