MNR Information for Investigators | Metabolism & Nutrition Research | Harvard Catalyst Clinical Research Center (HCCRC)

Access the resources of five Harvard Catalyst clinical research centers.

Harvard Catalyst Clinical Research Center (HCCRC)

Metabolism & Nutrition Research - Information for Investigators

Services at HCCRC Sites

	BIDMC	BWH	CHB	MGH
Protocol Development	X	X	X	X
Anthropometry	X	X	X	X
DXA				X
Indirect Calorimetry	X	X	X	X
Inpatient Unit	X	X	X	X
BIA	X	X	X	X
Exercise Testing				X
Nutrient Intake Collection and Analysis	X	X	X	X
Nutrition Counseling and Education	X	X	X	X
Weighed/Standard Meals	X	X	X	X
Off site Services	X	X	X	X

The following resources are available to investigators:

Protocol Development

Assistance with protocol development, including grant preparation
Literature research into drug-nutrient interactions
Review of the current literature regarding the involvement of nutrients in the promotion or progression of a particular disease state
Evaluation of best practices for gathering study-specific nutrition information
Identification of particular foods that meet a study's nutritional specifications
Development of novel nutrition methodology
Development of nutrient-specific screening and assessment materials
Evaluation of methodology(-ies) for assessing population-specific changes in metabolic markers
Budget projections for nutrition services

Metabolic Assessment

Anthropometrics (height, weight, skin fold, and circumferences): RDs perform or help train study staff to perform procedures for collecting various anthropometric measurements using techniques and methods described in NHANES III
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for hydration status and body composition
Energy expenditure and nutrient utilization using indirect calorimetry
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for bone mineral density and body composition
Physical activity assessment
Exercise tolerance testing and exercise-related fitness

Nutrient Intake Collection and Analysis

Based on specific aims, the RDs can help investigators select the appropriate tools (e.g., food intake records, diet histories, food frequency questionnaires) to collect and analyze nutrient intake data.

Nutrition Counseling and Education

RDs are available to conduct study-related nutrition consultations, including:

Single or multiple sessions with individual subjects
Telephone consultations
Educational classes
Internet-based follow-up and monitoring

Metabolic Kitchen Services, including development and production of:

House Meals/Snacks: In protocols for which energy, nutrients, or specific foods are not controlled, the diet order may be "House." Subjects may choose meals off a self-selected menu or receive a standard meal/snack.
Weighed/Controlled Nutrient Meals: Meal plans are calculated to meet specific nutrient levels defined by the research protocol. Meal plans can be controlled for macronutrients (e.g., carbohydrate, protein, fat) and/or micronutrients (e.g., sodium, potassium, magnesium), glycemic index, or other study specifications. In order to maintain an exact nutrient intake, subjects must finish all food provided to them. No additional food or beverage intake is allowed. Specific meal plans can be developed for meal challenges or test meals.

Off Unit Services

RD/staff services are available to off-site investigators for nutrition data collection methodologies and interventions, and study staff training. Study requirements and logistics should be discussed with the MNR manager/director at the relevant HCCRC site(s).

Investigators are encouraged to consult the MNR manager/director of the HCCRC sites - who can provide the fee structure, services offered, and hours of operation - when developing grant proposal budgets. An assessment of requested services and the operating structure at each institution can also help investigators understand and budget for the MNR-related costs for specific protocols.