Nutraceuticals

The group was first centered on the antioxidant activity of byproducts from the food industry and the generation of extracts and new products. The team widened the scope of its targeted compounds to other natural products: polyunsaturated fatty acids, sugar analogues and oligosaccharides. A key goal of the team is the elucidation of the physiological molecular mechanisms of action of functional compounds “in vivo” with the aims to i) substantiate activity claims, ii) open-up new avenues leading to new products and iii) inform new strategies on public health and support the legislation on health and nutrition claims. The scientific activity of the group has shifted towards the study of intestinal microbiota and its interaction with the host. The interaction microbiota/host is being increasingly recognized as a key phenomenon for understanding, solving and preventing the modern worldwide epidemics of obesity and diabetes.