VA’s Million Veteran Program is producing hundreds of research findings
Discoveries for all Veterans, thanks to you
Since the Million Veteran Program’s (MVP) start in 2011, our groundbreaking research program, made possible by Veterans like you, has produced 575+ research publications that can improve healthcare for Veterans and future generations.
Here are just a few of MVP’s discoveries that are changing the future of healthcare.
Type 2 diabetes: This study used dietary information and health records from 198,049 MVP participants who did not have diabetes at the start of the study, along with health records covering an average of about four years. The study found that Veterans with the highest sodium intake had an 11% higher rate of developing diabetes compared with those with the lowest sodium intake, while those with the highest potassium intake had a 13% lower rate compared with those with the lowest potassium intake. These findings may inform future work to identify personalized lifestyle and dietary supports to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.
High cholesterol: Another study using MVP data identified Veterans with a genetic risk for familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that can cause dangerously high cholesterol and often goes undiagnosed. A small group of eligible Veterans were contacted and consented to participate in this study. The study involved clinical testing and a discussion with a VA genetic counselor, which included the sharing of results with them and their providers.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and High Combat Exposure: Results of this study found that Veterans with a combined history of TBI and high combat exposure were more likely to report several chronic health conditions, with the strongest associations seen for PTSD and memory loss or impairment. These findings can help care teams consider appropriate screening, treatment, and intervention for Veterans with a history of TBI and high combat exposure.
Researchers using MVP data also recently published findings about toxic exposures in Post-9/11 Veterans, schizophrenia, irritable bowel syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. Read the full list of MVP’s recent research findings on our website.
Thank you to the 1.1+ million Veterans who are part of MVP. Together, we are making a difference for Veterans and future generations. What else will we discover with your help?
Learn more about MVP
Visit MVP to read more research, learn more about MVP, or join MVP today. Questions? Call us at 866-441-6075.
