The MCKINLEY Lab Awarded $25,000 Louisiana Board of Regents Grant to Study Consumer Use of Functional Mushroom Supplements

The MCKINLEY Lab is excited to announce that Dr. Erin McKinley has been awarded $25,000 in funding from the Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund Research Competitiveness Subprogram (RCS) to support a new research initiative exploring consumer beliefs and behaviors related to functional mushroom supplements.

This project will examine how Louisiana consumers perceive, purchase, and use mushroom-based dietary supplements marketed for benefits related to immune health, cognitive function, stress management, and chronic disease prevention. Despite the rapid growth of the functional mushroom market nationwide, little research has examined why consumers choose these products or what barriers may prevent broader adoption—particularly in Louisiana.

Using the Health Belief Model, the study will develop and validate a new survey instrument designed to better understand consumer motivations, perceived benefits, barriers, and purchasing behaviors related to functional mushroom supplements. The project will also explore opportunities for nutrition education and potential implications for Louisiana’s agricultural and food sectors as interest in specialty mushroom production continues to grow.

“This funding allows our lab to build an entirely new line of research at the intersection of nutrition, consumer behavior, and agricultural innovation,” said Dr. McKinley. “We’re excited to generate foundational data that can help Louisiana better understand consumer demand while positioning our team for future federal funding opportunities.”

The project will begin this summer and will involve graduate and undergraduate student researchers in survey development, cognitive interviews, and statewide data collection efforts.

This award reflects The MCKINLEY Lab’s continued commitment to advancing innovative research in nutrition behavior, consumer decision-making, and public health.