Coleraine

Researchers are investigating how body fat affects the response to daily iron supplements of either 25 mg or 50 mg during pregnancy. The study focuses on pregnant women aged 18 years or older with a single pregnancy and without current complications. This double-blind randomized controlled trial will include 312 participants recruited from antenatal clinics to explore how maternal adiposity influences iron status and requirements. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving either 25 mg or 50 mg of elemental iron daily, combined with a multivitamin supplement. The supplements are taken together each morning from 12 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Blood and umbilical cord samples will be collected at various pregnancy stages, and an additional postpartum sample at 8 weeks is optional. The study also involves questionnaires on health, lifestyle, mental health, and gastrointestinal symptoms, with compliance and adverse effects monitored by scheduled phone calls. Throughout the study, participants will have blood samples and body measurements taken at 12, 28, and 36 weeks of gestation, with umbilical cord blood collected at birth. Questionnaires and 4-day diaries will track dietary intake and lifestyle. Researchers will assess iron and inflammation markers, mental health scores, and genetic factors related to iron metabolism. Participants may be withdrawn if diagnosed with anemia, prescribed iron treatment, or if adverse outcomes occur. Electronic forms will be used for data collection, and the total participation spans from early pregnancy until delivery, with an optional postpartum follow-up.

Researchers are investigating how a functional drink containing prebiotics and B-vitamins affects gut health, inflammation, and mental health in adults aged 50 years and older. Ageing can change gut bacteria and increase inflammation, which may worsen mental health. The study aims to test if increasing dietary fiber through inulin and adding B-vitamins can improve gut microbiota diversity and nutritional status in this population. The trial is a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing three groups one receiving a drink with inulin plus B-vitamins, another with inulin only, and a placebo group. Each serving of the active drinks contains 7.5 grams of inulin, with the combination drink also providing folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and riboflavin. The placebo drink has similar calories but no added nutrients. Participants will be monitored through gut microbiome profiles and blood tests measuring total homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, B6, and riboflavin at 12 weeks. Secondary assessments include inflammation markers, gut microbial metabolites, mood symptoms, sleep quality, and physiological stress. The study sponsors aim to evaluate these effects without requiring long-term treatment, and participation lasts for the full 12 weeks.

Researchers are investigating how a traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in fiber and polyphenols natural compounds found in certain foods, may help prevent or delay cognitive decline in people aged 50 and older who are at increased risk of Alzheimers disease. This study focuses on how gut microbiota transform these polyphenols into neuroprotective compounds that could influence brain health and cognitive function. The study is supported by a collaboration between research institutions in the US and Ireland and aims to understand the mechanisms linking diet, gut microbiota, and brain health. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a polyphenol supplement Juice Plus Essentials Berry Blend Capsules or a placebo supplement matched in micronutrients. The study uses a double-blind design, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who receives which supplement. The intervention lasts 12 months, during which participants take the assigned capsules regularly. Stool and blood samples will be collected at the start, mid-point 6 months, and end of the study to analyze polyphenol metabolites and microbiome changes. Throughout the study, participants will attend three clinic visits at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months for assessments including cognitive testing focused on executive function, measurements of body size and blood pressure, and questionnaires about diet and health. Stool samples will be collected at home by participants at the same three time points. Researchers will monitor inflammatory markers, bile acid profiles, and Alzheimers disease markers in blood to evaluate the effects of the supplements. The total duration of participation is about one year, with ongoing monitoring of safety and cognitive outcomes.