Transgenerational Effects Of Male Obesity - Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,143.00
Summary
Childhood obesity is associated with obesity in either parent, and obese children tend to become obese adults, forming an intergenerational cycle that promotes obesity. We have identified paternal obesity as an important novel target for intervention to stop the progression of the obesity epidemic. This project investigates supplementation of obese fathers with folate to prevent the adverse impact of paternal obesity on subsequent generations.
While is important to prevent vitamin D deficiency, controversies exist about optimal vitamin D intakes and concentrations. Our aim is to evaluate safety concerns with dosages of vitamin D which are routinely promoted for unsupervised public use with over the counter products. We will do this by evaluating long-term health effects for infant vitamin D supplementation, and by using a genetic approach to evaluate the causal effects of high vitamin D and calcium concentrations.
Mechanisms Of Intestinal And Systemic Iron Homeostasis In Early Infancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,835.00
Summary
Iron is essential trace element for normal health. Iron requirements are particularly high during early postnatal life to meet the needs of the growing infant. To accommodate these needs, intestinal iron absorption is extremely high at this time. We have previously shown that the iron absorption mechanism during suckling differs from that in adults and this project explores that mechanism in more detail. These studies have important implications for infant nutrition and dietary supplementation.
Can Vitamin D Prevent Diabetes By Improving Insulin Sensitivity And Secreation In Overweight Humans?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,371.00
Summary
Vitamin D is mainly produced by the action of sunlight on skin. Low levels of vitamin D are becoming more common, as we work more indoors and avoid the sun and have been associated with type 2 diabetes. In proposed study, healthy overweight people, with low vitamin D, will be given vitamin D for 16 weeks to optimise blood levels of this vitamin. We will examine the changes in sugar metabolism. This study should provide important evidence on how vitamin D protects against diabetes and will suppor ....Vitamin D is mainly produced by the action of sunlight on skin. Low levels of vitamin D are becoming more common, as we work more indoors and avoid the sun and have been associated with type 2 diabetes. In proposed study, healthy overweight people, with low vitamin D, will be given vitamin D for 16 weeks to optimise blood levels of this vitamin. We will examine the changes in sugar metabolism. This study should provide important evidence on how vitamin D protects against diabetes and will support novel approaches to diabetes prevention.Read moreRead less
Creatine, A Multi-organ Protectant Against Hypoxic Injury In The Neonate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,802.00
Summary
The WHO estimates that up to 9 million babies suffer birth hypoxia each year, leading to 29% of global neonatal deaths, and significant rates of severe disability. We hypothesise that creatine, given as a supplement to the mothers diet during pregnancy, will protect her babies organs should low oxygen around the time of birth occur. The low cost of creatine is particularly relevant for rural and remote communities and the developing world where, currently, there are no effective therapies.
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation During Pregnancy Improve The Intelligence Quotient Of Children At School Age?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,920.00
Summary
Pregnant women in Australia are being inundated by advertisements from health food companies and health organisations to increase their intake of fish oil to ensure that their babies will maximise their chance of achieving a high IQ. Our study will provide the first solid evidence to test whether these claims are true. This will help us frame nutritional guidelines in pregnant women.
A Novel Nanoparticulate Iron Supplement And Its Effect On The Gastrointestinal Tract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,995.00
Summary
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are major global health issues. Currently available iron supplements can lead to gastrointestinal side effects. We have developed a new type of oral iron supplement that (in animal studies) is as effective as conventional treatments, but without their limitations. In this project we will investigate the effect of this supplement on the gastrointestinal tract to ensure its safety and to provide preliminary data for future clinical trials in humans.
Omega 3 Fats To Reduce The Incidence Of Prematurity: The ORIP Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,705,590.00
Summary
The most significant perinatal problem in the world today is early preterm birth with its consequent threat to life and life-long health in survivors. Fish oils have been suggested to overcome this problem. Encouraging results have been obtained from small trials that need substantiation in a large well designed trial. The ORIP trial, involving approximately 5510 women, will provide a definitive answer to the question of whether maternal fish oils supplementation reduces early preterm birth.
N-ACETYL CYSTEINE IN THE ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT OF OBSESSIVE COMPUSLIVE DISORDER: A 16-week, Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,448.00
Summary
The aim of our proposed study, is investigate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an amino-acid based agent in the treatment of 200 adults with diagnosed OCD. The study proposed is a 16-week, doubled-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. If NAC is found to be effective in this study, the treatment of OCD will be strongly influenced, resulting in global impact for the potential alleviation of suffering for those with the mental disorder.
Protein Preloads To Improve Postprandial Glycaemia In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,458.00
Summary
Taking a high protein drink can substantially lower the blood glucose rise after a subsequent meal in people with type 2 diabetes. We will examine whether regular use of protein drinks before meals can be effective for improving long-term blood glucose control. Such an approach could represent an exciting new nutritional strategy for managing this increasingly common disorder.