If you are interested in nutrition and research we would like to invite you to participate in one of our research projects. The research studies we do are nutrition studies in which we examine the effects of protein meals on the buildup and breakdown of proteins in the body. Importantly, proteins are the building blocks of muscles. Often we also assess body composition and muscle function. Our goal is to improve the physical function and quality of life of older adults.

Our human studies are focused on older adults with common chronic diseases who could benefit from specific nutritional support. These diseases include cancer, chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As muscle loss is commonly associated with these conditions, it is very important to develop nutritional strategies that can prevent this, and that will improve well-being, treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Our aims are related to understanding metabolic changes leading to muscle loss and how we can target these alterations by nutritional interventions and exercise. We primarily test the effect of dietary proteins as they are the building blocks of muscle. In addition, we find it important to translate these effects to functional measures of muscle, such as lower and upper body muscle strength and endurance.

Invite to patients with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) / cardiomyopathy. Who are we looking for? Individuals with an established diagnosis of CHF who are 45 years or older. What will exclude you? A diagnosis of insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus, cancer or a severe liver or kidney disease.

If you would like to participate in one of our studies, click here for more information.