Laura Ebers

Dr. Laura Ebers


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 April 2026 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RDRebecca Drakowski
Rebecca Drakowski
MOMatthew Van Ormer
Matthew Van Ormer
LELaura Ebers
Laura Ebers
KMKatie Mayhan
Katie Mayhan
AAAnum Akbar
Anum Akbar
ABAnn Anderson Berry
Ann Anderson Berry
Over 85% of young women in the United States do not meet fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, placing them at risk for low antioxidant nutrient intake. Social health programming (SHP) can improve dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, but it is not known how SHP impacts serum levels of specific antioxidant nutrients. This observational cohort study assessed the effect of participation in SHP through Girls Inc., Omaha, on serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol levels for 12–29-year-old women. Serum nutrient levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and nutrient intake from diet was measured using three 24 h dietary recalls (ASA24®). Pearson chi-squared tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and linear regressions were used to compare differences in nutritional status between SHP participants and non-participants. After adjustment for age and race/ethnicity, SHP participation was associated with significantly higher serum concentrations of total lycopene, δ-tocopherol, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein + zeaxanthin, and α-carotene. There were no between-group differences in average daily intake of carotenoids, vitamin A, or vitamin E after adjustment for race/ethnicity and age. These findings suggest that SHP may be a successful intervention to improve antioxidant nutritional status.