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Many dietary recommendations are inconsistent and based on inadequate research based on 1970s technologies. As a result, the current recommendations are almost impossible to meet from foods, without nutritional supplements. Using state-of-the-art technology, this research aims to redefine the nutritional requirements omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron and iodine, as well as the correct balance of energy producing macronutrients in the diet of mothers and their children.
Improving The Outcomes Of Mothers And Babies Through Nutritional Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
Dr Makrides will undertake extensive investigations to determine optimal levels of a range of nutrients in the diet of pregnant women and preterm and term babies. The period from conception until 2 years after birth, the ‘first 1,000 days’, is designated by the World Health Organisation as the “window of opportunity” that is critical to ensuring a healthy start to life which in turn leads to improved long term health of the population.
Diseases of the 21st century are complex with environmental and genetic causes. At the interface of these is Epigenetics - factors not specified by DNA sequence that control genes. Recent data show much of the risk associated with disease is set early in life, even during the time in the womb. The MCRI CDDE laboratory has assembled teams of researchers of diverse expertise investigating epigenetics of human development and complex disease to hopefully prevent or reverse them early in life.
Poor diet is now the leading cause of death and disability in Australia and most of the rest of the world. This is because most people eat too much fat, sugar, salt and energy which increases the risks of obesity, diabetes and premature death from conditions like stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. This research will identify new ways to prevent diet-related ill health by making it easier for everyone to eat better, and by identifying new treatments for problems like diabetes.
Personalised Medical Nutrition Therapy To Improve Diet Related Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Poor eating habits are common across all lifestages and increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes and the cost of health care. This novel research will use technology to connect people to online assessment of their dietary intake with a personally tailored nutrition report provided in realtime. Healthcare professional will use these to help people improve their eating and health. This will create new knowledge on the impact of better nutrition on health outcomes and the cost of health care.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for one third of all deaths globally. Most CVD can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors, and it is widely accepted that increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains could cut CVD risk and associated costs more than 25%. However, surprisingly little is known about the impact of individual foods and beverages and their components on vascular health, or the mechanisms involved. This is the prime research focus.
High Protein, Low Glycemic Load Weight Loss Diets In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$906,928.00
Summary
High protein, low glycemic load weight loss diets have the potential to be of value in long term weight control but there is little long term data available. There is also some uncertainty about the long term safety of high protein diets and this needs clarification in long term trials. As compliance to the diet is the major issue in long term trials we will explore new ways of getting people to stay in long term studies and maintain a calorie reduced diet.
This proposal is aimed at improving the health of people with “Disorders of Iron Metabolism”. It focuses on the iron-related diseases hereditary haemochromatosis and colorectal cancer, as well as liver disease, chronic kidney disease and malnutrition. Outcomes from these studies are expected to identify how iron metabolism is impaired, the clinical consequences and new strategies for the prevention and treatment of iron-related diseases.
Iron is essential in the diet but it is also toxic when present in excess, so both iron deficiency and iron overload can have significant clinical consequences. I will investigate the basic mechanisms by which the body acquires iron and how iron can lead to toxicity. The goal of these studies is to provide more effective iron supplements and to improve diagnosis and treatment of iron-related diseases. Iron metabolism in pregnancy, infants and respiratory diseases will be a particular focus.