Human Nutrition Unit

A world-class residential trial facility advancing human health through evidence-based nutrition science.

Who We Are

The HNU is a premier research facility within the University of Auckland, distinguished as the only residential nutrition unit in Australasia. Our specialized environment allows for the characterization of diverse populations through safety and efficacy trials that are analogous to pharmaceutical-grade clinical standards.

What We Do

Services

Consultancy on nutrition regulatory issues, including health claims
Consultancy, design and development of trial protocols
Recruitment and screening of volunteer participants
Trial management and co-ordination
Data collection, analysis and interpretation

Facilities

Residential accomodation (5 bedrooms)
Full metabolic kitchens & diet control
Indirect calorimetry suites
Appetite Research Unit & dining facilites

Capabilities

Controlled diet provision and control
Energy expenditure measurement (Indirect Calorimetry
Anthropometry including assessment of body composition
Phlebotomy (including venous cannulation)
Urine and faecal collection

Current studies

View all studies

NZ Synergy Study

A two-week residential study exploring diet and type 2 diabetes risk.

Duration: 2 weeks · residential
Eligibility: Adults 18–60, BMI 24–40

NZ Food and Beverage Study

A short-term study on how different foods and beverages affect metabolism, blood sugar, and appetite

Duration: 3 visits · 2 study days
Eligibility: Adults 18–60, BMI 24–40

Ferdinand Study

A 6-month weight loss study investigating feijoa whole fruit powder for type 2 diabetes prevention

Duration: 6 months · 7 visits
Eligibility: Adults 18–70

About the HNU

Our History

Our journey, marked by self-sustaining growth, reflects our enduring commitment to defining the gold standard in human nutrition research.

About the HNU

Our History

Our journey, marked by self-sustaining growth, reflects our enduring commitment to defining the gold standard in human nutrition research.

1999

Human Nutrition Unit established through NZ Dairy Board funding and purchase of Carrick Place.

2000

Jackson Report leads to appointment of founding director Prof Sally Poppitt.

2017

A/Prof Jennifer Miles-Chan appointed director following strategic international recruitment from Switzerland.

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Postgraduate students supported since 2020

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Peer-reviewed publications

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F&B industry partners

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Participants involved in HNU studies

Industry Partners

For 25 years, we have successfully partnered with food, pharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, spearheading studies on new therapeutics, cardiovascular and metabolic health, and the impact of diverse food components.