Dedicated in 1990, the Eastman Center for Nutrition Research, in the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, began as a joint effort with Eastman Chemical Company and was, at that time, the only research center in the world pursuing investigations using stable isotopes of fat-soluble vitamins.  Since its inception the Center has pursued projects on wound healing and the impact of nutrients and other compounds on that process; nutrient and compound transport across the human placenta; vitamin metabolism in the elderly; and many other areas.  Currently East Tennessee State University is one of only fourteen universities in the United States which has a medical school and a complete nutrition center.

The Eastman Center's unique perspective and capabilities on partnering and collaboration have brought many new opportunities in recent months.  The Center is currently involved in overseeing the first inter-campus total nutritional evaluation program for the athletic department.  Additional collaborations and projects are also ongoing with several international corporations and other academic institutions.

The laboratory facilities on-site or through associated labs in other campus departments can provide any chemical analysis required for evaluation as well as nutritional assessment including bioelectric impedance, bone density studies and fitness assessment.  Through corporate gifts, partnering, and contract/grant mechanisms, the Center has been able to garner equipment valued in excess of $3 million.

The Center has continuing external collaborations with several universities and institutions across the U.S. and Canada and collaborates with a number of Food and Nutritional Corporations including Cognis, Pharmanutrients, Gerber Foundation and King Pharmaceuticals.
 

VISION -     To be a world class research center investigating the impact of nutrients and
                    phytochemicals on health and disease.

GOALS -     To address bioavailability and biopotency issues of nutrients and phytochemicals.

                    To develop a strong research emphasis on the identification of biomarkers in health and
                    disease.

To develop interdisciplinary cooperation for ETSU and the Quillen College of Medicine which will result in enhanced opportunities for nutrition research and education.

To develop functional foods for the pediatric, geriatric and maternal patient population.
 

The Center continues to be a leader in evaluating the bioavailability of nutrients and phytochemicals using stable isotope and mass spectrometry techniques.  With its established background as one of the leading laboratories in stable isotope research, the Center is situated to be at the forefront in investigating biomarkers and bioindicators and their relationship to human health.

In the area of phytochemical research, the Center is addressing alternatives for tobacco extracts for possible use in the food, pharmaceutical and health care industries.

The Center has established relationships with the private sector which include a Fortune 100 company, to address the area of functional foods and medical foods for the pediatric, maternal and geriatric population.

Preventative nutrition as it relates to reducing the risk of chronic disease, is a focus of the Center through the ongoing development of a nutrition based wellness program.  The WOW (Well on the Way) Program is in its third year and actively engaging faculty and staff at ETSU to make good choices for health.

Center faculty and medical school faculty associated with the Center are responsible for the nutrition portion of the medical curriculum.  Additionally, Center faculty are involved in interdisciplinary teaching and training of undergraduate and graduate students, medical residents and fellows in normal and clinical nutrition.

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