The Metabolic Research Unit occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center. The lower floor features a central living area, volunteer suites, large Metabolic Kitchen and Nutrition Support, the Energy Metabolism Unit, Exercise Laboratory as well as dedicated Research Support Facilities for conducting observations, interviews and other clinical procedures. The upper floor contains the Body Composition Unit and additional behavior observation rooms.
Benefits to Investigators and Collaborations
The MRU’s unique setting enables investigators to study the nutritional needs of pregnant women, mothers, adolescents, young children, and infants in a relaxed setting for volunteers. The MRU combines this setting with an integral array of state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to create a controlled environment for obtaining precise measurements.
MRU News
Energy Metabolism
The Energy Metabolism Unit at the Children's Nutrition Research Center is intended to support and promote novel investigation related to nutrition and energy metabolism
Body Composition
The CNRC Body Composition Unit is the only laboratory of its type in the nation that provides a complete complement of body composition measurements from low birth-weight infants to adults.
Nutrition Support and Metabolic Kitchen
The specialized kitchen ensures precise conditions during food preparation so that research can later determine the nutrients consumed by research volunteers.
Current MRU Studies
A list of studies currently being conducted in the Metabolic Research Unit.
Join a Study
Volunteer to participate in a study and help improve the nutritional well-being of children worldwide.
Nutrition and Your Child Newsletter
A newsletter on the exciting and impactful maternal and childhood nutrition research happening at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center.