Research

Mission Statement

Monitor child health through metabolic profiling of newborns, mothers and children using cutting-edge mass spectrometry methodologies

Identify abnormalities associated with human disease

Integrate metabolomics with genomic information to identify disease mechanisms

Build infrastructure to support projects for translational medicine

Our aim is to develop therapies that will “cure disease through prevention."

Maternal Aim

Accumulating evidence shows that your baby’s development and early life exposures during pregnancy and the newborn period together have a profound impact on overall health throughout their lifetime. Many diseases and disorders that occur in childhood and adulthood are based upon problems with metabolic function that originate in utero (during fetal development) and during the first 1000 days of life.

Neonatal Aim

Based on prior research, we understand there is likely an association between the acquired major diseases of prematurity and the under-developed metabolism of preemies. Moreover, we now recognize that variables early in newborn life like frequency of antibiotic usage, route of delivery (i.e. C-section or vaginal birth) and early diet (especially maternal breast milk and formula feedings) can profoundly impact metabolism with both short and long-term consequences. Thus, one of the major goals of the MHC is to help ensure optimal health with metabolic profiling and therapies beginning at birth.

Childhood Aim

Conventional medicine focuses on treating individuals when a symptom arises which is often late in the disease onset and compromises treatment efficacy. The Metabolic Health Center wants to change this model and focus on early disease prevention, detection and monitoring. Detecting diseases early allows correction of abnormalities in order to avoid life-long complications.