Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition has been taught at Otago for almost a hundred years. In terms of academic staff and students the Department of Human Nutrition is the largest University Department involved in this discipline in Australasia and one of the best known in the Southern Hemisphere. During the past sixteen years it has been responsible for all Dietetic training in New Zealand. Our graduates are to be found in interesting positions in a number of countries throughout the world as well as in leading roles in Australia and New Zealand. Our research programmes extend beyond the shores of New Zealand with staff members involved in research as far afield as Thailand, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mongolia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
The Department has enjoyed international recognition of outstanding leadership and excellence in nutrition research for well over half a century. Our courses continue to receive an exceptionally high rating from past and present students and we aim to ensure that all students continue to receive the quality education for which Otago is famous.
Recent Deposits
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Microbiota and diet in infants and young children
Diet is known to modify the composition of the gut microbiota. However, few studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between diet and the gut microbiota in infants during the complementary feeding period, or ... -
The design, analysis and evaluation of a food frequency questionnaire for assessing the nutrient intake of New Zealand adults
A food frequency questionnaire was designed to assess the usual nutrient intake of New Zealand adults. National diet survey data was used as a basis for compiling the food list. The optimal design and analysis of the ... -
Associations between intuitive eating, food patterns, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and BMI : a random population study of New Zealand women
Background: Given the high prevalence of obesity and the poor long- term success of traditional weight loss treatments, non-dieting approaches are attracting increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that a number ... -
Kiwifruit Effects on Starch Digestion by Salivary Amylase under Simulated Gastric Conditions
Background Postprandial hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for diabetes and its complications, and it is influenced by the rate of carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Human salivary amylase (HSA) initiates starch digestion ... -
Shaping practice : the nurse's role in nutrition education : a grounded theory approach
The purpose of this grounded theory study was to identify, describe, and provide a theoretical explanation of nurses' perceptions of their nutrition education role. Fifteen staff nurses from medical and paediatric wards ... -
The effects of dietary carbohydrate on muscle glycogen metabolism and performance in an 80 minute rugby simulation
Rugby union forward play is characterised by intense, intermittent periods of exercise requiring high levels of aerobic fitness and substantial anaerobic power. The effects of a high and low carbohydrate diet for the three ... -
The effect of a high fat and high carbohydrate diet on the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles of endurance trained athletes
Athletes training and competing for endurance events have very high energy requirements. They are advised to eat a high carbohydrate diet, to achieve maximum glycogen stores and prolong endurance performance. Diets higher ... -
The Use of Automated Wearable Cameras to Describe Evening Eating Occasions in Dunedin Adolescents
Background: Screen use and a number of other environmental factors within the home may influence adolescent dietary behaviour. Little is known about the environmental context of evening eating occasions in New Zealand ... -
A feasibility study to investigate the impact of a dietitian-led low FODMAP diet group education programme for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that affects approximately 10-20% of New Zealanders. Currently, there is no curative treatment for IBS and IBS management focuses on symptomatic ... -
Is Energy Expenditure of Regular Activity Breaks Associated with their Effects on Postprandial Metabolism? Secondary Analysis from the ALPhA and ABPA Studies
Background Sedentary behaviour is a well-known risk factor for cardio-metabolic disease. Regularly interrupting prolonged sedentary behaviour with activity breaks has shown to be beneficial for glycaemic control. However, ... -
The Nutritional Status of New Zealand Adults Living in Residential Aged-Care
Suboptimal nutrition in older adults is a major cause of morbidity, physical and cognitive decline, frailty, anemia, and reduced quality of life. Studies in other western countries show that malnutrition is common in ... -
The Fluoride in Schoolchildren Study [FLOSS]
Background: Fluoride plays a beneficial role in the prevention and repair of dental caries across all ages. In New Zealand, fluoride is found naturally in low concentrations in the water, soil and air. As a public health ... -
The relationship between FODMAP intake and acute gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Background: Diet is known to play a major role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with many people identifying certain foods as a trigger for symptoms. Recently, reducing fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, ... -
Room Service: Patient Expectations and Experiences
Background: Patient expectations and the foodservice are largely overlooked in patient experience research. Hospital foodservices face added challenges being subject to a negative stereotype. Hotel-style room service is a ... -
Cognitive Performance following different Postprandial Glycaemic Responses
Background: Optimal cognitive performance is important for learning. The brain uses glucose for fuel, so one proposed factor influencing cognition is circulating blood glucose concentrations. However, the existing body of ... -
Exploring culturally-determined food preferences of Indian and South Asian patients in New Zealand
Background: The increase in the Indian and South Asian population in New Zealand creates demand for culturally appropriate hospital food services. As these peoples have rich food cultures, traditions, and strong religious ... -
Fluoride intakes of nine to eleven year-old children living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas of the lower South Island of New Zealand
Background: Fluoride is effective at preventing dental caries, however ingesting too much can lead to fluorosis. New Zealand (NZ) has naturally low levels of fluoride in water (~0.15 mg/l). Worldwide, the prevalence of ... -
My Food My Medicine: The Culturally Determined Food Preference Study of Chinese and South-East Asian Adult Patients in New Zealand
Background: The Asian population in NZ is increasing rapidly with projections that Asians will become the second largest ethnic group in NZ. These increasing numbers create demand for appropriate healthcare services for ... -
Low Energy Availability in Female Rugby 7's Players: A feasibility Pilot Study
Background: Low energy availability (LEA) is a term used to describe a state of insufficient energy remaining following exercise to maintain normal physiological functioning. If left untreated, LEA can lead to severe ... -
Low energy availability and cardiovascular disease risk in elite female rugby sevens players: an observational study
Background: Participating in physical activity and exercise for the majority of the population promotes beneficial health outcomes. However, some individuals have an energy intake which is insufficient to replace the energy ...