Food-based strategies improve toddlers' low iron status
Thursday, 15 October 2009 9:58am
Toddlers who increase their red meat intake or drink iron-fortified milk can successfully avoid the falling iron levels commonly affecting this age group, according to latest University of Otago findings.
Better nutrition for NZ kids will take more than tackling tuck shops
Friday, 30 July 2010 2:56pm
Improving New Zealand school children’s diets requires a much wider focus than just targeting unhealthy foods available at schools, University of Otago research suggests.
Higher risk of zinc deficiency in NZ Pacific children: Otago research
Tuesday, 26 October 2010 9:47am
Pacific Island schoolchildren in New Zealand are at a higher risk of zinc deficiency than children of other ethnicities, according to latest University of Otago research.
Eating speed linked to weight: Otago research
Tuesday, 30 August 2011 1:13pm
Middle-aged women who eat slowly are much less likely to be overweight or obese than those who eat at a faster pace, according to new University of Otago research.
NZ children’s iodine status still far from ideal: Otago research
Tuesday, 7 August 2012 8:54am
The mandatory use of iodised salt in commercial bread since 2009 has improved New Zealand children’s iodine status but many may remain mildly deficient in this essential nutrient, new University of Otago research suggests.
Reasons behind healthy eating may be crucial to women’s body weight
Monday, 10 September 2012 9:41am
Middle-aged women who are self-motivated to eat healthily have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who do so in order to keep others happy, new University of Otago research suggests.
Otago study highlights how little is known about baby weaning method
Tuesday, 27 November 2012 11:56am
Starting babies on solids by letting them feed themselves pieces of food is a growing trend – yet there is scarce scientific research about the practice, putting healthcare professionals in a difficult position when giving advice, new University of Otago research suggests.
Weight loss benefits of low-fat diets proven
Friday, 7 December 2012 2:07pm
Reducing fat intake leads to weight loss that can be maintained for at least seven years – that’s one of the clear findings of a major new review of dozens of studies by an international team that includes a University of Otago researcher.
University of Otago study prompts renewed call to action on sugar
Wednesday, 16 January 2013 1:16pm
A study commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) into what is known about the effects of sugar recommends that cutting down on the sweet additive should be part of a global strategy to tackle the obesity epidemic.
Otago study suggests many apples a day keep the blues at bay
Thursday, 24 January 2013 8:30am
Eating more fruit and vegetables may make young people calmer, happier and more energetic in their daily life, new research from the University of Otago suggests.
Nutrition researcher awarded international prize
Thursday, 11 April 2013 12:25pm
A leading University of Otago nutritionist, Professor Rosalind Gibson, has been awarded the 2013 Kellogg International Prize in Nutrition.
Hours of sleep and body fat linked for teenage boys, Otago study shows
Thursday, 19 September 2013 4:23pm
Researchers in human nutrition at the University of Otago have found that teenage boys who sleep less have more body fat when compared to girls, whose sleep deprivation has no discernible effect on their body fat ratios.
Experts caution on dietary advice purporting to show fat is good
Thursday, 31 October 2013 1:24pm
The international media response to a BMJ opinion piece claiming to debunk the “myth” of saturated fat as a cause of coronary heart disease could undermine public confidence in lifestyle changes that have resulted in appreciable health benefits, say a group of experts in public health and nutrition representing a number of New Zealand health-related organisations.
Saturated fat not off the hook for heart disease: researchers
Wednesday, 19 March 2014 11:12am
Recent overseas research claiming that there is no evidence that saturated fat increases heart attacks and other cardiac events needs to be treated with a great deal of caution, according to University of Otago human nutrition and public health experts and a University of Auckland colleague.
Paris scholarship
Thursday, 20 March 2014 2:43pm
Rebecca Grant has been awarded a $25,000 scholarship to study in Paris.
Otago appoints Professor of Human Nutrition
Wednesday, 7 May 2014 3:25pm
The University of Otago has appointed a leading nutrient, diet and heart disease researcher as its new Professor of Human Nutrition and Head of Department.
