Our lab evaluates the impact and process evaluation of nutritional, behavioral change, and lifestyle interventions, as well as nutrition-related policy changes. In the context of global nutrition, we evaluated the effectiveness of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) that provide key macronutrients and several micronutrients and are added to meals. We conducted two randomized effectiveness trials to evaluate the effectiveness of LNS on reducing stunting and anemia and improving child development: 1) a longitudinal, cluster-randomized trial with four arms involving women and children in Bangladesh (Matias et al., 2016; Mridha et al, 2016; Dewey et al., 2017; Matias et al., 2017; Matias et al., 2018; Matias et al., 2018), and 2) a randomized trial with two arms allocating infants to receive either LNS or the standard of care in Peru (Matias et al., 2017). Findings indicated that LNS is a promising alternative for preventing stunting and potentially anemia in low-income settings. This evidence inform complementary feeding recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) for food insecure populations facing significant nutritional deficiencies (WHO, 2023).

In California, we evaluated an elective college level nutrition class with a teaching kitchen lab developed to improve students’ knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, skills, and behaviors around food procurement and preparation. A pre-post assessment indicated that students who took the class increased their intake of vegetables and frequency of cooking, and reduced the practice of skipping meals (Matias et al., 2021). These findings were confirmed in a second study that included a comparison group and propensity scores weighting (French et al., 2024). Students also reported increased food security and reduced stress levels after taking the class (Matias et al., 2021).

Building upon our extensive experience conducting nutritional supplementation trials, we carried out an acceptability study of Moringa oleifera among healthy adults. Moringa is a drought-resistant nutrient-dense traditional crop with high concentrations of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in its edible leaves and seeds. In preclinical studies, Moringa has improved insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure. However, its hypoglycemic effects on humans are not clear yet. Based on an analysis of consumption, likeness and safety data, we identified the most acceptable daily dose of moringa powder. Our findings can inform the development of moringa supplementation trials with human subjects.

Ongoing projects

• Impact of increased meal reimbursement rates of the CACFP on program participation by family child care homes in California
• Impact of the COVID-19-related transition to remote learning on EFNEP behavioral outcomes in California
• Evaluation of a Produce Rx intervention at Federally Qualified Health Centers in Yolo County