Email ak.deehan@ulster.ac.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Us
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health
| Phytochemicals and gut microflora in health and disease |
|---|
We interpret the term phytochemicals, in a broad sense, to comprise any of the very diverse range of relatively minor plant components, which are not recognised as nutrients, but that may exert health benefits through a variety of mechanisms.
Current and past projects include our participation in the EU 6th Framework Integrated Project Healthgrain (healthgrain.org) where we have assessed the uptake and physiological impact of components in wheat in human intervention studies, with a focus on phenolic acids, and the physiological methyl donors, choline and betaine.
A non-digestible carbohydrate, with prebiotic effects, has being evaluated for effects on lipid metabolism, gut hormone responses and appetite in humans. We have ongoing research into gut microflora, and their interactions with prebiotics and gut health.
Furthermore, phytochemicals from sources including berries, olives, soya and crucifer species are being assessed for potential effects on carcinogenesis, using in vitro and animal models, and also with human interventions. Metabolomic and nutrigenomic tools are being increasingly used to investigate the complex interactions between phytochemicals, and risk factors for chronic diseases.
Much of our research is cross-cutting and we work closely with other research areas within NICHE, and with many research centres in Ireland, Britain, Europe and beyond.
Contact: Professor R Welch: rw.welch@ulster.ac.uk