Research in Applied Nutrition

Major Research Areas and Expertise

The faculty of the Department of Applied Nutrition (DAN) is comprised with individuals who’re specialized/ qualified in a diverse array of subject areas including;

  • Human Nutrition
  • Public Health & Community Nutrition
  • Diet & Disease
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy & Dietetics

Within these areas the major research interests of the DAN spread out into;

  • Assessing Nutritional Status
  • Right Eating throughout Life Cycle
  • Right Eating in Health & Disease
  • Right Eating to Prevent Life Style Diseases
  • Nutritional Compositions of Food

Current Research

The faculty of DAN is involved in a myriad of research projects that’re currently ongoing extending from Human Nutrition to Dietetics to Clinical Nutrition encompassing numerous avenues in the field of Applied Nutrition.
Prof. Renuka Silva Stakeholder perceptions of nutrition–agriculture linkages, of political and institutional challenges and opportunities, of evidence that is available and influential for policy making, and of key issues with regard to capacity – This is a Food & Agriculture Organization funded research There is growing recognition that “nutrition-sensitive” development is necessary to ensure nutrition security and reduce malnutrition. While agriculture has the potential to be a strong driver of malnutrition reduction and serves as the main source of livelihood for considerable proportion of Sri Lanka’s population, its potential to reduce malnutrition is currently not being realized. Mainstreaming Nutrition in Agriculture in Sri Lanka is a research study that seeks to understand the enabling environment necessary for optimizing the contribution of the food and agriculture sector to nutrition outcomes.

Dietary intake patterns of school children, adolescents and adult males

 

 

This study will assess the dietary intakes of the target groups using 24 hour dietary recalls and the data will be analysed using Foodbase 2000 and Optifood linear programme to identify the problem nutrients and to suggest the food based recommendations.

Stakeholder groups’ opinions of secondary school food and nutrition education and school food environments.

 

The eight stakeholder groups involve in this study are teachers, school management, parents, students, recent school leavers, education authorities/ policy makers, food, and health professionals, and school food service staff. They can provide useful advice and suggestions for improvement of this form of education as well school food environment.

Evaluation of World Food Program’s Food for Assets Program on nutrition outcomes.

 

In this study, 24 h recalls will be collected from several districts to assess diet quality among Sri Lankan adults and the impact of the program on changes in diet quality will be evaluated.

(Preferably a Tamil speaking student)

Prof. Anoma Chandrasekara Effect of herbal tea regular consumption on plasma glucose response This is a continuation of project funded by University research grants. Clinical study.
Determination of available carbohydrates and phenolic contents of cereal legume based foods Laboratory based analytical study. LKR 5000 to purchase raw items of food materials to prepare foods.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding elderly nutritional requirements by health care providers. This is a survey study among nurses working in hospitals.
Development of a tool to assess dietary intake of elderly and its validation. A pictorial tool will be developed with IT aids.

Dr. Kumari M. Rathnayake

 

Assessing the association between habitual coconut fat intake and vascular function and cardio-metabolic risk factors in adults Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and it is the major cause of hospital death in Sri Lanka becoming one of the most challenging health problems of today. Although CVD is a multifactorial disease, diet has been shown to play pivotal role in both the development and progression of the disease. This study is aimed to determine the association between habitual coconut fat intake and vascular function and cardio-metabolic risk factors in a selected adult population where coconut fat is their staple fat source. (Preferably a Sinhala speaking student).
Determining coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular disease risk in adults Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and it is the major cause of hospital death in Sri Lanka becoming one of the most challenging health problems of today. Although CVD is a multifactorial disease, diet has been shown to play pivotal role in both the development and progression of the disease. This study investigating how coconut oil influences heart health and therefore this study is aimed to determine the association between habitual coconut fat intake and cardiovascular disease risk in a selected adult population where coconut fat is their staple fat source (Preferably a Sinhala speaking student).
Association between protein intake and sarcopenia status in older adults Sarcopenia refers to the gradual decline in muscle mass and quality noted with advancing age. The etiology and mechanisms of sarcopenia are complex and multifactorial. There is growing evidence that nutritional factors (e.g., an inadequate intake of protein, energy, and certain micronutrients) contribute to sarcopenia. This study is planned to assess the association of sarcopenia with protein intake in older people.
Determine the effect of watermelon on blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension

The objective of such investigations is to strengthen the evidence base for dietary recommendations for the prevention of chronic diseases. This study is particularly planned to evaluate the effects of watermelon supplementation on blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension.

