Research topics
Oat Study
In this human nutritional intervention study, we investigate the effects of an intensive two-day oat intake and a moderate six-week oat consumption on the composition and function of the gut microbiome in the context of metabolism and cognitive function in people with metabolic syndrome. Here, the focus is on identifying the metabolites produced by the intestinal microbiota and their health effects on metabolism and cognition (“gut-brain axis”).
Dietary Pattern Study
In this human nutrition intervention study, the effects of three different dietary patterns (Nordic, Vegetarian and Western) on the metabolism, the immune system and markers of neurodegeneration are investigated. Furthermore, we analyse the role of the gut microbiome and epigenetic changes in relation to the diet-induced effects.
Gut Brain Study
In this project, we study the gut-brain axis and specifically focus on a potential causal link between gut microbial composition and human behavior.
Femmunity Study
In the Femmunity study, immunological, metabolic and endocrine characteristics of the female menstrual cycle are analysed. The main focus is to elucidate how the varying hormone status regulates molecular signalling pathways that influence both immune function and metabolism.
NeuroBiom
In cooperation with the University Hospital Bonn, we are investigating the role of metabolism and
gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases.