Nutritional Physiology Research Centre
Goals
integrating diet and lifestyle changes to optimise human health:
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evaluating health benefits of nutrients
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evaluating benefits of physical activity
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elucidating physiological mechanisms
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substantiating functional food claims
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre aims to provide a scientific basis for diet and lifestyle measures to optimise health by investigating the physiological mechanisms whereby functional foods and targeted nutrient intakes can be used in conjunction with physical activity to deliver health benefits. This approach recognises the economic and social importance of addressing both diet and lifestyle in order to optimise health development and counteract risk factors for chronic disease (obesity, metabolic syndrome) prevalent in affluent and aging populations.
Research Focus
Our primary interest lies in cardiovascular, metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and mental health benefits of diet and physical activity and the underlying mechanisms. Physiological effects of a range of bioactive nutrients (e.g. omega-3 fats, phytoestrogens, antioxidants) and other dietary modifications are evaluated, alone or in combination with regular exercise, in human trials.
Assessments include physical and mental performance (mood, behaviour and cognition), non-invasive cardiovascular risk factors (ambulatory blood pressure, baroreflex function, arterial elasticity, endothelial function) and circulating biomarkers (lipids, eicosanoids, cytokines) and body composition indices (total body fat, abdominal adiposity and bone density).
Stakeholders
Research outcomes are expected to benefit food industry partners and consumers by supporting the development of healthier food products and substantiating associated health claims, and informing public health recommendations for nutrient intakes and physical activity requirements.
The Nutritional Physiology Research Centre is a member of the ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness
Stop Press: Volunteers needed for Omega 3s and ADHD,
Pork Health and Physical Function studies
See current projects for more information