Nutrition Science Bites with Professor Clare Collins AO

Do you know your blood pressure numbers? I talk to Ilyse Jones about foods that influence #BloodPressure (BP) - plus practical tips for lowering #salt (sodium) intakes and boosting intake of foods rich in potassium. We discuss the importance of regular BP monitoring and how dietary changes can lower BP, because what you eat has a major impact on lowering BP related health risks, like heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.

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In this episode, Professor Clare Collins interviews Associate Professor Heidi Staudacher about the complexities of 'biotics', including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics and eubiotics. They discuss what each of these substances are, how they work, their sources, impacts on gut health and practical advice for using foods and supplements to improve gut health.

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In this Nutrition Science Bites episode I talk with Dr. Amelia Harray about results from the Perth low plastic diet trial. We cover how reducing plastic exposure means selecting particular foods, packaging and personal care products. We discuss the effect of plastics on health, and how reducing plastic exposure can impact heart health and fertility. This episode highlights practical steps to minimize plastic chemicals in daily life and the importance of future research in helping minimising exposure to plastics.

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It's Grand Final week, and whether you're taking the field, hitting the gym, or cheering from the sidelines, nutrition can play a big role in helping you perform at your best.

In this episode, we dive into the world of sports nutrition with Dr Rebecca Haslam, an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Accredited Sports Dietitian and leading expert in athlete nutrition. We unpack what athletes should eat before, during and after exercise, common sports nutrition myths, and practical tips to help fuel performance and recovery at any level of sport. Whether you're chasing a premiership, a personal best...

Prof Clare Collins talks to Dr Tim Piatkowski from the University of Queensland about the rise of illicit peptide injections. They discuss what peptides are, the claims about them making you stronger, being anti-aging and helping with weight loss and the importance of medical supervision. They also cover the risks of purchasing products online and how online marketing and easy access are fueling a growing demand, especially among young people, and what can be done to improve safety and awareness.

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In this episode, Prof Clare Collins talks with Alex Ruani from University College London in the UK about the complexities of misinformation, especially in nutrition. They discuss how online platforms could better regulate inaccurate content through risk assessments and expert involvement.

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In this episode Prof Clare Collins talks with Dr Trent Watson, Managing Director of Ethos Health about how nutrition impacts fatigue, especially in high-risk workplaces like mining. They cover how fatigue extends beyond feeling sleepy or drowsy, how sleep disruption affects hunger hormones and the impact of alcohol on REM sleep and sleep aponea risk. The discussion includes practical strategies to manage fatigue through diet, sleep, and workplace technology and emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions. Dr Trent's 5 top nutrition tips to beat fatigue include, eat light overnight, use breakfast to get a head start, pack a lunch box...

In this episode, Prof Clare Collins chats with Prof Jens Walter about the development of the NiMe (non-industrial microbiome restore) diet and key research findings from a study where people were fed this diet for 3 weeks. They exploring how the NiMe diet influences the microbiome and how it affects metabolic pathways related to gut health, inflammation, cancer, heart disease and brain health. Discover how traditional diets from Papua New Guinea inspired a modern approach to nutrition support for gut health and disease prevention.

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In this episode Prof Clare Collins talks with Dr Rebecca Haslam a dietitian and lecturer at the University of Newcastle about vitamin and mineral supplements. They discuss the ins and outs of multivitamins and other nutrient supplements, including when they are necessary, how to choose the right one, avoiding overdose and the importance of a food-first approach to nutrition.

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In this episode, Professor Clare Collins discuss the world of fermented foods with Ilyse Jones. They chat about the history of fermented foods, different types, health benefits, and how to safely incorporate them into usual eating patterns. They cover some surprising facts about common and international fermented foods as well as practical tips for boosting your own intake of fermented foods.

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In this episode Prof Clare Collins talks with Dr Nipa Saha a media, communications and online marketing researcher from Macquarie University about the hidden tricks that are used in food advertising targeted at children and teens. They discuss how advertising influences young minds, online strategies used by marketers, plus practical tips for parents and educators to help protect them.

