Nutrition and Pharmacology
The chair group Nutrition and Pharmacology group (within the Division of Human Nutrition and Health) led by prof.dr. RF (Renger) Witkamp focusses on the study and evaluation of bio-active compounds in conventional food products, functional foods or in food supplements.
These bio-actives can play a role in improving our health or preventing disease. In addition, the chair group is involved in clinical projects where nutrition, pharma and disease are coming together. It is obvious that the borders between dietary intervention and pharmacotherapy are not always very clear. Of direct practical relevance are possible interactions between food products and drugs, which can be bi-directional. Relatively new-, but promising, is the use dietary intervention or specific supplements to improve effects or reduce side-effects of drugs.
Education is offered at BSc, MSc and PhD level. The BSc course "Nutrition and Pharmacology" starts with the basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacological research, with the purpose of translating this to nutritional science.
The research programme aims at translating and integrating knowledge and principles of nutrition and pharmacology. The main focus is on obesity and its metabolic complications. In particular the role of bio-active lipids, including so-called endo-cannabinoids in relation to inflammation and adiposity is investigated.
Key publications
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The association between drugs frequently used by the elderly and vitamin D blood levels: a review of observational and experimental studies
Drugs & Aging 31 (2014)2. - ISSN 1170-229X - p. 111 - 123.
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N-acyl amines of docosahexaenoic acid and other n-3 polyunsatured fatty acids – From fishy endocannabinoids to potential leads
British Journal of Pharmacology 169 (2013)4. - ISSN 0007-1188 - p. 772 - 783.
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Dietary supplementation with a specific combination of high protein, leucine, and fish oil improves muscle function and daily activity in tumour-bearing cachectic mice
British Journal of Cancer 100 (2009)5. - ISSN 0007-0920 - p. 713 - 722.
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Hypothalamic food intake regulation in a cancer-cachectic mouse model
Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle 5 (2014)2. - ISSN 2190-5991 - p. 159 - 169.