Date of Award

2025

Degree Name

Pharmaceutical Sciences

College

School of Pharmacy

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Todd Davies

Second Advisor

Dr. Eric Blough

Third Advisor

Dr. Michael Hambuchen

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate and compare the nutritional status of individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) with a matched control population. Poor nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and malabsorption are common in individuals with SUD, potentially affecting recovery outcomes. This study involves collection of biometric data, demographic information, conducting a structured nutrition survey and performing a one-time blood draw of 35ml to assess key nutritional markers such as lipid panel, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), magnesium, selenium, chromium, zinc, copper and lithium. While the original protocol was designed to recruit approximately 110 participants across rural and urban populations, for the purpose of the thesis dissertation, data will be analyzed from a subset of 81 participants—comparing 47 individuals with SUD and 34 control participants without SUD. The rural versus urban comparison will not be included in this thesis-specific analysis to align with the study timeline. However, the subset of 81 participants ensures a focused biostatistical evaluation with a sufficient sample size to support meaningful results. The current submission reflects the continuation of this approved protocol under the thesis dissertation process. The goal of this thesis project is to identify nutritional disparities between SUD and control groups, which may provide insights into targeted nutritional interventions that can support overall treatment outcomes for the individuals with substance use disorders.

Subject(s)

Substance abuse -- Treatment.

Substance abuse.

Nutrition -- Substance use.

Trace elements in nutrition.

Blood -- Analysis.

Blood -- Examination.

Lipids in human nutrition.

Folic acid in human nutrition.

Vitamin B12.

Vitamin D in the body.

Thyrotropin.

Magnesium in the body.

Selenium in human nutrition.

Chromium in the body.

Zinc in the body.

Copper in the body.

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