Creatine Synthesis And Transport In The Fetus - Critical Regulation Of Energy Supply For Fetal Growth & Survival?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,210.00
Summary
Survival at birth depends on the baby being able to breathe effectively, to maintain adequate blood flow to every organ, and for the brain to coordinate these activities. Failure of any one of these will result in death. In this application we propose that the ability of the fetus and newborn baby to obtain adequate supplies of CREATINE is essential for survival, because this substance is essential for maintaining energy turnover in all cells in the body. In the adult, CREATINE is obtained eithe ....Survival at birth depends on the baby being able to breathe effectively, to maintain adequate blood flow to every organ, and for the brain to coordinate these activities. Failure of any one of these will result in death. In this application we propose that the ability of the fetus and newborn baby to obtain adequate supplies of CREATINE is essential for survival, because this substance is essential for maintaining energy turnover in all cells in the body. In the adult, CREATINE is obtained either from the diet (after absorption from the gut), or after synthesis in, and release from the liver. We do not know how fetal tissues obtain CREATINE, but we do know that when CREATINE is too low the fetus is likely to die, and that if extra CREATINE is supplied in the mother's diet the fetus is more likely to survive profound asphyxia at birth. In this project, in pregnant animals we will determine if fetal tissues can synthesize and take up CREATINE, and if providing extra CREATINE in the maternal diet throughout pregnancy can protect the heart, brain and breathing apparatus from the damaging effects of asphyxia or low oxygen (hypoxia). If successful, we will have developed a new treatment for pregnant women that protects their unborn baby from the dangers of birth asphyxia.Read moreRead less
Personalised Medical Nutrition Therapy To Improve Diet Related Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Poor eating habits are common across all lifestages and increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes and the cost of health care. This novel research will use technology to connect people to online assessment of their dietary intake with a personally tailored nutrition report provided in realtime. Healthcare professional will use these to help people improve their eating and health. This will create new knowledge on the impact of better nutrition on health outcomes and the cost of health care.
Dietary Modulation Of Maternal Gut Flora With Oligosaccharides In Pregnancy As A Novel Allergy Prevention Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,681,512.00
Summary
Declining intake of dietary fibre is a major factor implicated in the changing profile of healthy gut bacteria, and the associated increase in many inflammatory diseases including childhood allergy. This clinical trial aims to confirm findings in animal studies that increased dietary fibre in pregnancy can prevent allergy in the offspring, by favourably influencing metabolism and immune function during pregnancy.
Dietary And Lifestyle Advice And Treatment For Women With Borderline Gestational Diabetes: The IDEAL Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,140.00
Summary
Over 22,000 pregnant women in Australia each year (7.7% of pregnancies) develop Borderline Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The IDEAL Trial is assessing whether implementing dietary and lifestyle advice and monitoring blood glucose in women with Borderline GDM is effective in reducing the risk of serious health outcomes for women and infants. If treatment of these women is effective this would reduce the burden of disease for women and their babies, with implications for improved health thro ....Over 22,000 pregnant women in Australia each year (7.7% of pregnancies) develop Borderline Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The IDEAL Trial is assessing whether implementing dietary and lifestyle advice and monitoring blood glucose in women with Borderline GDM is effective in reducing the risk of serious health outcomes for women and infants. If treatment of these women is effective this would reduce the burden of disease for women and their babies, with implications for improved health through childhood, adolescence and adulthood.Read moreRead less
Maternal Diet Rich In Eggs And Peanuts To Reduce Food Allergies: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,719,516.00
Summary
Food allergies now affect more than 1 in every 10 children. Recently, babies have been found to be at risk of developing a food allergy even before they start eating solid foods. We have discovered that baby immune responses can be improved by mothers eating more eggs during the first weeks of breastfeeding. Thus we are undertaking this research trial to determine whether mothers regularly eating more eggs and peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding will reduce food allergies in their babies.
Poorly-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can have negative outcomes for mother and baby. Nutrition counselling is the first line strategy to manage GDM and can prevent the need for insulin. No Australian GDM nutrition practice guidelines (NPGs) exist, but better outcomes have been shown in America following a evidence-based schedule of dietary counselling. This project will investigate implementation of American NPGs in an Australian setting, using the latest nutrition advice.
Limiting Weight Gain In Overweight And Obese Women During Pregnancy To Improve Health Outcomes - A Randomised Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,541,444.00
Summary
Being overweight or obese is a major health issue for women during pregnancy and childbirth in Australia. There are well documented risks associated with obesity during pregnancy for both the mother and her baby. This randomised trial will assess whether the implementation of a package of dietary and lifestyle advice to overweight and obese pregnancy women to limit weight gain during pregnancy is effective in improving health outcomes for women and their babies.
Improving The Outcomes Of Mothers And Babies Through Nutritional Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
Dr Makrides will undertake extensive investigations to determine optimal levels of a range of nutrients in the diet of pregnant women and preterm and term babies. The period from conception until 2 years after birth, the ‘first 1,000 days’, is designated by the World Health Organisation as the “window of opportunity” that is critical to ensuring a healthy start to life which in turn leads to improved long term health of the population.