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In this episode, Prof Clare Collins talks with Dr Erin Clarke about polyphenols, a group of bioactive nutrients found in plants. They discuss the main categories of polyphenols and foods they are found in. They also cover what they do within the human body, their health benefits and how to incorporate more of these plant compounds into your usual eating patterns so you get the health and wellbeing benefits.

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In this episode, Prof Clare Collins talks with Dr Zanab Malik, a special needs dentist, about the vital connection between nutrition and your oral health. They cover how what you eat, drink and oral hygiene practices affects bacteria levels in your mouth as well as your teeth and gums. They discuss how regular dental visits can prevent cavities and gum disease, especially in children and vulnerable populations and include practical strategies for having a healthy mouth.

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In this episode Professor Clare Collins interviews Dr Fiona Lavelle from King's College London about whether it matters if you can cook or not? They discuss food and cooking skills, meal planning and how this relates to diet quality. They cover the important question of who cooks and the challenge of balancing household responsibilities, and how to make cooking more accessible and enjoyable for all, especially kids.

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Can some foods really be considered 'bad'? In this episode, Professor Clare Collins and Ilyse Jones discuss the concept of 'bad foods' versus 'good foods'. They discuss why it's important (but hard) to make informed choices about healthy foods and how marketing influences and can distort our perceptions about eating habits. We cover practical tips for reducing processed food intakes and increasing unprocessed foods, including our resources on our No Money No Time website.

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d you eat if you have diabetes? Prof Collins talks to Dr Robyn Barnes, an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Credentialled Diabetes Educator with 25 years clinical experience, and 19 years specialising in diabetes about dietary recommendations for good health for people living with all kinds of diabetes, from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to Gestational Diabetes!

Check out our free No Money No Time Diabetes eBook Diabetes Nutrition Book HERE

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In this episode, Professor Clare Collins interviews Rebecca Flavel, a pediatric dietitian and credentialled diabetes educator, about what matters most for good blood sugar control? protein, fat or carbohydrate? They discuss advances in diabetes care related to modern insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that provide real-time data to help improve blood sugar control, including time-in-range. They cover practical tips for families helping their children and adolescent with managing type 1 diabetes, including education on how fat and protein also affect blood glucose. Regular engagement with healthcare teams specialising in diabetes management helps empower people living with type 1 diabetes...

In this episode, Prof Clare Collins talks with Dr Joel Craddock from the University of Wollongong about protein quality. Joel demystifies what it is and what it means for vegetarians, vegans, athletes and older people. He shares his research findings and expertise regarding how to ensure adequate protein intakes across different life stages and physical activity levels.

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In this episode Prof Clare Collins talks with Associate Professor Evangeline Mantzioris from Adelaide University on the ins and outs of olive oil. Evangeline shares insights on polyphenols, mono-unsaturated fat, plus health benefits and types of olive oil, from Extra Virgin to cold-pressed. Discover how to choose olive oil based on quality and the best ways to use of olive oil in food and cooking as part of a healthy diet.

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Coughs and colds are everywhere right now! So, we are re-releasing this episode of Nutrition Science Bites about supplement and the common cold. In this episode, Prof Clare Collins and Ilyse Jones discuss effectiveness of various nutrients and supplements in combating cold symptoms. They compare popular beliefs surrounding vitamin C, zinc, garlic, chicken soup, probiotics, echinacea, and andrographis with the research evidence related to whether they work, and potential risks. Their conversation also highlights the importance of eating healthily and seeking professional advice before using supplements for the common cold.

Are you in a position to...

In this episode Professor Clare Collins talks with Professor Kevin Whelan from King's College London about evidence-based dietary strategies for managing constipation. This includes the research evidence for including foods, supplements, and from clinical guidelines for bowel health. They discuss practical strategies regarding how to improve gut health and address common bowel issues effectively.

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This Nutrition Science Bites episode explores the complex relationship between diet and various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and juvenile arthritis. Professor Clare Collins talks with Ilyse Jones about recent research on diet and arthritis along with dietary recommendations and the potential role of supplements in managing arthritis symptoms and pain.

