Research Objectives
The Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC) is a unique collaborative initiative which seeks to capitalise on the collective strengths, commonality of purpose and outstanding track records of research concentrations at University of Newcastle, University of South Australia and Swinburne University of Technology.
The CNRC applies its broad-based multidisciplinary expertise to:
- Expand knowledge of physiological functions and mechanisms of action of bioactive nutrients and functional foods;
- Evaluate human health benefits of bioactive foods and nutrients, alone or in combination with other lifestyle interventions including physical activity and exercise;
- Determine the therapeutic potential of bioactive nutrients, taken alone or as adjuncts to drug therapy;
- Develop portfolios of evidence to substantiate health claims for functional foods and nutraceuticals;
- Foster a national framework of collaboration in clinical nutrition research;
- Translate clinical nutrition research into community practice.
- Promote cross-institutional training and exchange of expertise.
The CNRC undertakes clinical research in these fields to address the prevention and management of risk factors for chronic disease, including but not limited to obesity/metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, cognitive decline and depression.
The CNRC is developing and evaluating approaches to optimize physical and mental fitness (especially under conditions of duress and/or fatigue), sports performance and recovery from injury.
The CNRC identifies new bioactives, treatments and strategies with the potential to deliver outcomes and conducts human intervention trials to quantify potential benefits.
The CNRC is committed to research translation. Its key members have significant experience in regulatory policy development and working with industry to achieve product registrations and patents.
Our goal is to create a critical mass of clinical nutrition research expertise and attract government and private sector stakeholders to secure the development of major national research initiatives, e.g. a Cooperative Research Centre for Nutraceutical Research.
Examples of Research Programs
- Evaluating cardiometabolic, cognitive and behavioural effects of functional nutrients (e.g. omega-3) and foods (e.g. pulses)
- Optimising diet and exercise to improve reproductive health
- Improving performance and recovery from injury in athletes
- Maintaining physical and cognitive functions in the elderly
- Investigating effects of foods on satiety and appetite regulation
- Monitoring and reducing the impact of obesity in children
- Enrichment of foods with bioactive nutrients
- Developing foods with optimal lipemic profiles
- Identifying and utilising gender differences in responses to diet
- Nutritional strategies to counteract inflammatory conditions
- Nutrition and exercise interventions to promote rehabilitation