(Preferably a student who is interested in clinical studies).

Mrs. AMNT Adikari

 

Effectiveness of dietary counselling on weight managements of overweight and obese adults attending the hospital clinics for weight management Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for development of non-communicable diseases. Since dietary and lifestyle modifications are the primary management strategies for overweight and obesity this study will be designed to identify the effects of individual dietary counselling with exercise on weight management in overweight and obese adults.
The development of an education resource; Dietary menus for adults with Cardio Vascular Diseases and adults at risk of CVDs In Sri Lanka, 34% of deaths are occurred due to CVDs. Although life style factors including nutrition play an important role in the etiology of CVDs correct information on dietary and nutrition for CVD prevention and management is limited. The outcome of this study may be beneficial for reducing the incidence as well as appropriate strategy for the management CVDs.
Drug-nutrient interactions — A guide for dietitians, The development of a resource A vast amount of literature is available to suggest that many clinically significant interactions exist between prescription drugs, medications, and the nutrients present in food. As drug-nutrient interactions (DNI) may affect the amount of a drug or nutrient absorbed and utilized by the body, it is important that dietitians are aware of significant interactions that may occur. Since the absence of the DNI information available to dietitians, this study will be conducted to develop a suitable DNI resource. This resource will be important for clinical, private practice and community dietitians in their practice.

Dr. Thilanka Ranathunga

 

Development of sun exposure questionnaire to assess vitamin D status in adults. Cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D is considered as the main source of vitamin D.  However, assessing sun exposure is difficult as a results of huge individual variation in sun exposure habits. This study is planned to identify the sun exposure habits and develop a questionnaire to assess the sun exposure in adults. Sun exposure also will be assessed using the developed questionnaire in a group of adults which can be used as a marker of vitamin D status.
Vitamin D intake of adults and older adults through diet and supplements In addition to the sun exposure, dietary intake is also considered as a source of vitamin D. However, the contribution of dietary vitamin D to overall vitamin D requirement is questionable. This study is planned to quantify the vitamin D intake through diet and supplements in adults and older adults using dietary assessment methods.
Association between muscle function and sun exposure among older adults Sun exposure is used as a proxy indicator of vitamin D status. Though vitamin D plays a role in muscle function, the level of sun exposure required for optimum muscle function among older adults is not well understood. Therefore, this study is planned to determine the relationship between sun exposure and muscle function in older adults.

Dr. Ananda Chandrasekara

 

Study the nutritional composition of lunch packets in various market places in Sri Lanka

Research on dietary constituents and foods. The research topic is “Study the nutritional composition of take away food in various market places in Sri Lanka” 3 students are required to this island wide study. Each student will be given separate research sub-topic. However, they need to work collaboratively.

Some travelling involved to get samples from various places of the country.

Study the nutritional composition of take away dinner in various market places in Sri Lanka
Study the nutritional composition of common snacks available in various market places in Sri Lanka
Dr. H.P Gunawardena Development of educational materials for self-management of type 2 diabetes

Effective educational materials for self- management of diabetes condition will be developed and pretested in the clinical setting.

Funding: Wayamba University Research Grants 2019

Remarks: preferably a student with the ability to read, write and speak Sinhala language

Impact of nutritional education on self- management of diabetic condition of type 2 diabetes patients

Impact of nutrition education package on self- management of diabetes condition of Type 2 diabetes patients registered in the Diabetic Clinics of Kuliyapitiya, Dankotuwa and Sandalankawa Hospitals will be assessed.

Funding: Wayamba University Research Grants 2019

Remarks: preferably a student with the ability to read, write and speak Sinhala language

Impact of nutrition education on glycaemic control of type 2 diabetes patients

Impact on nutrition education package on glycaemic control of type 2 diabetes patients registered in the Diabetic Clinics of Kuliyapitiya,

Dankotuwa and Sandalankawa Hospitals will be assessed.

