The NWRC aims to promote health and wellness using the following interventions:
- Dietary intake (functional foods, food ingredients, plants, dietary supplements)
- Physical activity/exercise
- Health-related behaviors
Studies completed at the NWRC (Research Park and campus facilities)
In the two years since the NWRC officially opened, researchers have completed a number of clinical trials involving human participants. This represents over $3.7 million in total project funding and research in areas including:
Exercise/Physical Activity and Assessment of Energy Expenditure
- Acute, intense exercise on immune response
- Validation of armband monitors using doubly-labeled water in adults
- Modeling blood glucose response to physical activity & dietary intake in Type II diabetics using indwelling glucose sensors
Health-Related Food Components/Supplements and Dietary Factors
- Flaxseed products on circulating cholesterol concentration
- Novel dietary fiber supplements on appetite and satiety
- Fermented dairy beverage on glycemic index and satiety
- Digestive-resistant starches on blood glucose and gastrointestinal fermentation
- Soy isoflavones on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
- Soy isoflavones on central adiposity/body composition in postmenopausal women
- Soy foods on iron and zinc status and biochemical bone markers in young women
- Retinol activity and absorption of beta-carotene-biofortified crops
- Bioavailability of carotenoids, vitamin K, and tocopherols with salad dressing
- Folate, plasma homocysteine, and methyl group metabolism
- Vitamin D status and physical performance
Behavioral Choices and Change
- Influence of perceived pleasure/displeasure on future activity/exercise choices
- Consumer willingness to purchase higher priced ground beef with extended shelf life
