Researchers awarded $100,000 CIHR grant to study precision nutrition and sugar intake in families

Dr. David Ma and Dr. Justine Keathley from Human Health Sciences and Dr. Kathryn Walton from Family Relations and Applied Nutrition have been awarded a one-year CIHR Priority Announcement Grant of $100,000 to support research investigating the impacts of genetically tailored nutrition interventions on sugar consumption in children and families.

Prior Guelph Family Health Study research has shown that 80% of children consume more than the recommended amount of sugar, putting them at increased risk for dental disease, as well as obesity. About 60% of 6- to 19-year-old Canadians, and 96% of adults, have had at least one cavity.

The study will be conducted through the Guelph Family Health Study and Family Stress Study. Participating families will receive either personalized or population-based nutrition guidance on sugar and dental health, in order to gauge which intervention produces greater dietary change. To date, no studies have evaluated the impacts of genetically tailored nutrition interventions on children and families.

Researchers will assess families’ dietary sugar consumption, as well as oral health, over 18 months. They will also gauge families’ attitudes toward genetic testing.

At the conclusion of the study, the research team will also develop informational materials for the general public and health practitioners, in collaboration with the Canadian Dental Association.