Diet and Nutrition Research Laboratory
What We Do
Our mission is to investigate the effect of diet on health and learning outcomes, especially in children. The lab consists of a metabolic kitchen and a feeding/dining area with a play space for our studies in children.
Our Work
Current and recent DAN lab studies include the study of dietary intake behaviors in adults and children to explore a number of outcome metrics such as a) methods to improve diet quality to prevent obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases by modifying food intake, b) the relationship between different diets and feelings of hunger and fullness, c) dietary intake patterns in relation to SES and food environment variables, and d) the relationship between dietary intake and behavioral/learning outcomes.
What We Hope
We are especially interested in examining how changes in intake behavior and physical activity affect risk factors of disease. Our studies include measurement and/or modification of physical activity. To find out about opportunities to participate in research (undergraduate and graduate students) to work with subjects, diet design and food preparation, and data analysis and dissemination of results contact DAN Director Dr. Sibylle Kranz, RD
DAN Research Projects
- UVA Sustainable Food Collaborative
- Current Behaviors and Barriers/Facilitators to Physical Activity and Nutrition in Young Adults and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parent Perspectives.
- Teaching Young Children About Hunger and Fullness
- Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake in 3-5 Year Old Children
Featured Research
DAN Lab News
Q&A: Why Something Fishy Is Good for a Child’s Diet
UVA dietitian Sibylle Kranz shares with parents the latest research on seafood consumption and child growth.
Associated Faculty
Sibylle Kranz
- Associate Professor