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Resources

Nutrition Science Bites Podcast N...

Professor Collins talks with Reuters journalist Aimee Donnellan about her book "Off the Scales" which details the story of intrigue and perseverance behind the discovery and development of Ozempic, a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (RA) drug. Their conversation covers the pivotal scientific developments over the long journey of bringing this medication to market and the important stories of the overlooked women scientists who made key contributions to this research. They discuss some broad societal impact of medications like Ozempic, and Aimee shares insights from some of the people she interviewed for her book about how Ozempic affected their life and...

In this episode, Professor Clare Collins talks to #AccreditedPractisingDietitian Isobel Harmer about the research she undertook for her honours project. Wth the research team from the University of Wollongong, she assessed the nutritional quality of plant-based milks, like soy, rice, oat and nut 'milks'. Isobel compared the adequacy of nutrients like protein, sugar, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, B2 and B12 to cow's milk and also the environmental impact. She also shared current consumer trends regarding plant milk usage in Australia and tells us what to look for when choosing products at the supermarket.

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In this episode, Prof Clare Collins interviews Associate Professor Phillip Baker from Sydney University about ultra-processed foods, their health impacts, and how to make healthier food choices. They explore the science, policy, and practical strategies to reduce ultra-processed food consumption for better health and planetary sustainability.

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The Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health https://www.thelancet.com/series-do/ultra-processed-food

In this episode of #NutritionScienceBites Professor Clare Collins talks with guest expert, Accredited Practising Dietitian Sharnie Dwyer about the complex condition of endometriosis. Sharnie is a specialist dietitian in women's nutrition related health and is currently doing her PhD research on endometriosis at Griffith University. They discuss symptoms, reasons for diagnostic delays, and the emerging role of nutrition in managing the condition. Sharnie Dwyer shares her insights on how diet and lifestyle modifications can improve quality of life for women with endometriosis. She is currently recruiting women across Australia to participate in a EMPOWER study on endometriosis, with a...

In this rewind episode Prof Clare Collins and Dr. Erin Clarke demystify blood cholesterol levels. They explain the different types of cholesterol in blood (Total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, Triglycerides) and what the level and ratios mean for heart health. They discuss how cholesterol levels relate to heart disease risk, the role of diet and exercise in managing risk, and why regular heart health checks are a good idea. They also highlight practical dietary interventions and resources available to help people improve heart health.

Need a Personalised Nutrition Report? Take our Australian Eating Survey This assessment of...

In this #NutritionScienceBites episode Prof Clare Collins talks with Prof Yasmine Probst about the latest research on nuts and their benefits for heart health. They discuss the latest research from both observational studies looking at associations with eating nuts and intervention studies testing the impact of eating more nuts on risk factors for heart disease. They dispel common myths about weight gain and highlight practical ways to increase nut consumption.

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In this episode, Prof Clare Collins talks with Ilyse Jones about the role of nuts in heart health, highlighting recent research, nutritional benefits, and practical tips for incorporating nuts into a heart-healthy diet. They discuss how nuts can reduce cardiovascular risk and easy ways to boost your fiber intake with delicious, budget-friendly meal options.

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This episode was supported by Nuts for Life: https://www.nutsforlife.com.au/

Check the Heart Foundation information about Heart Healthy Eating...

In this #NutritionScienceBites episode Professor Clare Collins talks with Ilyse Jones about the importance of vitamin C and reports that inadequate intakes are becoming more common. They discuss the signs and symptoms of deficiency, including scurvy and how food patterns impact vitamin C levels in your blood. They cover insights from recent research, historical studies, and practical tips for maintaining optimal vitamin C intakes, including for people on GLP-1 medications.

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In this #NutritionScienceBites episode Professor Clare Collins interviews Professor Alison Coates, a leading expert in nutrition and shift work from Adelaide University. They discuss the unique nutritional challenges faced by shift workers and practical strategies to help shift workers improve their nutrition-related health and wellbeing. This includes planning meals ahead of time, changing meal timing to improve metabolic health, supporting workplace policies for healthy food options, and using support tools for alcohol and nutrition assessment.

