Human Nutrition Unit

food preparation

Welcome to the Human Nutrition Unit based at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen. Here, we run a variety of human nutrition studies for which volunteers are needed.

The HNU was established in 1986 to provide a metabolic research facility to study the relationship between diet and health in humans. The facilities in the Unit enable both residential and out-patient studies to be conducted here. Please click on the left links to find out more about the studies currently being conducted in the Unit and how to participate. Sylvia Stephen (HNU Manager)


hnu_movieWhat happens in our Human Nutrition Unit? Watch Movie

Sylvia StephenContact Sylvia Stephen (HNU Manager)

Telephone: 01224 438607
Email: sylvia.stephen@abdn.ac.uk


Current Studies....

beetroot-burger study smlBeetroot and Burger Study: Men required, aged 21-60 years.... more

brain study smlBrain Response Study: Healthy, obese men required.... more

Broccoli study smlBrassica Study: Healthy individuals, aged 18-55 required.... more

wheat bran study smlWheat Bran Study: Healthy individuals, aged 18-45 required.... more

class study smlCLASS study: Volunteers needed for fatty acid study.... more

class study smlBerry Study: Men needed for study to find out how a berry extract could combat diabetes.... more

class study smlZinc Study: Men needed for study to find good biomarkers of zinc.... more

reality study smlReality Study: Volunteers needed aged 18-65 years to help test a web tool to measure diet and physical activity more

HNU Frequently Asked Questions

What information will I get about my diet and health?

  • On most studies you will get an accurate measurement of your height and weight and therefore your Body Mass Index.
  • Resting Metabolic Rate: measures how many calories you will require to maintain your current weight.
  • DEXA scan - measures your bone density
  • BodPod - measures the amount of fat in your body.
  • Skinfold thickness; also measures the amount of fat in your body.
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood glucose levels
  • Record of your food intake in a diary from which we can analyse the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrate consumed over 7 days.

Will I have to stay in the Unit?
Most of our studies are conducted in people who are not residential , but some of our studies will require you to stay in the unit. It depends on the type of study being undertaken. You will be advised of this at the outset.

Please Note: Although we are a nutrition research unit we are unable to provide advice on diet to individuals. If you are concerned about your diet, please consult your GP.