Welcome
The Nutrition Studies Research Group is a strong and growing component of the Stanford Prevention Research Center. Our current research focuses directly on nutrition intervention studies. We aim to expand nutrition research beyond traditional nutrients and phytochemicals to focus more on dietary patterns, and beyond traditional outcome measures like cholesterol to include more recently-established risk factors for disease such as inflammatory markers and DNA-methylation. Dietary strategies for weight loss are also a topic of research interest.
More info
Research Studies - Recruiting
We frequently recruit for our research studies. Use the buttons below to learn more about studies we are currently recruiting for.
If you are interested in being notified about future research opportunities, join our email list.
WELL
for Life
The Stanford WELL for Life Study (WELL) is a unique longitudinal study that uses novel methods to define, assess, and promote the multiple dimensions of well-being in the U.S. and globally.
Director of Nutrition Studies at Stanford Prevention Research Center
The Rehnborg Farquhar Professor of Medicine at Stanford University
PBDI Seed Grants
Deadline Extended to April 22!
Spring 2024 funding now available! Our Plant-Based Diet Initiative (PBDI) seed grants fund innovative projects that explore plant-based nutrition topics. Applications are open to all Stanford faculty, fellows, and students.
Plant-Based Diet Resources
Learn how to follow a healthy plant-based diet with this guide that highlights the four principles of a plant-based diet, key nutrients, sample menus, and recipes.
"You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment"
Our groundbreaking study comparing vegan vs. omnivorous diets in identical twins has hit the headlines after being published in JAMA Network Open. Even more thrilling?! It will be featured in the upcoming Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment", airing January 1! Tune in to discover how our research is influencing healthier eating habits both for individuals and the planet!
Press
One identical twin went vegan while the other didn’t. See what happened
Twins who ate vegan diets for two months were healthier than their identical siblings who ate a meat and vegetable diet, a study found.
Scientists studied twins’ diets. Those who ate vegan saw fast results.
Stanford University researchers assigned vegan or meat diets to sets of identical twins. The results showed a large difference in health benefits.
Is a vegan diet really healthier than eating meat? Rare identical twin study offers answer
A study in identical twins compares whether a vegan or omnivore diet has more health benefits.
Stanford professor on his twin diet study
A new Netflix series is all about a Stanford professor and his research about eating and he did it by enlisting the help of twins. NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai spoke to Dr. Christopher Gardner for some insight.