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In this episode of Nutrition Science Bites, Prof Clare Collins interviews Associate Professor Alexandra Jones, a lawyer turned food regulation expert from the George Institute at UNSW, about the role of food law, the Health Star Rating system, and policies to promote healthier eating in Australia.

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George Institute Food Switch App -Link https://foodswitch.com.au/

Australian Government Food...

In this Nutrition Science Bites episode Professor Clare Collins talks with Dr Alice Day from the Basil Hetzel Institute and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide about the complex relationship between dietary protein, gut health and bowel disease. They discuss recent research on protein digestion, protein fermentation in the colon and implications for both inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer risk.

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1. Protein digestion and absorption

2. Fermentation of excess protein in the colon

3. Impact of dietary protein on gut microbiome and health

4. Switch effect in gut microbiome<...

In this episode Prof Clare Collins and Ilyse Jones discuss the multifaceted topic of chocolate, particularly for Easter. They explore the emotional and cultural significance of chocolate, its health benefits, the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate, and the scientific research on chocolate consumption.

The conversation covers common myths, like the relationship between chocolate and acne, and explore trends in chocolate consumption over the Easter period. They also emphasise the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to enjoying chocolate.

To read more:

No Money No Time: Chocolate - the g...

In this episode, Prof Clare talks with Dr. Sally Griffin about her innovative research on use of Very Low Energy Diets (VLEDs) and Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) as preoperative tools to improve surgical outcomes, especially in abdominal and bowel cancer surgeries. She explains how these diets can reduce liver size, lower surgical risks, and enhance recovery, challenging the traditional use of 'fasting' diets.

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In this episode, Prof Clare Collins discusses the latest medications for obesity, their side effects, and the importance of nutritional support, with Ilyse Jones. She explains how GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tizepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) work, their health benefits beyond weight loss, and the importance of avoiding nutrient deficiencies, including protein, vitamins and mineral. They discuss the critical role of dietitians in managing side effects and helping prevent development of micronutrient deficiencies so that people using these medications can get the full improvement in nutrition related health and wellbeing.

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In this episode of Nutrition Science Bites, Prof Clare Collins speaks with Dr Kim Faulkner-Hogg from Coeliac Australia, about coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that is increasing in prevalence. They cover genetic factors, the role of gluten, and dietary considerations for those affected, including whether or not oats are gluten free. They discuss the importance of a thorough diagnosis, the implications of a life-long gluten-free diet, and the need for professional guidance in managing coeliac disease and ensuring nutritional adequacy of a gluten free diet and that people meet their nutrient requirements. The conversation also covers the relationship between...

In this conversation Professor Clare Collins and Ilyse Jones discuss various aspects of body weight, diabetes, and nutrition. They emphasise the importance of nutrition checkups for diabetes management, the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, and the relationship between weight and health. The discussion also covers the role of GLP-1 medications in weight management, the need for long-term strategies, and the contribution of body composition analysis. Additionally, they address the issue of disordered eating and provide links to support resources.

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In this episode of Nutrition Science Bites, Professor Clare Collins interviews Dr Rebecca Krukowski from the University of Virginia USA about the importance of self-monitoring what you eat to help with improving your dietary patterns. They discuss how self-monitoring can enhance self-awareness and provide insights into dietary habits that assist with weight management. The conversation covers research findings, practical strategies for effective self-monitoring, the role of technology, and the importance of feedback from health professionals regarding self-monitoring data. They also touch on the application of self-monitoring in cancer care and the challenges individuals face in maintaining these behavioural practices...

In this Nutrition Science Bites episode, Professor Clare Collins and Dr Catharine Fleming, from Western Sydney University, discuss the rise of squeeze pouches for infant feeding. They discuss nutritional value of products, safety features of the pouches, and the implications of using them for child development. The conversation addresses guilt parents may feel about using these products, the need for better regulation around infant food products, and practical tips to help parents and carers help children learn to like eating healthy food. The discussion also touches on cost-benefit-time trade off for homemade alternatives and the importance of exposing children...