The Nutrition in Medicine Research Group undertakes translational (bench-to-bedside) research, including observational and intervention studies, with the aim to prevent and treat various acute and chronic illnesses with specific nutrients, including vitamin C.
Recruiting now
We are currently seeking participants for a study investigating micronutrient supplementation for metabolic syndrome. Learn more on our study recruitment page.
Critical illness and septic shock
Intravenous vitamin C and septic shock outcomes
A pilot randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of intravenous vitamin C on the outcomes of critically ill patients with septic shock in Christchurch Hospital Intensive Care Unit.
Status: recruitment completed, analysis underway
Funding: HRC and Canterbury Medical Research Foundation
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Publications: technical report, review article, research paper
Infection and immune function
Nutrition and respiratory infection
A clinical trial using kiwifruit and vitamin C tablets to increase the vitamin C status of people with respiratory infections requiring IV antibiotic administration (Christchurch Hospital).
Status: recruiting
Funding: Zespri International Ltd
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Vitamin C administration and pneumonia outcomes
A feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of intravenous and oral vitamin C on the outcomes of pneumonia patients in Christchurch Hospital.
Status: recruitment completed, sample and data analysis underway
Funding: HRC
Contact: steve.chambers@otago.ac.nz or anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Community acquired pneumonia audit
A clinical notes audit determining community location and deprivation of patients who have been admitted to Christchurch Hospital with pneumonia.
Status: data analysis underway
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Metabolic health
Micronutrients and metabolic syndrome
A randomised controlled trial using vitamin C and other micronutrients to decrease inflammation in people with obesity and metabolic dysregulation (metabolic syndrome).
Status: recruiting
Funder: Bayer Consumer Care
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Vitamin C and renal function in diabetes mellitus
An observational study investigating the relationship between vitamin C and renal function in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Status: data analysis underway
Funding: Partially funded by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Publication: research paper
Mood and cognitive health
Inflammation in patients with depression
An observational study assessing the vitamin C status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with major depression and bipolar disorder in the Canterbury region.
Status: recruiting
Funding: partially funded by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Vitamin C in prenatal depression
A study assessing the vitamin C status of pregnant women with depression and anxiety in the Canterbury region who have been given a micronutrient supplement.
Status: recruiting completed, data analysis underway
Funding: partially funded by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Patient quality of life
Alleviating the symptoms of myeloma patients
A pilot randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the symptoms of myeloma patients in Christchurch Hospital Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit.
Status: recruiting
Funding: Richdale Charitable Trust
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
Global health and nutrition
Assessing vitamin C requirements of elderly people
A pilot study to assess the vitamin C requirements of care home residents (Aberdeen, Scotland).
Status: recruiting soon
Funding: Vitamin C 4 COVID Trust
Contact: anitra.carr@otago.ac.nz
