Scientists from the Liggins Institute and AgResearch will investigate how nutrients in foods are released during digestion and how those nutrients affect our metabolism. Together, their research will focus on epigenetic mechanisms of nutrition and developing agri-foods for animals and humans.

“This could have direct benefits for people, as two factors important in checking obesity are the absorption of energy from the diet and how we metabolise that energy,” Dr Andrew West of AgResearch says.

The research could also be used to achieve beneficial outcomes in productive animals such as sheep and cows. Changing nutrient absorption and metabolism could alter the animals’ body composition and make their meat more appealing and healthier for consumers.

A major research target is novel agri-food ingredients with human health benefits. This includes animal feeds, animal welfare products and enhanced handling and processing of food products.

“Better understanding of the interrelationship between genetics and nutrition is vitally important, and any insights we uncover will be significant in dealing with a range of health and mortality issues,” Professor Wayne Cutfield of the Liggins Institute says.