Observational Cohorts Used in NiaHealth Research

This article is part of the NiaHealth Research Process series.

The following well-described Canadian and international cohorts are used by the NiaHealth research team when evaluating the evidence for tests related to disease risk factors. Cohorts are listed alphabetically.

All of Us (United States)

The All of Us Research Program is a longitudinal cohort study initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), enrolling over 1 million participants across the United States with the goal of advancing precision medicine. Participants contribute health data through electronic health records, physical measurements, biospecimens, surveys, and wearable devices. The program prioritizes inclusion of groups historically underrepresented in biomedical research, including racial and ethnic minorities. Data are broadly accessible to approved researchers (All of Us Research Program Investigators et al., 2019).

Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) (Canada)

The CHMS is a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey conducted by Statistics Canada in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Each cycle collects direct physical measurements (e.g., blood pressure, anthropometry) and biospecimens (blood and urine) from approximately 5,000 Canadians aged 3–79 years. Results are used to establish national reference values for biomarkers and environmental exposures, and to monitor population health trends (Tremblay et al., 2007).

Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) (Canada)

The CLSA is a national longitudinal study following approximately 50,000 Canadians aged 45–85 at recruitment for at least 20 years. Participants complete questionnaires and a subset undergoes in-depth physical assessments at data collection sites. The study collects biological, medical, psychological, social, and economic data to examine aging processes and determinants of health in older adults (Raina et al., 2009).

Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow's Health (CanPath) (Canada)

CanPath (formerly the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project) is a pan-Canadian prospective cohort of over 330,000 adults aged 30–74 years at enrollment. Participants provided baseline questionnaire data, physical measurements, and biospecimens. Regional cohorts contribute data to the national platform. CanPath supports research into genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors for cancer and other chronic diseases (Dummer et al., 2018).

European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) (Europe)

EPIC is one of the largest prospective cohort studies in the world, with over 520,000 participants recruited from 23 centres across 10 European countries. The study collects detailed dietary data via country-specific validated questionnaires, along with lifestyle information, anthropometric measurements, and biological samples. EPIC was designed primarily to investigate relationships between diet, nutritional status, and cancer, and has since expanded to include other chronic diseases (Riboli et al., 2002).

Framingham Heart Study (United States)

The Framingham Heart Study, initiated in 1948, is one of the longest-running prospective cohort studies. Originally enrolling 5,209 adult residents of Framingham, Massachusetts, the study has expanded to include offspring and third-generation cohorts. Participants undergo regular clinical examinations with detailed cardiovascular measurements, blood tests, and lifestyle questionnaires. The study has been instrumental in identifying major cardiovascular disease risk factors (Dawber & Kannel, 1958).

Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) (United States)

MESA is a prospective cohort study of approximately 6,800 adults aged 45–84 years from six U.S. communities, specifically designed to include participants who are White, Black, Hispanic, and Chinese American. Participants were free of clinically apparent cardiovascular disease at enrollment and undergo repeated examinations including cardiac imaging, blood draws, and questionnaires. MESA aims to identify risk factors for the development and progression of subclinical cardiovascular disease (Bild et al., 2002).

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (United States)

NHANES is a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey conducted continuously by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) within the CDC. Each cycle examines approximately 5,000 individuals of all ages through interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. NHANES is designed to assess the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population and is a primary source of national reference data for clinical and nutritional biomarkers (Zipf et al., 2013).

Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study (International)

PURE is a large-scale, multinational prospective cohort study that enrolled over 150,000 adults aged 35–70 years from approximately 600 communities in 21 countries spanning high-, middle-, and low-income settings. Participants provide demographic, lifestyle, dietary, and health data via standardized questionnaires and physical measurements. PURE was designed to examine how societal-level factors such as urbanization, income, and food environments influence the development of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors (Teo et al., 2009).

UK Biobank (United Kingdom)

UK Biobank is a large-scale, population-based prospective cohort study that enrolled approximately 500,000 adults aged 40–69 between 2006 and 2010. Participants provided detailed baseline assessments including questionnaires, physical measurements, and biological samples. The resource includes linked genomic data, imaging data (for a subset of participants), and ongoing linkage to national healthcare databases to determine cancer incidence, causes of death and other disease outcomes.