Otago study finds sugar implicated in cardiovascular disease risk
Friday, 16 May 2014 3:25pm
University of Otago researchers have uncovered evidence that sugar has a direct effect on risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure, independent of weight gain.
Eating healthy foods comes at a cost
Wednesday, 2 July 2014 3:37pm
Dr Lisa Te Morenga comments in the Otago Daily Times.
Dietitian defends health star food rating system
Wednesday, 2 July 2014 3:51pm
Associate Prof Winsome Parnell comments in the Otago Daily Times.
Nutrition Society Conference
Monday, 11 August 2014 12:00am
Nutrition Society of New Zealand will be held at the end of August in Queenstown
SWIFT Study
Tuesday, 19 August 2014 11:01am
Human Nutrition Student Michelle Jospe presenting at the upcoming Postgraduate and Early Career Nutrition Conference.
Rachel Brown Top 12 Supervisor
Saturday, 25 October 2014 11:35am
Rachel Brown was awarded one of the Top 12 Supervisors at the University of Otago at the OUSA awards on Monday evening.
Otago commentary in The Lancet warns saturated fat is still the enemy
Tuesday, 28 October 2014 2:18pm
A group of University of Otago researchers is warning that the promotion of low carb/high fat diets risks harming public health.
Jody Miller Selenium Publication
Thursday, 6 November 2014 10:27am
News item
Essentials of Human Nutrition translated into Indonesian.
Monday, 24 November 2014 2:51pm
The 4th Edition of the textbook Essentials of Human Nutrition has now been translated into Indonesian.
Congratulations to Penny Field on her graduation.
Wednesday, 17 December 2014 11:04am
Congratulations to Penny Field on her graduation.
Change the kai in your shops
Thursday, 23 April 2015 10:06am
Lisa Te Morenga on TV One
Tertiary Information Day
Wednesday, 29 April 2015 11:49am
Tertiary Information Day
Nutrition education helping Kenyan Children.
Thursday, 30 April 2015 3:54pm
Last year members of our department traveled to Kenya to conduct research on childhood malnutrition to read more about it click here.
Victoria Farmer in the News
Wednesday, 6 May 2015 2:34pm
Victoria Farmer in the Waikato Times
Lisa Te Morenga on RadioLive
Thursday, 4 June 2015 3:45pm
Lisa Te Morenga on RadioLive
International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity
Wednesday, 10 June 2015 11:23am
International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity
NZ won't follow US on trans fat ban
Tuesday, 23 June 2015 3:19pm
NZ won't follow US on trans fat ban
SWIFT News
Thursday, 2 July 2015 11:24am
Michelle and Melyssa explain the interesting and novel SWIFT study in an interview on Radio NZ.
Winsome online at debate in Milan
Monday, 13 July 2015 3:44pm
A Healthy Diet for A Healthy Life - Assoc Prof winsome Parnell spoke at the European Grand Debate on Nutrition Security.
Neige Todhunter Award
Monday, 13 July 2015 3:54pm
Congratulations to Wathsala Nanayakkara, who has won the Neige Todhunter Award.
More fibre in our diets
Tuesday, 21 July 2015 11:13am
Otago academics back calls for more fibre in our diets
HUNT Research Presented Internationally
Friday, 24 July 2015 10:17am
The Department of Human Nutrition at the 33rd International Symposium of Diabetes and Nutrition, Toronto.
