Our research focuses on bone responses to dietary and physical activity interventions and the links between overweight and bone quality in children.
Skeletal and Cognitive Effects of Nutrition from Eggs (SCENE) Study
We are currently enrolling participants for a nine-month randomized controlled trial examining the effects of protein foods on bone strength and cognition. Participants must be between the ages of 9-13 years. Exclusion criteria include having reached menarche (for females), or having diseases or taking medications known to affect bone health. Participants must not have a known allergy to eggs/egg products, milk/milk products, or gelatin.
Participants will to come to our laboratory on three separate occasions: baseline, 4.5 months, and 9 months. Each testing session will take approximately 2 hours each.
Participants will receive $200 for completing all aspects of the testing sessions [that is, $50 for completion of session 1; $65 for completion of session 2; and $85 for completion of session 3]. Additionally, participants will receive food products that will be consumed at least 10 times per week for the duration of the study.
If you or your child may be interested in participating in this study, please contact our laboratory at 706-542-4918 or by email at bone@uga.edu to learn more.
Recent Awards
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation CDR Doctoral Scholarship, 2019, Lauren Coheley
UGA Disability Resource Center Michael E. Merriman Scholarship, 2019, Lauren Coheley
FDN Student Marshal honored at May 2019 FACS Convocation, 2019, LeAnn Haddad
Northeast Georgia Dietetic Association Scholarship, 2019, Lauren Coheley
Board on Human Sciences Undergraduate Research Mentor Award, 2018, Richard Lewis
View All Foods and Nutrition Awards
Outreach Message
Current Research Projects
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Egg consumption, inflammation, and bone health
Investigators:
Lewis, Richard; Laing, Emma; Tripp, Ralph; Pollock, Norman; Baile, Clifton; Della-Fera, Mary Anne; Rayalam, Srujana; Tompkins, Stephen; Keys, DeborahDescription:
The specific aim of the proposed study is to determine if consumption of eggs in childhood is positively associated with bone formation and bone strength, and if these associations are influenced by inflammatory-related markers. While recruitment has been completeted, the data collection is on-going.Funding Source:
Egg Nutrition Center -
Diet and obesity: Impact on skeletal health during the growing years
Investigators:
Lewis, Richard; Laing, Emma; Kindler, JoeDescription:
We performed a follow-up study in a cohort of children (N=160, 50% black, 50% female) who participated in a NIH-funded clinical trial from 2009-2010 (ages 9-13 years) at our research facility. Body composition [dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)], visceral, bone marrow and muscle fat evaluations (DXA and pQCT), bone assessment (DXA and pQCT), metabolic testing (serum insulin, glucose, c-peptide, and calculated insulin resistance), inflammatory-related markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), as well as dietary and beverage intakes and physical activity assessment were collected. The study has been completed, and only analyses of collected data are planned.Funding Source:
The Coca-Cola Company -
Supplemental zinc and bone turnover in early pubertal females
Investigators:
Lewis, Richard; Laing, Emma; Grider, ArthurDescription:
The major goal of this project is to determine the impact of 4-weeks of zinc supplementation on markers of bone turnover in adolescent females. The intervention has been completed, and only analyses of collected data are planned.Funding Source:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development -
Trabecular bone microarchitecture and cortical bone strength in adolescents
Investigators:
Lewis, Richard; Laing, Emma; Kindler, JoeDescription:
The influence of excess body fat on trabecular bone microarchitecture is unclear. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if tibia and radius trabecular bone microarchitecture are compromised in obese late adolescent white females. The study has been completed, and only analyses of collected data are planned.Funding Source:
College of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Grant
Meet the Staff
Featured Alumni
Chip Ogburn
Dr. Chip Ogburn, M.S. in FDN, is chief of orthopedic surgery at Athens Orthopedic Clinic. He was in his early 20s, a recent Stanford graduate, working odd jobs and enjoying the view and amenities of the idyllic valley nicknamed Ski Town USA.