Current studies

Choose from the list below to find out more about each of our current studies.

Allulose and monk fruit Study - Allulose is a naturally occurring rare sugar that is approximately 70% as sweet as regular sugar but contains around 90% fewer calories. Monk fruit extract, which contains sweet compounds called mogrosides, is over 300 times sweeter than sugar. In the food industry, monk fruit is often combined with allulose to create a low-calorie sweetener that closely mimics the taste and texture of sugar. 

Both sweeteners contain very few calories and have been studied for how they may affect blood sugar and fat levels in the body. However, there is limited research in humans, and this project aims to add to current knowledge by examining how allulose and monk fruit affect metabolism.

BIOMET - 7 - The effects of the bile acid supplement, 7-keto lithocholic acid, on human gut microbiota and risk factors for disease.

In age-related diseases involving heart, liver, brain, and immunity, it is becoming apparent that a dysregulated gut may be key to understanding and effecting beneficial change. This study aims to assess the beneficial effects of a bile acid supplement in adults, by promoting a healthy microbiome (as measured by a balance between helpful and potentially harmful bacteria) and leading to improved health.*

Cheese and gut microbiota - Investigating the potential of a hay-aged cheese to reduce cholesterol as mediated by changes in the gut microbiome.

Cheese is a popular and widely consumed product that has historically been used as a method of preserving milk by fermentation.  The structure of cheese and how it is metabolised by the body may contribute to a drop in total cholesterol concentration in the blood after regular consumption. Modern methods of cheese-making involve the use of starter bacterial cultures, many of which are microbial species with recognised probiotic potential. These live cultures can improve gut health when consumed. 

Dietary Flavanols Study - Understanding the mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease reduction and cognitive enhancement by dietary flavanols: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of deaths worldwide. There is evidence to suggest that a diet high in flavanols (found in high concentrations in green tea), is related to reductions in deaths by cardiovascular disease. Blood viscosity affects the ability of blood to flow through the body, which can alter the risk of cardiovascular disease development. This study aims to test if the consumption of green tea acutely effects blood viscosity over 8 hours.*

Seaweed Study - Assessing the effects of a novel seaweed-containing functional food product on Stress-Associated Immune and Gut Health Outcomes.

The gut plays an important role in supporting the immune system, and certain dietary components such as probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (fibres that feed beneficial bacteria) can help to maintain gut and immune health. Alginate is a natural fibre extracted from brown seaweed that is widely used in foods which may help support beneficial gut bacteria and regulate inflammation. Ongoing psychological stress is known to affect immune function and increase inflammation in the body. This study will investigate whether a daily jelly containing alginate support gut health and improve immune responses compared to a placebo in adults experiencing higher levels of chronic stress.*

*Currently recruiting volunteers

 

If you would like to find out more about volunteering in any of these studies, please contact us at nutritionvolunteers@reading.ac.uk or call on 0118 378 7771 and quote the study name(s).