Attaining world-leading research and educational standards

Our aim is, (1) to conduct world-leading nutrition research which spans from fundamental mechanistic studies to large pragmatic trials in healthy participants and ‘at risk’ groups, and (2) to effectively educate our MBBS, PA and PGR students in the understanding of nutrition in health and disease-risk reduction. Through both mechanisms we help deliver the government Ageing Grand Challenge goal of increasing healthy life expectancy by five years by 2035.  

We investigate the impact of key dietary components and dietary patterns on health and risk of major age-related chronic diseases, in particular cardio-metabolic health, musculoskeletal health, cognitive health and dementia, micronutrient deficiency conditions and prostate cancer. Our research uses a combination of cell and animal models, prospective epidemiology (EPIC Norfolk and Potsdam, Twins UK, UK Biobank etc.) intervention trials in healthy and patient groups, food bioactive absorption and metabolism studies, genomics and lipidomics. Research interests in eating behaviour and its determinants, is now based in Norfolk Institute of Health Ageing (NIHA, www.healthyageingnorfolk.com ) launched in August 2020, of which Prof Anne Marie Minihane is Director.

Participate in our research

Main Research areas of interest  

• Flavonoids and their metabolites, and cardio-metabolic and cognitive health 

• n-3 fatty acids, metabolism and cognition  

• Gut-liver-brain axis and the role of the microbiota 

• Micronutrient status, health and malnutrition e.g. iron and vitamin D 

• Dietary fibres and glucose metabolism 

• Nutrient-gene interactions and personalised nutrition