Can certain foods help with chronic disease?

Researchers at the University of Manitoba are involved with conducting human clinical trials with food interventions.

Dylan MacKay is an assistant professor of nutrition and chronic disease at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research.

"Some of the work that we have ongoing right now is in chronic kidney disease and there's a big trial that's just starting that we're looking at fruit and vegetables as a source of dietary bicarbonate. Essentially, modifying the amount of acid in the diet to see if it helps people with chronic kidney disease, because their kidneys, as the function reduces, they have a harder time balancing the acid and base in their diet and so for that trial we're delivering people fruits and vegetables, grocery delivery essentially, to see if it can treat their condition."

Another study is looking at resistant starch from potatoes in chronic kidney disease.

MacKay commented on another trial.

"We're hoping to look into moving into some trials that are looking at dietary, low-energy, and low carbohydrate interventions for type 2 diabetes," he said. 

He notes the studies had been delayed due to the pandemic but are now back on track.

The Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research held an open house event last week.