Current Projects

If you are interested in participating in one of our studies, please email us at cv-nutrition-research@udel.edu

Vascular Effects of Dietary Potassium in Humans

We utilize a controlled dietary approach to study the effect of altering sodium and potassium intake on vascular function in healthy, salt-resistant adults.  We use brachial artery flow-mediated dilation to assess conduit artery function and cutaneous vasodilation in response to local heating to assess microvascular function. We collect venous endothelial cells from our participants to assess cell stiffness utilizing atomic force microscopy and we also stain cells for markers of oxidative stress and stiffness.

We have two ongoing projects- one that utilizes a whole food approach and a second that utilizes potassium supplements. Both are open to recruitment.

Impact of Diet on the Gut Microbiota

Diet can impact the health of the gut microbiota (or “gut bugs”) and influence health. Recent evidence suggests links between the gut and development of high blood pressure. We are assessing gut bacteria in stool samples from participants in our controlled feeding studies.

Habitual Diet Study
We are looking at habitual dietary intake (particularly, in the context of sodium and potassium) and evaluating vascular function to see if those who consume high sodium/low potassium diets have poorer vascular health.

Vegetarian Diets and Vascular Function
The goal of this study is to determine whether a vegetarian diet (of at least 5 years) results in better vascular function compared to a diet containing red meat (consume at least 2 servings per week).

Vascular Effects of Dietary Salt in Humans with Salt-Resistant BP
In collaboration with Drs. Bill Farquhar and Dave Edwards, we are counseling individuals who habitually consume a high salt diet to reduce their intake to recommended intakes for 1 month. We assess vascular function pre- and post-counseling.