Determining The Affect And Cost Effectiveness Of Nutrition In Critically Ill Patients From Intensive Care Unit Admission To Hospital Discharge.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,964.00
Summary
Nutrition when you are severely unwell is very important to support recovery. Research is required to determine exactly how much nutrition is needed in severely ill patients to ensure their best recovery. This project aims to determine what effect nutrition has on clinical and functional outcomes of patients who are severely ill during their whole hospital stay. It will also aim to determine the cost effectiveness of nutrition for these patients.
Dietary Therapies For The Treatment Of Drug-resistant Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,757.00
Summary
Epilepsy affects about 225,000 Australians, with 30% of suffers still experiencing seizures despite being on medications. A reduction in seizures can significantly improve the health of people with epilepsy who do not respond to medications. Low carbohydrate, high fat diets are a well-established treatment option in children, but this has not previously been studied in Australian adults. The aim of this research is to evaluate if dietary therapies are an effective treatment in adult epilepsy.
Targeted Nutrition To Improve Maternal And Child Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
Nutrition is vitally important to support the rapid growth and development occurring from conception to a child’s second birthday – the first 1000 days. Failure to meet nutritional needs during this critical period can have profound consequences for lifelong health. Through our CRE in Targeted Nutrition to Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes, we will provide nutritional interventions which optimise a mother’s health outcomes and ensure her children achieve their full potential.
Protein Absorption And Kinetics In Critical Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,233,268.00
Summary
This experienced & productive group plan to perform a number of interrelated studies in patients with critical illness the aim of which will be to ascertain protein absorption & kinetics, & the relationship between protein intake & muscle physiology. The goal is to lay the groundwork for an understanding of protein in the nutritional support of these patients which will help us to later establish the optimum amount & type of protein to improve muscle strength, functional outcomes & survival.
"Smart Food" - The fulcrum in the energy balance equation. The overall aim of the project is to establish how nutrients best promote an increase in energy expenditure and therefore weight loss. The experiments will be performed in rats using sophisticated technologies to introduce specific combinations of fats, carbohydrates or proteins directly into the stomach and then measure energy expenditure in a specialised type of energy burning rather than energy storing fat called brown adipose tissue. ...."Smart Food" - The fulcrum in the energy balance equation. The overall aim of the project is to establish how nutrients best promote an increase in energy expenditure and therefore weight loss. The experiments will be performed in rats using sophisticated technologies to introduce specific combinations of fats, carbohydrates or proteins directly into the stomach and then measure energy expenditure in a specialised type of energy burning rather than energy storing fat called brown adipose tissue. These experiments will uncover the mechanisms that relate nutrients in the stomach and activation of brown adipose tissue. They will provide a framework on which this project can build a knowledge of smart diets that will allow the effective control of body weight through modulation of energy expenditure. Read moreRead less
Nutraceuticals And Lifestyle Modification For Mood And Anxiety Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Mood and anxiety disorders cause immense societal impact, and current treatment can be greatly improved. One particular way is via evidence-based use of nutrients and plant-based medicines, in addition to encouraging specific lifestyle changes (e.g. increased physical activity and improved diet). Dr Sarris' research focuses on these areas, aiming to build a robust body of evidence as to which of these interventions work (and which do not) to enhance better treatment of depression and anxiety.
Evaluation of peanuts as a source of bioactive nutrients for enhancement of endothelial function and cognitive performance. Functional foods represent one of the fastest growing food markets in the world, particularly foods which can offset adverse health conditions. The Partner Organisation, Peanut Company of Australia (PCA), is committed to developing peanut varieties, such as the high oleic peanut, that are nutritionally superior to the traditional varieties. By investing in research PCA aims ....Evaluation of peanuts as a source of bioactive nutrients for enhancement of endothelial function and cognitive performance. Functional foods represent one of the fastest growing food markets in the world, particularly foods which can offset adverse health conditions. The Partner Organisation, Peanut Company of Australia (PCA), is committed to developing peanut varieties, such as the high oleic peanut, that are nutritionally superior to the traditional varieties. By investing in research PCA aims to substantiate the nutritional benefits of these products and position itself in functional foods. Scientific evaluation of the health benefits that can be derived from consuming foods will enhance the national food industry through the growth of domestic and international licensing and export markets, and provide new employment opportunities in both rural and manufacturing sectors.Read moreRead less