Maori obesity must be taken seriously
Friday, 14 August 2015 11:23am
Maori obesity must be taken seriously
Hidden salt lurking in your health food
Thursday, 27 August 2015 10:57am
M Diet Student's research referred to in Sunday Star Times
2015 Award of Excellence
Friday, 28 August 2015 11:07am
Citation for 2015 Award of Excellence – Dr Winsome Parnell
Healthy eating starts early
Monday, 31 August 2015 4:04pm
Healthy eating starts early
Sarah Jenkins top student
Tuesday, 1 September 2015 2:55pm
Sarah Jenkins top student
Jo Slater's research mentioned in a radio interview
Friday, 4 September 2015 10:15am
Jo Slater's research mentioned in a radio interview
Porta Lab Up and Running
Thursday, 10 September 2015 11:04am
Porta Lab Up and Running
Appetite for diet supplements benefits few
Thursday, 24 September 2015 1:25pm
Appetite for diet supplements benefits few
OUSA Teaching Excellence Award
Wednesday, 30 September 2015 10:24am
Human Nutrition News Item
Too Much Salt
Friday, 2 October 2015 2:33pm
Human Nutrition News Item
Sue MacDonell on calcium supplements
Friday, 9 October 2015 11:41am
Calcium supplements are not needed for elderly bone health. Otago University PhD candidate and dietitian Sue MacDonell comments on recent BMJ meta-analysis.
Lisa Houghton Promoted
Wednesday, 11 November 2015 11:41am
Lisa Houghton Promoted
Baby-Led SolidS
Thursday, 26 November 2015 11:11am
Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS
A Good Night’s Sleep
Monday, 14 December 2015 3:14pm
High Value Nutrition launch at Parliament
Obesity Rethink
Tuesday, 15 December 2015 9:49am
Obesity Rethink
It's the amount
Tuesday, 2 February 2016 3:44pm
Otago University human nutrition professor Murray Skeaff said it all depended on how many cups of coffee you had a day.
Top and Most Inclusive
Friday, 19 February 2016 11:18am
Human Nutrition lecturers nominated for awards
Nelson DHB bans sugar-free drinks
Thursday, 25 February 2016 10:24am
Professor Jim Mann talked to Mark Sainsbury on Radio Live about Nelson Hospitals announcement that they are removing sugar free drinks from sale in their hospitals.
Experts wary of research
Thursday, 21 April 2016 11:45am
Human Nutrition News Item
Dietary intake differs in infants who follow baby-led weaning
Friday, 13 May 2016 12:46pm
University of Otago researchers have undertaken the first-ever study looking at what infants eat when they follow baby-led weaning and found that they have a lot of healthy eating habits, but also some less healthy ones.
Carla Thomson Winner
Tuesday, 24 May 2016 11:25am
Human Nutrition New Item
The healthiest way to cook potatoes
Wednesday, 25 May 2016 11:26am
Jim Mann comments in the Listener
Masonic postgraduate scholarship
Wednesday, 1 June 2016 11:02am
Human Nutrition News Item
Guelph Visitor
Tuesday, 21 June 2016 10:51am
The Department is hosting Associate Professor Lisa Duizer
Otago research gives Heart Foundation’s Tick label a tick of its own
Tuesday, 5 July 2016 10:04am
The Heart Foundation’s Tick Programme is having a positive nutritional impact on New Zealand’s food supply, new University of Otago research suggests.
Science Expo a Success
Friday, 15 July 2016 10:24am
Human Nutrition News Item
Dieting approaches may not be effective for weight loss: Otago research
Friday, 5 August 2016 12:26pm
Weight control attempts by middle-aged New Zealand women are not linked with change in weight three years later, according to new University of Otago research.
Dr Sook Ling Leong
Monday, 8 August 2016 4:18pm
Human Nutrition News Item
General Staff Award
Tuesday, 9 August 2016 10:51am
Two people have won this year’s University of Otago General Staff Award — Human Nutrition Laboratory Supervising Technician Kieran Columb and Anatomy Teaching Laboratory Manager Fieke Neuman.
Kieran Columb Recognised
Tuesday, 9 August 2016 4:22pm
News item for Human Nutrition
Brittani Beavis on Channel 39 News
Friday, 12 August 2016 10:47am
Brittani Beavis on Channel 39 News
Nutrition experts defend dietary guidelines
Friday, 26 August 2016 2:25pm
New Zealand nutrition experts are calling for an end to the pitting of carbohydrates against fats and say we should instead focus on what is most important – the quality of food in our diets.
