Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food

With advancements in technology, once-coveted techniques, like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA), are now available at our fingertips and for relatively little expense. There has been a dramatic increase in facilities offering DXA scans to measure body composition, with a scan costing as little as $80.00 nowadays. While commercially available BIA devices, typically in the form of scales, can be easily purchased for under $150.00. But when it comes to measuring visceral adiposity - how do they stack up? And are they any better than the humble tape measure and a waist circumference measurement? Our latest blog which features research recently published by Dr Aimee Dordevic and Kaitlin Day in Nutrients explores this very topic http://ow.ly/v7oU30mXU3G

Congratulations to A/Prof Maxine Bonham, Dr Kate Huggins, A/Prof Julie Brimblecombe and Liza Barbour on their awards by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Read more at: http://monashnutrition.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-department-of-nutrition-dietetics.html

With turmeric lattes, and now even broccoli lattes gracing menus in cafes, it’s time we asked the question – are they really worth it? While we are seeing a plethora of food and beverages being touted as using the latest superfoods packed full of antixoidants, are we really seeing a benefit to chronic low-grade inflammation that is associated with cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes. Read more about this debate in our blog by PhD Candidate Stephanie Cowan who’s research focuses on this very topic: http://ow.ly/XyU730ktgR2 Image by Osha Key via Unsplash

We are pleased to announce that the recruitment phase for our Shifting the Risk Study has finished!! The study looks at whether changing meal timing of night shift workers can improve their heart disease risks. The research team would like to thank everyone for their interest and help in spreading the word about the project in the past year. Special thanks to the 19 participants who completed the 3-month study. The time and effort that each of you dedicated is invaluable and deeply appreciated. If you are a shift worker and would like to participate in future studies, please email us at med.shiftwork.study@monash.edu. Follow this page to receive updates about the results from Shifting the Risk.