USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center

The Houston USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center is located within the heart of the Texas Medical Center and is a leader in the promotion of nutritional health. The CNRC conducts basic and clinical research that represents the vibrant and diverse scope of childhood nutrition. Studies carried out at the CNRC investigate molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, human nutrition and metabolism, plant physiology, epidemiology, and community-based health. The CNRC houses laboratories supported by state-of-the-art equipment, room calorimeters, a greenhouse, a metabolic kitchen, multiple observation labs, as well as accommodations for research volunteers. 

Since its establishment in 1978, more than 13,000 Houston-area families have volunteered to participate in CNRC studies, which have generated more than 2,000 scientific publications and continue to provide groundbreaking discoveries and valuable information for improving the nutritional health of today's children and that of future generations.

The CNRC is operated by Baylor College of Medicine in cooperation with Texas Children's Hospital and the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.