Studying and evaluating efforts to increase access to healthy foods is an important part of my program, because it affects nutritional and health outcomes. Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food to support a healthy life, is linked to decreased nutrient intakes and increased diet-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and with poor mental health outcomes and depression. In 2020, 11% (13.8 million) of US households were food insecure, with higher rates in low-income (29%), and Black- (22%) and Hispanic-headed (17%) households. Potentially related to the increasing cost of higher education, food security has become an emerging area of concern in the college student population. In 2015, 42% of UC undergraduate students experienced food insecurity. In response to high food insecurity rates among UC Berkeley students, NST faculty developed a nutrition course with a teaching kitchen lab. We evaluated the impact of this course using a pre/post study design and found positive changes in students’ attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviors related to healthy diet and cooking (Matias et al., 2021). These findings were confirmed in a more rigorous study that included a comparison group (i.e. students not taking the class) and the use of propensity score weighting (French et al., 2024). Students also reported increased food security and reduced stress levels after taking the course (Matias et al., 2021).
Building upon my experience conducting nutritional supplementation trials, I also received funding to conduct an acceptability and feasibility pilot study of Moringa oleifera, in collaboration with researchers at UC Davis. Moringa is a drought-resistant nutrient-dense traditional crop with high concentrations of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in its edible leaves and seeds. In preclinical studies, Moringa has improved insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure. However, its hypoglycemic effects on humans are not clear. Our research team conducted an acceptability trial of three doses of Moringa (as leaf powder) to be consumed for a week by healthy adults. We are in the process of analyzing the data on consumption, likeness and safety of Moringa powder. Because this plant could be grown and consumed at home, Moringa supplementation could be an innovative and accessible intervention to reduce chronic metabolic conditions in populations at risk.
Ongoing projects
- Acceptability trial of Moringa leaf powder among healthy adults
- Evaluation of a Produce Rx intervention at Federally Qualified Health Centers in Yolo County