Core Services: Human Phenotyping:Nutrition Assessment Laboratory

Research dietitians, a research subject coordinator, and an experienced metabolic kitchen staff provide comprehensive nutrition services for research protocols, which is available to all investigators. The research dietitians are available to perform nutrition assessments using a wide variety of methods including 24-hour dietary recalls utilizing the USDA 5 pass method; three-day food diary instruction; dietary intake analysis via Nutrient Data System for Research (NDSR); validated food frequency questionnaires; individualized nutritional counseling, including weight loss and/or maintenance; and developing calculated controlled menus for both extended stay and outpatient use.

The metabolic kitchen supervisors are experienced in developing, preparing, and delivering timed calculated meals. The various menus and diets developed to meet the needs of past and current protocols include limited copper; specified calories with various macronutrient distribution; Ketogenic; CYP450 restricted; and severe sodium restriction (<450 mg). Outpatient meal preparation and packaging is available, as well as gram weight measurement of pre- and post-meal delivery.

The bionutrition core includes a trained DEXA (duel energy x-ray absorptiometry) technician. Personnel have performed in excess of 250 DEXA scans/year. This technology is a "gold standard" in body composition analysis and bone density measurement. The DEXA machine is a GE Lunar Prodigy ADVANCE Plus and is located at the CVC MCRU site.

The bionutrition core performs body composition measurements using RJL bioelectrical impedance analysis system (available with accompanying software to estimate total body water, body fat, and water compartments) and Lange skinfold calipers to define body fat and muscle compartments.

The core staff uses a Viasys Healthcare Vmax Encore VS 29n Indirect Calorimetry System to assess resting energy expenditure in pediatric and adult populations using both mouthpiece/nose clip and canopy attachments to facilitate measurement.

Services and Rates

Nutritional Assessment	$38.41 per hour
NDSR Dietary Analysis	$35.47 per analysis
Meal preparation at metabolic kitchen	$8.36 per meal
Cost of food	Breakfast $1 Snack $1 Lunch $3 (includes container) Dinner $3 (includes container)

Note that cost for some services include charges for time/effort of experienced, training, and/or licensed personnel. In instances where staff from the core users' research team assist or appropriately fill the role of Core staff to provide the service, the charges will be adjusted accordingly.