Funding: Wayamba University Research Grants 2019

Dr. Thushanthi Perera Food literacy education and food environment in secondary school children This study involves an investigation of secondary school food, nutrition, and health- related curricula in terms of their coverage of food literacy domains. There are no reported findings or current audits of Sri Lankan secondary school curricula against major food literacy domains. Such an examination would help to reveal the strengths of present secondary school curriculum and opportunities for further improvements. Also, the study will involve a series of qualitative interviews/ focus group discussions to explore eight stakeholder groups’ opinions of secondary school food literacy education and school food environments. School food literacy education and school food environments involve several major stakeholder groups (including teachers, school management, parents, students, recent school leavers, education authorities/ policy makers, food, and health professionals, and school food service staff). They can provide useful advice and suggestions for improvement of this form of education as well school food environment.
Dietary diversification, food access, and utilization of food as strategies for nutrition related disease prevention Legumes are an important part of a daily diet because of their nutritional and health benefits. Although legumes are recognized as a food group with dietary recommendations, we believe only a few percentage of adults consume legumes on a given day. Therefore, this study will identify reasons for the disconnect between dietary recommendations and legume consumption patterns in Sri Lanka and will evaluate benefits, barriers, and preferences for legume consumption to understand the current legume consumption pattern in Sri Lankan adults.
Household food waste, food security and responsible consumption Food waste is a research topic that deserves attention, given the tremendous amount of food loss worldwide at every stage of the food chain. By identifying research opportunities and proposing methods for assessing the problem, the study aims at providing avenues for rigorous and relevant research in the qualitative literature to identify people’s underlying motivations and barriers to household-level food waste behaviors. Once the specific food waste behaviors are identified its relationship with household food security will be evaluated to explore the phenomena of food waste paradox in the Sri Lankan context. The proposed research involves identification of household member’s opinions, perceptions, attitudes, motivators, and barriers for managing household food waste and cluster-specific household food waste behaviors among selected rural and urban households.

Collaborative Research

The DAN engages in various collaborative research that extends to a plethora of nationally as well as internationally recognized institutions/universities and research institutes. Here’s a detailed list of collaborative research that are currently ongoing with the faculty of DAN;

Prof. Renuka Silva

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1 Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka Effect of virgin coconut oil on Alzheimer’s patients
2

Dept. of Sports Sciences and Physical Education

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Assessment of nutritional status and physical activity levels in undergraduates
3

University of Peradeniya /

Department of Agriculture

Sri Lanka Analysis of composition of foods
4 Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo / Lion’s Club, Negombo / Sri Lanka Effect of metformin on obesity of school children
5 Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine / Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Diet modeling for transforming dietary patter information for the development of Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Sri Lankans
6 University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka Dietary assessment of micronutrient intakes of school children in Kandy
7 University of Peradeniya / ETH Zurich, Switzerland Sri Lanka / Switzerland Effect of home gardening on family health and nutrition
8 Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Effect of food price changes in household food and nutrition security
9 Institute of Physical Activity & Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Australia Australia Examination of the state of food literacy education and food environment in Sri Lankan secondary schools

 

Prof. Anoma Chandrasekara

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1 Rowette Institute, University of Aberdeen UK Improving the nutritional status of the elderly in Sri Lanka using  a tailored, and scientifically optimized dietary approach: preliminary data and networking
Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

 

Dr. Kumari M. Rathnayake

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1

University of Reading

Reading

UK The acute effects of meals rich in saturated or unsaturated fatty acids on postprandial lipaemia (CoCoHeartt Study-SL).
2

Institute for Participatory Interaction in Development (IPID)

No. 23, P. Ruban Peiris Mawatha, Kalubowila, Dehiwala

Sri Lanka

End of Project Evaluation

Good Nutrition on Tea Estates (GNoTE) Project by Save the Children

 

Dr. Ananda Chandrasekara

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1 Rowette Institute, University of Aberdeen UK Improving the nutritional status of the elderly in Sri Lanka using  a tailored, and scientifically optimized dietary approach: preliminary data and networking
Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

 

Dr. Thilanka Ranathunga

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1 Newcastle University UK Association between vitamin D status and musculoskeletal health in older adults

 

Dr. Thushanthi Perara

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1 Oregon State University USA Legume Consumption Patterns in U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 and Beans, Lentils, Peas (Blp) 2017 Survey.Cross-Sectional Analysis to Identify Reasons for the Disconnect between Dietary Recommendations and Legume Consumption Patterns in U.S. Adults.
2 Institute of Physical Activity & Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Australia Australia Examination of the state of food literacy education and food environment in Sri Lankan secondary schools
3 University of Peradeniya / ETH Zurich, Switzerland Sri Lanka / Switzerland Effect of home gardening on family health and nutrition

 

Ms. Fatima Sirasa

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1 Griffith University Australia Examine the effectiveness of Healthy eating interventions among urban living Sri Lankan preschoolers

 

Ms. Jeewanadee Hettiarachchi

No Collaboration institute/organization Country Research topic
1

University of Melbourne

Royal Melbourne Hospital

Australia Nutrition, Energy Expenditure and Demands of sub-acute geriatric patients