(P11-043-25) Personalized Genomic Dietary Data Return to Incentivize Research Participation and Develop Nutrition Education: Study Protocol

Objectives: Our laboratory developed FoodSeq, a novel DNA metabarcoding method that reconstructs dietary intake from residual plant and animal DNA in stool. This technique provides objective dietary data from a single sample, complementing and enhancing traditional assessments by overcoming subjective biases. Additionally, FoodSeq can deliver accurate, personalized nutrition insights to engage stakeholders—aligning with evolving scientific priorities to explore participant-centered approaches for returning genomic and dietary data. We hypothesize that dietary reports from FoodSeq can incentivize stool sample donation as effectively as, or better than, monetary compensation.

Methods: We will compare two groups of healthy adults who provide stool samples. FoodSeq will reconstruct dietary intake by amplifying plant- and animal-based food DNA in stool. The control group will receive monetary compensation, while the experimental group will receive a personalized Diet Data Return Report (DDRR). The DDRR is an infographic providing dietary insights, including food group consumption, personalized food rainbows, and comparisons to aggregated U.S. and international data. Main outcomes include recruitment, engagement, and qualitative feedback. Surveys will collect data on demographics, diet, gastrointestinal health, and the DDRR. Virtual interviews with a subset of participants will explore their use and perceptions of the DDRR, valued features, and barriers or facilitators to both research participation and nutrition understanding. Data will guide future use of personalized DDRRs to maximize participation and optimize the development of nutrition education resources.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: This study will provide critical insights into participant priorities and the utility of personalized dietary data. Findings will inform strategies to engage community stakeholders using dietary genomic data and support future clinical applications of non-invasive dietary reports.

Funding Sources: Research was supported by NIH T32 and R01 grants, Schmidt Sciences, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.