NDSU, Sanford Health Announce Research on Human Health, Nutrition

Contact Information

Available for logged-in reporters only

North Dakota State University, Fargo, and Sanford Health will conduct collaborative research on human nutrition, weight management and other dietary-related areas as part of a seed-grant initiative developed between the two organizations. The research will address key objectives of the Profile by Sanford program.

Profile is a weight-management program that uses customized meal plans, health coaches and real-time technology. It was developed by Sanford physicians and researchers.

NDSU researchers will have opportunities to collaborate with investigators from Sanford Research on topics like metabolism, food choices and consumption, prenatal nutrition, genetics, development of sensors that monitor wellness factors and food manufacturing and nutritional interactions with the human microbiome. Research findings relevant to Profile will be considered as the program evolves and expands.

Sanford will provide $250,000 annually for five years for the seed-grant program.

This collaboration with Sanford represents additional opportunities for faculty to conduct research with potential wide-ranging implications for positive impact on human health, said NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani.

Sanford Health was named as the first Campus Community Partner in 2012, to recognize private sector collaborations with the university that benefit the community, said President Bresciani. Adding this research collaboration to our already strong partnership to train nurses in the region, further illustrates our commitment to the communities we serve.

The Profile system utilizes meal-replacement products, nutritionally complete foods, qualified health coaches and client tracking of body weight, blood pressure and physical activity through smart wireless technology. Jawbone UP24 activity trackers are integrated with the Profile app to allow members to track their movement and sleep patterns. A new fitness tracker will provide additional measurable data helpful to members to monitor progress.

This collaboration offers an additional opportunity to further serve the citizens of the region, while potentially making strides that contribute to important research on health and well-being, said Kelly A. Rusch, NDSU vice president for research and creative activity.

Read more:
NDSU, Sanford Health Announce Research on Human Health, Nutrition