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Human Intervention Studies Unit (HISU)

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The HISU is dedicated primarily to the carrying out of nutritional intervention trials on human volunteers. Studies may range from strictly-controlled residential trials - featuring a range of metabolic measurements - to non-residential trials with periodic checks.

The Unit features:

A specially-designed residential suite with accommodation, in which up to 12 human volunteers may be accommodated for days or weeks at a time; A kitchen for preparation of duplicate meals.

The Unit’s state-of-the-art analytical facilities include:

 An exercise suite with BodPod, ergometer, treadmill, ergospirometer and bone densitometer;

 A food sensory laboratory;

 A gastrointestinal laboratory, with access to a Category II laboratory for blood sampling and analysis.

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Support for Health Claims

There is increased awareness of the fact that diet - in addition to meeting the metabolic needs of individuals - can have beneficial physiological and psychological effects, and can help reduce the risk of disease. Food manufacturers have been quick to recognise this increased awareness, and the growing list of health claims in relation to food products has, in turn, come under considerable scrutiny from international legislative bodies in recent years. The general consensus is that scientific validation and substantiation will soon be required in EU countries and beyond, for any health claim to be considered valid. One of the most important roles of the HISU is to perform rigorous scientific testing of potential health benefits associated with food products and dietary supplements, thus substantiating the claims of those products that are successful. Additionally, the work of the HISU will help in the discovery of new health benefits.

Multidisciplinary Science

The HISU is located within the state-of-the-art Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMB) of the University of Ulster, alongside NICHE’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biology facilities, where ongoing research areas include the role of diet in different types of cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. This close proximity enables close collaboration and understanding between scientists across the ’spectrum’ from the laboratory bench to the human subject, enabling optimal quality in the design, execution and interpretation of diet/health-related intervention studies.

For further information please contact:

Dr Paula Tighe | Clinical Trials Manager | Tel: +44 (0) 2870 324101 | Email: p.tighe@ulster.ac.uk |