Health Star Ratings
Thursday, 8 September 2016 3:05pm
An expert’s perspective on Health Star Ratings
Continuous grazing
Thursday, 8 September 2016 3:07pm
Dr Paula Skidmore talks to stuff.co.nz about changes in the eating times of New Zealanders away from the traditional eating patterns to a more continuous grazing type intake.
Grow Cook Eat
Monday, 19 September 2016 3:09pm
MSc research presentation
Louise Fangupo in Paediatrics
Friday, 23 September 2016 4:40pm
Louise Fangupo’s paper has just come out in Paediatrics
Walking after meals
Thursday, 20 October 2016 3:47pm
Human Nutrition research published
Lisa Daniels at the EAPS2016 conference
Tuesday, 25 October 2016 2:28pm
Lisa Daniels in Stizerland
Working with FoodShare
Friday, 28 October 2016 3:34pm
Human Nutrition News Item
Problem pitching nutrients
Sunday, 11 December 2016 3:17pm
Jim Mann in the Listener
Evidence lacking
Sunday, 11 December 2016 4:28pm
Murray comments
Best Student Presentation
Monday, 12 December 2016 10:57am
Gabrielle Smith who has just submitted her MDiet thesis has won the best student presentation at the recent postgraduate and early career conference.
Teens wanted for Nutrition intervention
Thursday, 15 December 2016 8:52am
Year 9 and 10 pupils are being sought for a Human Nutrition intervention aiming to discover whether young people who learn how to cook are healthier.
Extensive book collection
Tuesday, 20 December 2016 3:20pm
Emeritus Professor Stewart Truswell donates extensive book collection to the Department
Teens Cooking
Tuesday, 20 December 2016 4:34pm
Teens Cooking
Women exercisers face health risk if not keeping up energy intake
Tuesday, 10 January 2017 10:22am
Many New Zealand women who exercise recreationally could be risking their health by not eating enough to match the energy they expend, new University of Otago research suggests.
Murray in the Listener
Tuesday, 28 March 2017 4:08pm
Murray Skeaff is in the Listener commenting on the effects of Palm Oil.
Happiness is Raw Fruit and Vegetables
Tuesday, 28 March 2017 4:15pm
Human Nutrition News Item
Otago researcher investigating how grains may affect blood sugar and diabetes
Wednesday, 12 April 2017 2:39pm
An up-and-coming University of Otago scientist has been funded by the Otago Southland Diabetes Research Trust to undertake cutting-edge research into how the processing of whole grains affects blood-sugar levels of people with diabetes.
Māori Division of Sciences graduating students
Friday, 12 May 2017 8:28am
The Division of Sciences is extremely proud to see 48 Maori students graduate this weekend. Graduates have completed either their under- or postgraduate study covering a wide range of disciplines across the Division. See the full list of May 2017 graduates.
Celebrating 30 years of science outreach at Otago
Tuesday, 20 June 2017 2:12pm
An article just published in the New Zealand Science Review celebrates 30- years of science outreach at Otago. It presents the reader with an historical account of the development of community delivered outreach programmes by the University of Otago - and more specifically, those through the Division of Sciences and its contributing departments, schools and centres - a relationship that began in the 1970s. Although recognition for community service has been built into academic staff promotion processes for decades, it has only been available for non-academics since 2014 – which lends this article a point of difference given it has been co-authored by both academic and non-academic staff members.
Regular brisk walks and a daily longer one help lower office workers’ blood lipids
Tuesday, 27 June 2017 9:37am
Many people spend increasing time sitting during their work days, but breaking things up with regular brisk walks, while also taking daily 30-minute walks, significantly lowers levels of fatty acids that lead to clogged arteries, University of Otago researchers have found in a first-of-its-kind study.
Francesca Shines the Light
Monday, 10 July 2017 3:39pm
Francesca Goodman-Smith's research has been featured in the Otago Daily Times.
