Should You Be Eating That? Food-derived Bacteria And Their Role In Treating Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,405,182.00
Summary
The clinical application of medicines based on the microbes that exist as part of microbiomes is now a reality. Despite these rapid advances understanding how the bacteria are transmitted and recolonise after disruption is essential. Our preliminary data suggests that the average Australian adult consumes over 10 million bacteria per day in their diet. This project seeks to understand these relationships and how they can be exploited to develop the next generations of microbiome based medicine.
The Role Of Microbiome Activity In Diet-disease Relationships: Anthocyanins, Flavanols And Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,252.00
Summary
By clarifying the role that intestinal bacteria play in the blood pressure lowering effect of anthocyanins and flavanols, this project will unravel potential ways that we can use bacteria to improve the effectiveness of dietary interventions for the prevention of high blood pressure, and ultimately, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Supporting Research Underpinning Evidence Based Practice: Dietary Assessment In Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$244,674.00
Summary
Dietary change is a significant lifestyle factor in managing the epidemics of obesity and diabetes. Uncovering the details of effective dietary change requires accurate user friendly dietary assessment and advice tools. This research will develop state of the art tools for use in research and practice.
Supporting Food Companies To Implement Policies For Improving Population Nutrition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,498.00
Summary
This proposal is to conduct a randomised-controlled trial to assess the effects of providing tailored support to food companies to improve their nutrition-related policies and practices. The aim of the project is to improve the healthiness of the food supply, and thereby improve population diets in Australia and New Zealand. The project will be conducted by leading international food policy experts in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Health and VicHealth.
Will A Reduction In Dietary AGEs Improve Insulin Sensitivity And Secretion In Overweight Individuals?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,931.00
Summary
Advanced Gycation end-products (AGE) are formed when foods brown during heating, processing or long term storage. This study will examine the AGE content of a typical Australian diet. Also, an intervention study will be undertaken to determine whether an 75% reduction in AGE intake can reduce blood markers of chronic inflammation, improve insulin secretion and action and thus reduce diabetes and heart disease risk.
CONSUMPTION OF NITRATE-RICH VEGETABLES TO REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,875.00
Summary
Consumption of plant food-rich diets lowers blood pressure. However, the most important components of these diets for blood pressure lowering have not been clearly defined. An intervention study in people with elevated blood pressure will be conducted to determine if increased consumption vegetables results in lower blood pressure, and if focused advice to consume nitrate-rich vegetables (mainly green leafy vegetables) will result in greater benefit on blood pressure.
Nitrate: Studies Of Metabolism And Effects On Blood Pressure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,275.00
Summary
We propose that dietary inorganic nitrate can lower blood pressure in hypertensive men and women. Two studies will be performed to investigate the potential for an increase in nitrate intake to benefit blood pressure in hypertensive men and women. Nitrate is derived mainly from green leafy vegetables. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for total mortality. Promoting increased intake of nitrate rich green leafy vegetables could have a significant impact on cardiovascular health.
Dietary Patterns, Cognitive Performance And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Australia, The United States And Luxembourg: An International Comparison And Dietary Intervention Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,227.00
Summary
Ageing and the growing obesity epidemic are two contributing factors to cognitive decline. This research will identify dietary patterns that are associated with better cognitive function using data from individuals in Australia, the United States and Europe, and be used to guide dietary strategies to prevent or slow cognitive decline in at-risk individuals. Delaying or preventing the onset of dementia will save the Australian health care system billions of dollars.
Through this project, I will determine how diet and physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of people suffering from chronic kidney disease. I will also assess whether lifestyle interventions have the potential to prevent chronic kidney disease. My results will directly impact the lives of people with kidney disease and could lead to public health interventions to prevent kidney disease.