11 The breastfeeding rate in Hong Kong has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. As the source of a variety of nutrients, breast milk plays a vital role in the healthy growth and development of infants. Our researchers analysed the three-day dietary records and breast milk samples of some Hong Kong lactating women. The research revealed that only 4% of the lactating women in the study had dietary habits that met the recommendation from the Department of Health, i.e., to consume at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day, or the recommended intake of vitamin A according to the “Chinese Dietary Reference Intake” established by the Chinese Nutrition Society. There was a significant correlation between dietary intake and the nutrient levels of breast milk, especially the carotenoid and polyphenol contents. A new research project “Feeding mom feeding infants” has been launched by the research team. 100 pairs of lactating women and infants are recruited for a oneyear study to further investigate the relationship between the dietary habits of lactating women and the nutrients of breast milk, gut microbiota composition of infants and their growth. Impact Stories Using Traditional Chinese Medicine for Management of Bone Diseases Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical study with a profound history. However, the instability of product quality and under-enhancement of fundamental research affects its international recognition. Our researchers are dedicated to elucidating the underlying mechanisms of TCM for disease management, including bone health and age-related diseases. Studies have demonstrated that TCM ingredients, including Epimedium, Ligustrum and Sambucus Williamsii Hance, have significant anti-osteoporotic effects. The team has collaborated with Jinan University to develop and formulate the standardised Sambucus Williamsii Hance extract, and provided scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety for further development of Chinese patent medicines. Their research won the Second-Class Prize in Scientific and Technological Progress Award and received award recognition from the Ministry of Education of the PRC, as well as funding support from the Innovation Technology Commission. Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake Can Improve the Nutritional Value of Breast Milk World’s first Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics and Prebiotics in Human Health Probiotics and prebiotics are hot topics in nutrition and their positive effects on human health are widely discussed these days. Our researchers study the therapeutic potential of different probiotics and prebiotics in inflammatory bowel disease with mouse models. Preliminary results show that probiotic therapy can significantly modulate inflammatory responses and help restore the impaired intestinal structure. The team believes that evidence-based research will form a basis to increase awareness and understanding of probiotics and prebiotics amongst the public and contribute to the entire world. With the donation of HK$2M from Hong Kong Yakult Co. Ltd. (Yakult), the “PolyU-Yakult Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics and Prebiotics in Human Health” was established under PolyU Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood). It will further promote interdisciplinary research in the fields of food science and human health, and focus on the cutting-edge research of probiotics and prebiotics for the prevention and treatment of intestinal, brain diseases, eczema and women’s health.
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