Our Mission
Conduct innovative research, training, and engagement to advance understanding of how parental-child diet, nutrition, and physical activity optimize development.
Our Vision
Enhance Child Health Through the Science of Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
Statistics about the ACNC
A Cooperative Effort
The ACNC is a cooperative effort of the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and Arkansas Children’s, ACRI and UAMS
1 of 6 National Human Nutrition Centers
Established in 1994 on the ACH campus, the ACNC is one of six National Human Nutrition Centers funded through the USDA-ARS
1 of 2 Centers Specializing in Pediatrics
The ACNC is one of two National Human Nutrition Centers focusing primarily on pediatric/maternal nutrition and metabolic health
Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center uses modern procedures, equipment, and facilities to determine how early-life exposures to diet, dietary factors, physical activity, and other factors can affect biological systems including brain development, skeletal health, adipose tissue development, gastrointestinal health, immune system development, cardiometabolic health, and whole-body metabolism. ACNC investigators are UAMS Department of Pediatrics faculty members within the section of Developmental Nutrition and receive funding beyond USDA-ARS, including NIH, non-profits, and industry partners. The ACNC also receives funding from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, which was created as the major research component of the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000.
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Core Research Facilities
With approximately 54,000 square feet of shared research space, the ACNC provides ever-expanding clinical research facilities, laboratories, equipment, and Core Facilities designed for its team of over 75 scientists and support staff.
Clinical Research Core
Well-equipped for both long- and short-term research, the clinical research core has a robust record supporting large, longitudinal and RCT’s from design to +12-year follow-up.
Clinical Research Core
Physical Activity and Metabolism Core
Including both the Laboratory for Active Kids and Families – one of only a few dedicated pediatric exercise physiology labs in the nation – and a fully outfitted Fitness Facility
Physical Activity and Metabolism Core
Biostatistics and Data Innovation Core
Dedicated, in-house space and staff to support statistical, analytical, and bioinformatics needs, including statistical analysis and visualization of –omics based data
Biostatistics and Data Innovation Core
Metabolomics and Analytical Chemistry Core
Dedicated to chemical processing and analysis of metabolite profiles (targeted and untargeted) in a variety of human and animal samples
Metabolomics and Analytical Chemistry Core
Rodent Metabolic and Behavioral Phenotyping Vivarium Core
Utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance and dual x-ray absorptiometry assess body composition, the vivarium is also equipped with two state-of-the-art Promethion Systems
Rodent Metabolic and Behavioral Phenotyping Vivarium Core
Histology and Bioimaging Core
All the necessary facilities to conduct histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis, in situ hybridization, imaging/microscopy with a full-time certified histotechncian
Histology and Bioimaging Core