Enhancing mineral absorption in adult population age groups: Investigating the effects of milk and plant-based beverage matrices on nutrient bioavailability Massey University in New Zealand

A PhD scholarship is available to investigate the release of micronutrients from milk and plant-based beverages under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. This project is funded by the Riddet Institute, a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence. The successful applicant will receive a 3.5-year scholarship, which includes an annual tax-free stipend of NZD$35,000 and payment of tuition fees.

Project overview: The bioaccessibility and bioavailability of essential micronutrients play a crucial role in human health and nutritional status, particularly as populations age. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium are vital minerals in various physiological functions, such as bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and cellular metabolism. Milk has long been recognized as a rich dietary source of these nutrients, offering an easily accessible way to meet daily nutritional needs. The food matrix is vital in determining the bioavailability of minerals, such as in milk and milk mimetics.

Soy beverages supplemented with calcium contain micro and macronutrients at similar concentrations to bovine milk. Although soy beverage is an excellent source of protein, various factors, including the protein matrix, fiber content, and phytochemicals such as isoflavones may improve the bioavailability of essential minerals. One critical aspect of plant-based beverages is the presence of compounds that can decrease mineral bioavailability.

Changes in gastrointestinal physiology, particularly with aging, can significantly impact upon mineral bioavailability. The food matrix can assist in the delivery of nutrients by providing components that enhance mineral bioavailability, such as proteins that bind minerals or soluble fibers promoting a conducive gut luminal environment. Thus, understanding the interplay between the food matrix and gastrointestinal physiology is essential for optimizing mineral intake and overall nutrition. Micronutrient bioavailability will be characterized using human ileal organoid cultures under optimal growth conditions representing younger and older adult populations.

Applicant attributes: The successful applicant must have:

• A First-Class Honours or Second-Class Honours (Division I) MSc/MS degree (or equivalent) in an area of food chemistry, nutrition, or a related field.
• Prior research experience in the use of organoids.
• Skills in the use of spectrophotometric methods, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, fluorescent labelling, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion methods will be considered favorably.

The applicant will need to demonstrate that they are motivated to learn, have excellent written and oral communication skills and have an aptitude for research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publication(s) written primarily by the applicant. International students may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency, as per the English language entry requirements found here .

The location of study will be in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

How to apply: Applications containing, (1) a covering letter outlining why you are suited for this project, (2) your current CV, (3) official academic transcripts, and (4) the names and contact details of three academic references should be sent by e-mail directly to the Riddet Institute at [email protected] , clearly stating Reference DE2025A in the e-mail subject line. Applications close on Monday, 21 April 2025 .

Information about doctoral enrollment and study at Massey University can be found here .

For further information, contact

Dr. David Everett

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +64 6 9517326

www.riddet.ac.nz

Note: Applications sent directly to Dr. David Everett will not be accepted. Send applications to: [email protected] , including the reference: DE2025A, in the email subject line.