Application of New Technologies and Tools to Nutrition Research

Application of New Technologies and Tools to Nutrition Research

The overall objective of the research is to develop new methods for studying the link between diet, health and disease.

The enquiry consists of two part. A metabolomic biomarker discovery study followed by a randomised controlled trial of moderate dietary induced weight loss.

A cohort of moderately overweight men and women will undergo a metabolomic study follow by randomised controlled trial of a healthy diet with a 20% energy restriction for a 12 week period. This intervention will improve the volunteer's body composition and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

Extensive tests will be conducted before and after the dietary intervention using emerging technologies with current state-of-the-art methods. These tests will monitor the numerous physiological adaptations that have occurred on a gene, cell, organ and organismic level.

The study will, therefore, aim for a scientific breakthrough by developing a series of novel biological "markers" that can accurately determine an individual's health status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy overweight volunteers (body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2)
• Age between 50-65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Weight change of ≥ 3kg in the preceding 3 months
• Current smokers
• Substance abuse
• Excess alcohol intake
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal disease e.g. inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Have any metallic or magnetic implants such as pacemakers
• Use of medications likely to interfere with energy metabolism, appetite regulation and hormonal balance, including: anti inflammatory drugs or steroids, antibiotics, androgens, phenytoin, erythromycin or thyroid hormones.