Waitemata Health Excellence
Tuesday, 11 July 2017 3:41pm
Human Nutrition News Item
Less Fussy Eaters
Friday, 14 July 2017 3:36pm
Human Nutrition News Item
And the winner is... and the winner is
Wednesday, 16 August 2017 3:44pm
Hearing her name announced as winner of the Division of Sciences Supervisor of the Year award was gratifying enough, but then when Dr Tamlin Conner, a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology heard it called again, this time for the ‘OUSA Supervisor of the Year’ award, she was stunned.
“Receiving these two awards mean the world to me,” said Dr Tamlin Conner. “I invest an incredible amount of time and effort into my students, and to receive this recognition gives me the motivation to keep up that investment,” she continued.
Chasing atoms, electrons and optics there and back again
Saturday, 19 August 2017 11:01am
Growing up in Dunedin, Professor Blaikie's academic career began at Otago in the late 1980s, leading to a doctorate from the University of Cambridge, and then onto an incredible position as a visiting researcher at the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory. Deciding it was time to come home, he and his family moved back to New Zealand - firstly to Canterbury and finally back to Otago.
Desk dwellers sought for new study
Wednesday, 30 August 2017 9:09pm
Otago Human Nutrition researchers are seeking staff members and PhD students who spend most of their day sitting at their desk for a new study into patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people working in sedentary occupations.
Challenging the mental health struggle
Tuesday, 12 September 2017 10:10am
The inaugural Silverline Festival, being held next weekend on 15-16 September, is all about exposing students to ways of wellbeing. The festival will include speakers, all passionate about what they do, and excited to share their knowledge and experiences; one of these being Dr Damian Scarf, Senior Lecturer in Psychology who suffered from severe anxiety throughout undergraduate and into postgraduate study.
Kiwi Apathy Towards Cholesterol Concerning
Friday, 15 September 2017 11:42am
A new study which found Kiwis do not consider the potential impact of their food choices on their cholesterol levels is worrying according to a leading academic expert.
2018 Zonta Science Award
Thursday, 21 September 2017 3:04pm
The Zonta Club of Wellington is calling for applications for the 2018 Zonta Science Award. Applications must be received by 5 February 2018.
Alumna shares recipe for success
Tuesday, 26 September 2017 9:08am
Alumna shares recipe for success
Many NZ mums not getting message about boosting iodine and folic acid: Otago research
Monday, 16 October 2017 11:13am
New Zealand’s Ministry of Health (MOH) rarely recommends using supplements, but does urge mothers to take in additional iodine and folic acid before and during pregnancy, and iodine when breastfeeding, to help avoid neurodevelopmental problems in their babies.
NZ-China links in non-communicable disease research strengthened
Thursday, 19 October 2017 1:44pm
The NZ-China Non-Communicable Diseases Research Collaboration Centre (NCD CRCC), a government established national centre hosted by Otago, last week signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four leading Chinese research institutions - highlighting the growing collaborations between New Zealand and Chinese health researchers.
Otago outreach project educates children about “hidden sugars”
Thursday, 9 November 2017 1:36pm
A seven-month outreach project led by Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry is helping to educate primary school aged children about healthy food choices and good oral hygiene.
Riddet Research Excellence
Wednesday, 15 November 2017 2:22pm
Riddet Centre of Research Excellence
Processing healthy eating messages
Wednesday, 15 November 2017 2:44pm
Processing healthy eating messages
Marsden success for Sciences
Monday, 20 November 2017 9:59am
Division of Sciences researchers have gained over $7.2m for 12 world-class research projects as Principal Investigators and a further $6m as Assistant Investigators working in collaboration with researchers both across Otago and in external organisations.
Healthy food choices in childhood lowers risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Tuesday, 21 November 2017 3:07pm
Cutting saturated fat in children’s diets reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, a University of Otago study has found.
Otago study fails to find strong link between sitting and weight gain
Wednesday, 6 December 2017 3:28pm
Sitting is bad for you, but it is unlikely to make you fat, a University of Otago study has found.
Otago University breakthrough in the war on sugar
Thursday, 7 December 2017 1:40pm
Distinguishing naturally occurring sugars in a person’s diet from those added as sweetener has been challenging – until now, thanks to a new method developed by the University of Otago.
