The Inflammation Research Foundation

The Inflammation Research Foundation (IRF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in the United States, dedicated to conducting clinical research on the role of nutrition in reducing inflammation, which is a pivotal factor in various chronic diseases. The Foundation was established in 2003 by Dr. Barry Sears, a renowned researcher in the field of dietary modulation of hormones and inflammation.

Mission

The IRF's primary mission is to support clinical research projects focused on innovative nutritional approaches to manage inflammation, which underlies many chronic diseases. The Foundation aims to demonstrate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory nutrition in addressing metabolic diseases (such as obesity and diabetes), neurological diseases (including depression, ADHD, and Alzheimer's), autoimmune diseases (like multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus), and ocular diseases (such as AMD, retinopathy, and optical nerve damage).

Research Focus

Research at the IRF centers on several key areas:

• Dietary Composition and Hormonal Responses: Investigating how diet impacts hormonal and inflammatory responses.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation: Studying the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on both the initiation and resolution phases of inflammation.
• Polyphenols and Gut Microbes: Examining the influence of dietary polyphenols on gut microbes and gene expression.

History

Since its inception, the IRF has published numerous seminal studies on anti-inflammatory nutrition. A notable aspect of the Foundation is that its founder, Dr. Barry Sears, covers all overhead expenses, allowing 100% of donations to be directed towards research programs. This approach has enabled the IRF to contribute significantly to the understanding of the role of diet in managing chronic diseases.

Published Research

The IRF has supported a wide range of studies, including investigations into the effects of high-dose omega-3 fatty acids on metabolism and inflammation in obesity, as well as the role of EPA and DHA in improving immune cell function and reducing inflammation.

EIN

The Inflammation Research Foundation's EIN is 41-6518089.