Monday, 27 September 2021
Volunteers are needed for a study looking into whether the £20 uplift in Universal Credit has had a positive impact on their diet and nutrition.
Researchers from the 糖心原创 have launched the Income, Diet and Nutrition study to explore income, the uplift to Universal Credit and its influence on the food included in people’s diets, their micronutrient intake and food security status.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 families in receipt of Universal Credit were given an extra £20 per week, this is due to end next month.
Researchers are looking for 100 volunteers aged 18-65 who have been receiving Universal Credit to take part in two stages of the study. In each stage people will be asked to complete a 24-hour dietary recall and a survey, there is also an option to provide a blood and urine sample.
The Universal Credit uplift gave a boost to family incomes and we want to see what impact this has had on their diets. Have they been eating more fresh fruit and vegetables? Has their diet been more varied? Have they tried new things? 鈥� these are some of the questions we hope to answer and get a picture of the food security status of people in our region.
Food poverty, often referred to as household food insecurity, can be caused by a crisis in finance or personal circumstances. It may also be a long-term experience of not being able to access or have the facilities to prepare a healthy diet. It encompasses both the affordability of food and its availability within local communities. An estimated鈥� 鈥痠n the UK struggling to get enough to eat and food insecurity can affect anyone.
We are undertaking a number of studies looking into how diets have changed during the pandemic. There are so many factors that influence our daily food choices and income is probably one of the biggest, we hope to find out what a difference just £20 per week can make to a person鈥檚 diet and nutritional intake.
Anyone taking part in the study will receive a gift of a food box and for participants who provide blood and urine samples there is a supermarket gift voucher.
If you are interested in finding out more or want to take part email: IDNS@nottingham.ac.uk
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More information is available from Michelle Thomas on michelle.thomas@nottingham.ac.uk or Dr Simon Welham on simon.welham@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
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As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.