Research

Consumption of fava bean protein to prevent cognitive and metabolic diseases: Effects on brain insulin-sensitivity and related functional benefits

Principal investigator and research institute:
Dr. Peter Joris, Maastricht University

Funding:
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €40.000

Identification of more sustainable and high-quality nutritional protein products from promising crops and extraction methods sourced from the soils of Groningen (Plant-IAAO)

Principal investigator and research institute:
Dr. Jorn Trommelen, Maastricht University and Prof.dr. Paul de Vos, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen

website: https://fascinating.nl/

Funding:
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €40.000

Optimizing Plant-Based Protein Quality for Older Adults: AI-driven Algorithm Development and International Implementation

Principal investigator and research institute:
Dr. Pol Grootswagers, Wageningen University & Research

Funding:
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €40.000

Publication:
Meal Protein Quality Score: A Novel Tool to Evaluate Protein Quantity and Quality of Meals, Grootswagers et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104439

BOLD fMRI to evaluate working memory performance after prebiotic supplementation in older adults with subjective cognitive decline

Principal investigator and research institute:
Dr. Yannick Vermeiren, Wageningen University & Research

Funding:
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €40,000

Plant-based protein supplementation to attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage: walking into the right direction?

Principal investigator and research institute:
Prof.dr. Maria Hopman, Radboud UMC

Funding:
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €40.000

Sucrose intake to promote the replenishment of liver and muscle glycogen levels following intense exertion

Lead researcher and research institute:
Dr. L.J.C. van Loon, dr. C. Fuchs, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (NL)

Funding:
Total research costs: €165,708
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €40,000

Publication:
Carbohydrate intake of 10 g/kg body mass rapidly replenishes liver, but not muscle glycogen contents, during 12 h of post‐exercise recovery in well‐trained cyclists, Fuchs et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1113/JP289115#support-information-section

The sweet on brain reward: The role of insulin sensitivity as a gatekeeper for reward perception in overweight individuals after weight loss and weight maintenance

Lead researcher and research institute:
Dr. T. Adam, Maastricht University, Dept. of Nutrition and Movement Sciences (NL)

Funding:
This study is part of the SWEET study, a European Horizon 2020 project
Total research costs: unknown
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €39,936

The role of sugar metabolism in immune cells in health and metabolic diseases

Lead researcher and research institute:
Dr. R. Stienstra, Wageningen University and Research (NL)

Funding:
Total research costs: €39,537
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €39,537

RESTRUCTURE: Developing and implementing innovative and evidence-based food design principles to moderate energy intake

Lead researcher and research institute:
Prof.dr. C.G. Forde, Wageningen University (NL) in collaboration with the HAS green academy and the European Food Information Council (EUFIC)

Website:
https://restructureproject.org/

Funding:
Total research costs: unknown
Financed by Cosun Nutrition Center: €30,000

Main publication: Eating rate has sustained effects on energy intake from ultraprocessed diets: a 2-week ad libitum dietary randomized controlled crossover trial, Forde et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.11.012

Sweet Tooth - Nature or Nurture?

Lead researcher and research institute:
Dr. Kees de Graaf, dr. Monica Mars, Dr. Katherine Appleton, Wageningen University & Research (NL)

Funding:
Total research costs: €1,500,000
Contribution by the Cosun Nutrition Center: €120,000

Main publication: The Sweet Tooth Trial: A Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of A 6-Month Low, Regular, or High Dietary Sweet Taste Exposure on Sweet Taste Liking, and Various Outcomes Related to Food Intake and Weight Status, Cad et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.09.041

Are there negative consequences of low sugar intake in relation to physical activity, energy balance and human health?

Lead researcher and research institute:
Dr. Javier Gonzalez, Bath University (VK)

Funding:
Total research costs: £137,000
Financed by the Cosun Nutrition Center: £49,000

Publication: Restricting Sugar or Carbohydrate Intake Does Not Impact Physical Activity Level or Energy Intake Over 24 Hours Despite Changes in Substrate Use: A Randomised Crossover, Hengist et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzac057.010