About the Lab
Welcome to Dr. Nancy E. Moran's Carotenoids and Nutrition Laboratory at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, housed in the Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition Section.
Our research program seeks to understand how dietary carotenoids impact human health. Carotenoids are a class of colorful orange, red, and yellow compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Some carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and alpha-carotene are converted to vitamin A in the body- and therefore play an important role in development and health. Other carotenoids, such as red lycopene and yellow lutein, are not pro-vitamin A, but may play a role in cancer prevention and promotion of visual and cognitive function, respectively.
Our program engages a translational research approach, studying carotenoid metabolism and bioactivity in both model systems and in humans. We are studying the mechanisms by which carotenoids are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, how blood and tissue carotenoid concentrations can be used as biomarkers of dietary intake, and the molecular impacts of carotenoids in the body to better understand how carotenoids may promote health across the life cycle.
Research Projects
View a listing of our projects related to carotenoids and children's nutrition.
Publications
Our research projects and studies result in peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.
Opportunites
View information on research and training opportunities in the Moran lab.
Lead Investigator
View Dr. Nancy E. Moran's bio for details on her interests in understanding how dietary carotenoids impact human health.
The Moran Lab is part of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) which conducts basic and clinical research that represents the vibrant and diverse scope of childhood nutrition. Studies carried out at the CNRC investigate molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, human nutrition and metabolism, plant physiology, epidemiology, and community-based health. The CNRC houses laboratories supported by state-of-the-art equipment, room calorimeters, a greenhouse, a metabolic kitchen, multiple observation labs, as well as accommodations for research volunteers. Visit the CNRC.
