Research of the Nutritional Biology Group
Ageing is a natural process involving a series of progressive biological changes that show marked differences between individuals. Importantly, these changes start long before we become aware that we are getting older.
Our research lines
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Intestinal nutrient sensing and signalling in gut- and metabolic health
This research theme within the Chair of Nutritional Biology investigates nutrient sensing mechanisms that trigger signalling of gut hormones and neurotransmitters to convey information about energy status and gastrointestinal health to other organs and tissues, such as brain, pancreas, adipose tissue and the immune system.
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Metabolism in patients, with emphasis on medical nutrition and muscle wasting
Loss of muscle mass and function are commonly occurring during the progression of various chronic diseases, including HIV, COPD, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Muscle wasting or cachexia is to be considered a serious medical condition as it contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Moreover, it can contribute to increased treatment-induced toxicities, to a reduction in treatment efficacy and to impaired quality of life.
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Drug-nutrient interactions in older persons
With advancing years, the use of medication and the incidence of polypharmacy (the concomitant use of multiple drugs) increase considerably in the population. Drug-nutrient interactions are a relatively unexplored category of adverse drug reactions in older persons. However, they clearly contribute to nutrient deficiencies in a population that is already at an increased risk of malnutrition.
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Protein digestion and absorption
This research theme addresses the fate of dietary proteins in the body with a focus on digestion, absorption and other processes in the gastrointestinal tract. This will gain insights that will aid the selection of protein sources for the human diet, a matter that is particularly important for vulnerable populations that are at risk for protein malnutrition. The work carried out in this theme benefits from the close collaboration between the division of Human Nutrition and the department of Animal Nutrition.
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Kinetics and metabolism of nutrients and other food components
Understanding the fate of nutritional components in the body is crucial, because processes such as their release from the nutritional matrix, their absorption, distribution, and possible metabolism and excretion are important determinants of their ultimate effects. In addition, knowledge of these processes can help us to detect and prevent deficiencies. Within this research theme, bio-analytical research methods are developed and applied with the aim of studying the kinetics and metabolism of nutrients.
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Nutrition, exercise and sports
This research theme within the Division of Human Nutrition and Health, chair group Nutritional Biology, addresses the interplay between nutrition and physical activity in order to optimize health benefits, or affect performance and recovery. Target group ranges from patients and persons with a sedentary lifestyle to recreationally-active and elite athletes. Main focus is on exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness. Emphasis is on the role of carbohydrate and protein in the adaptive response to exercise, (micro)nutrient intake and status in athletes, and the effect of exercise on gut health and the immune system.
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Nutrition and ageing
Nutrition to achieve and maintain optimal health throughout life is one of the primary research themes within the chair group Nutritional Biology at the Division of Human Nutrition and Health. Our aim is to identify dietary strategies that optimize nutritional status to slow down or reverse stages preceding ageing related pathologies (cognitive decline, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, anorexia of ageing).