Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics
The mission of the Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics Group and Chair Lydia Afman is to contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of dietary nutrients and their impact on human health and metabolism. Particular attention is given to the role of dietary lipids and fiber.
Research themes
Education
Education by Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics
Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics contributes to the curriculum of the BSc and MSc programs in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University & Research by offering a variety of courses on topics including nutrition and health, advanced nutrigenomics, food digestion, immunometabolism, and practical tools in molecular nutrition.
Publications & Projects
The primary focus of Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics is on the key organs relevant for metabolism represented by the intestine, liver, and adipose tissue, and the interplay between these organs and other relevant systems such as the immune system and the microbiome. Studies are geared towards expanding our knowledge of the molecular physiology of nutrient metabolism in health and metabolic diseases and elucidating what key regulatory pathways go awry during disease development and aging.
Highlighted publications
- Appetite and childhood malnutrition: A narrative review identifying evidence gaps between clinical practice and research
- Distinct in vitro utilization and degradation of porcine gastric mucin glycans by human intestinal bacteria
- The long-term effect of metabolic bariatric surgery on innate immune cell phenotype and function
Chair Holder
Lydia Afman is the chairholder of Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics. She is also active at the Health Counsil and has a research focus on insulin resistance and blood plasma.
prof.dr.ir. LA (Lydia) Afman
Professor / Chairholder
People of Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people of Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics