Investigating the effects of milk lipid bioactives in cardiometabolic and cognitive health SSEHS/OM/EO

Cardiometabolic diseases are a major global public health burden, with diet recognised as a key modulator of risk. Cardiometabolic disease risk factors, including obesity, elevated blood cholesterol levels, hypertension, and vascular dysfunction, are also a major determinant of age-related cognitive decline and dementia risk. Bioactive dairy components have the potential to influence cardiometabolic disease and dementia risk.

Cow’s milk contains unique, bioactive components called ‘complex milk lipids’ (i.e., milk phospholipids and sphingolipids) which can be substantially reduced by food processing techniques. Emerging human studies have reported a beneficial role of complex milk lipids in the regulation of blood cholesterol levels, including LDL-cholesterol concentrations. The potential impact of milk lipid supplementation on novel risk markers related to cardiometabolic health and cognitive function represents an important knowledge gap.

Our PhD project therefore aims to enhance understanding of the cardiometabolic and cognitive health benefits of milk lipid bioactives in middle-to-older-aged adult populations at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. The project will include a series of randomised controlled dietary intervention trials, with cardiometabolic and cognitive biomarkers. The successful applicant will be trained to carry out randomised controlled trials with blood collection and non-invasive vascular function techniques and will gain experience in dietary and accelerometer-based activity assessment. The project will be based within the East Midland’s National Centre of Sport and Exercise Medicine on the Loughborough University campus.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Oonagh Markey

Secondary supervisor: Dr Emma O'Donnell

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Applicants should hold a minimum of a BSc honours degree at 2:1 level (or equivalent) in a health-related science degree, such as nutrition, human biology, biochemistry, or physiology. A relevant MSc degree would be advantageous, but not essential.

International applications must also meet the standard institution English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element [reading, writing, listening, and speaking]).

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Find out more about research degree funding

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/OM/EO in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

See studentship assessment criteria.

Apply now