Nutrition, Metabolism, Growth and Development
Our research group focuses on understanding the metabolic and developmental effects of diet and nutrition in children and adults.
We conduct research into the effects of specific nutrients (e.g. marine n-3 fatty acids, vitamin D), foods (e.g. dairy, fish, wholegrains, and novel foods) and whole diets (e.g. high vs. low protein diets and breast milk composition) on body weight regulation and growth, body composition, cardiovascular and metabolic function and cognitive function and mental wellbeing, amongst others.
We mainly conduct studies in high-income settings focusing on pre-conception, pregnancy, childhood and adolescence as well as adulthood. Herein, we conduct research to evaluate the influence of growth and nutrition in early childhood on later risk of non-communicable diseases.
We actively undertake diet-based randomized trials and energy balance studies assessing changes in anthropometry, metabolism, neurocognitive function, growth and development among different population groups and thereto, observational studies. We also explore sex-differences, diet-gene interactions, potential mechanisms of action and the role of the gut microbiota.
We design our studies with emphasis on public health relevance and clinical applicability of the results.
We have a broad range of research collaborations with leading scientists from Danish and international research institutions, hospitals and other public and private stakeholders.
Head of research group
Nina Geiker
Associate Professor
News from research group
Research projects
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PREPARE CHILD - CPH
Weight loss before pregnancy and the effect on child health.
Pre-Pregnancy weight loss And the Reducing Effect on CHILDhood overweight is a five-year study in Copenhagen which aims to investigate the effect of a pre-conceptional parental weight loss on parental health, the ability to conceive, the pregnancy, and subsequently their planned child's health. -
APPROACH
An optimized programming of healthy children.
The most favourable dietary protein: carbohydrate ratio during pregnancy in the context of New Nordic Diet. The overall purpose of APPROACH is to investigate how optimal diet and weight gain during pregnancy affect fetal programming. Thus, early signs of the child's risk of obesity and lifestyle diseases. -
FerMetS
Matrix characterization and effect of different types of fermented dairy products on liver fat, cardio metabolic risk and gut microbiome in males with symptoms of metabolic syndrome (FerMetS).
Appethyl® vs placebo in management of prediabetes among overweight and obese individuals
The research project investigates the effect of adding a natural spinach powder, Appethyl® to a diet and lifestyle based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations on health outcomes among individuals with overweight, obesity, and prediabetes.
Empower consumers to ’PREVENT’ diet-related diseases through ’OMICS’ science.
Funded by
Horisont 2020.
Contact
PhD student Kristina Pigsborg
COMPLETED PROJECT.
Period: 2007 - 2010.
The SKOT cohort study (in Danish - Småbørns Kost Og Trivsel) is a research project with the aim to investigate possible interactions between dietary intake, growth, cognitive development, overweight and markers of lifestyle related diseases in small children aged 9-36 months.
The SKOT cohort was initiated in 2007 and consists of 330 children. The first examination took place when the infants were 9 months of age, and since then they have been examined at 18 and 36 months. We expect the examinations at 36 months to be completed in the fall 2010.
The overall objective for SKOT is to contribute with knowledge for the national guidelines for parents about the best suitable diet in the child's first year of life, especially with regards to improve prevention of later development of overweight, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The study has its base at the Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen. SKOT is a part of the project ’Complementary and young child feeding’ (CYCF) - impact on short and long term development and health.
Funded by
Danish Directorate for Food, Fisheries and Agri Business.
Contact
SKOT kohorten, skot@science.ku.dk
PhD thesis from the SKOT cohort study
Members of research group
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annette Vedelspang | Nutrition Consultant | +4535334616 | |
| Anni Larnkjær | Academic Staff | +4535333548 | |
| Birgitte Kronbo Hermansen | Nutrition Consultant | +4535332494 | |
| Camilla Trab Damsgaard | Associate Professor | +4535332221 | |
| Christian Mølgaard | Head of Section | +4535332516 | |
| Christina Sonne Mogensen | PhD Fellow | +4535333284 | |
| Faidon Magkos | Professor | +4535333671 | |
| Inge Birgit Rasmussen | Biomedical Laboratory Scientist | +4535332214 | |
| Jack Ivor Lewis | PhD Fellow | +4535335314 | |
| John Gargul Lind | Laboratory Technician. | +4535332480 | |
| Karoline Sandby | PhD Fellow | +4535323377 | |
| Kim F. Michaelsen | Professor Emeritus | +4535332495 | |
| Kristina Pigsborg | PhD Student | +4535337893 | |
| Lars Hein Christensen | Postdoc | +4535333751 | |
| Lotte Lauritzen | Professor | +4535332508 | |
| Marie Terese Barlebo Madsen | PhD Student | ||
| Mona Adnan Y Aldubayan | PhD Student | +4535327309 | |
| Sophie Hilario Christensen | Academic Research Staff | +4535336691 | |
| Søren Andresen | Biomedical Laboratory Scientist | +4535332468 |