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Item Household food insecurity, nutrient intakes and BMI in New Zealand infants(Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society, 2025-11-03) Katiforis I; Smith C; Haszard JJ; Styles SE; Leong C; Fleming EA; Taylor RW; Conlon CA; Beck KL; Von Hurst PR; Te Morenga LA; Daniels L; Rowan M; Casale M; McLean NH; Cox AM; Jones EA; Brown KJ; Bruckner BR; Jupiterwala R; Wei A; Heath A-LMObjective: The first year of life is a critical period when nutrient intakes can affect long-term health outcomes. Although household food insecurity may result in inadequate nutrient intakes or a higher risk of obesity, no studies have comprehensively assessed nutrient intakes of infants from food insecure households. This study aimed to investigate how infant nutrient intakes and body mass index (BMI) differ by household food security. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the First Foods New Zealand study of infants aged 7–10 months. Two 24-hour diet recalls assessed nutrient intakes. “Usual” intakes were calculated using the Multiple Source Method. BMI z-scores were calculated using World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Setting: Dunedin and Auckland, New Zealand. Participants: Households with infants (n=604) classified as: severely food insecure, moderately food insecure, or food secure. Results: Nutrient intakes of food insecure and food secure infants were similar, aside from slightly higher free and added sugars intakes in food insecure infants. Energy intakes were adequate, and intakes of most nutrients investigated were likely to be adequate. Severely food insecure infants had a higher mean BMI z-score than food secure infants, although no significant differences in weight categories (underweight; healthy weight; overweight) were observed between groups. Conclusions: Household food insecurity, in the short term, does not appear to adversely impact the nutrient intakes and weight status of infants. However, mothers may be protecting their infants from potential nutritional impacts of food insecurity. Future research should investigate how food insecurity affects nutrient intakes of the entire household.Item Is a voluntary healthy food policy effective? evaluating effects on foods and drinks for sale in hospitals and resulting policy changes(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-12-01) Ni Mhurchu C; Rosin M; Shen S; Kidd B; Umali E; Jiang Y; Gerritsen S; Mackay S; Te Morenga LBackground: Healthy food and drink guidelines for public sector settings can improve the healthiness of food environments. This study aimed to assess the implementation and impact of the voluntary National Healthy Food and Drink Policy (the Policy) introduced in New Zealand in 2016 to encourage provision of healthier food and drink options for staff and visitors at healthcare facilities. Methods: A customised digital audit tool was used to collate data on foods and drinks available for sale in healthcare organisations and to systematically classify items as green (‘healthy’), amber (‘less healthy’), or red (‘unhealthy’) according to Policy criteria. On-site audits were undertaken between March 2021 and June 2022 at 19 District Health Boards (organisations responsible for providing public health services) and one central government agency. Forty-three sites were audited, encompassing 229 retail settings (serviced food outlets and vending machines). In total, 8485 foods/drinks were classified according to Policy criteria. The primary outcome was alignment with Policy guidance on the availability of green, amber, and red category food/drink items (≥ 55% green and 0% red items). Secondary outcomes were proportions of green, amber, and red category items, promotional practices, and price. Chi-square tests were used to compare results between categorical variables. Results: No organisation met the criteria for alignment with the Policy. Across all sites, 38.9% of food/drink items were rated red (not permitted), 39.0% were amber, and 22.1% were green. Organisations that adopted the voluntary Policy offered more healthy foods/drinks than those with their own organisational policy, but the proportion of red items remained high: 32.3% versus 47.5% (p < 0.0001). About one-fifth (21.3%) of all items were promoted, with red (24.6%) and amber (22.2%) items significantly more likely to be promoted than green items (14.0%) (p < 0.001). Green items were also significantly more costly on average (NZ$6.00) than either red (NZ$4.00) or amber (NZ$4.70) items (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Comprehensive and systematic evaluation showed that a voluntary Policy was not effective in ensuring provision of healthier food/drink options in New Zealand hospitals. The adoption of a single, mandatory Policy, accompanied by dedicated support and regular evaluations, could better support Policy implementation.Item Complex network analysis and health implications of nutrient trade(Elsevier BV, 2024-03) Silvestrini MM; Smith NW; Fletcher AJ; McNabb WC; Sarti FMFood trade plays a key role in global nutrition, but the essential nutrients within this trade are understudied. We investigated the global nutrient trade network from 1986 to 2020, examining the relationship with income level and health outcomes. Bilateral nutrient trade data for 48 nutrients and 254 countries/economies was produced, made accessible through an interactive online application. Nutrients of interest in the context of food security and health (protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and B12) were examined using network analysis, animated graphs, and logistic regression to demonstrate the inequitable nature of nutrient trade, but its positive role in current nutrition-related disease. Food trade policy should be set with micronutrient content and deficiency in mind to address food security, nutrition, and health.Item Protein quality as a complementary functional unit in life cycle assessment (LCA).(Springer Nature, 2022-12-28) McAuliffe GA; Takahashi T; Beal T; Huppertz T; Leroy F; Buttriss J; Collins AL; Drewnowski A; McLaren SJ; Ortenzi F; van der Pols JC; van Vliet S; Lee MRFGOAL AND THEORETICAL COMMENTARY: A number of recent life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have concluded that animal-sourced foods should be restricted-or even avoided-within the human diet due to their relatively high environmental impacts (particularly those from ruminants) compared with other protein-rich foods (mainly protein-rich plant foods). From a nutritional point of view, however, issues such as broad nutrient bioavailability, amino acid balances, digestibility and even non-protein nutrient density (e.g., micronutrients) need to be accounted for before making such recommendations to the global population. This is especially important given the contribution of animal sourced foods to nutrient adequacy in the global South and vulnerable populations of high-income countries (e.g., children, women of reproductive age and elderly). Often, however, LCAs simplify this reality by using 'protein' as a functional unit in their models and basing their analyses on generic nutritional requirements. Even if a 'nutritional functional unit' (nFU) is utilised, it is unlikely to consider the complexities of amino acid composition and subsequent protein accretion. The discussion herein focuses on nutritional LCA (nLCA), particularly on the usefulness of nFUs such as 'protein,' and whether protein quality should be considered when adopting the nutrient as an (n)FU. Further, a novel and informative case study is provided to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of protein-quality adjustment. CASE STUDY METHODS: To complement current discussions, we present an exploratory virtual experiment to determine how Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Scores (DIAAS) might play a role in nLCA development by correcting for amino acid quality and digestibility. DIAAS is a scoring mechanism which considers the limiting indispensable amino acids (IAAs) within an IAA balance of a given food (or meal) and provides a percentage contribution relative to recommended daily intakes for IAA and subsequent protein anabolism; for clarity, we focus only on single food items (4 × animal-based products and 4 × plant-based products) in the current case exemplar. Further, we take beef as a sensitivity analysis example (which we particularly recommend when considering IAA complementarity at the meal-level) to elucidate how various cuts of the same intermediary product could affect the interpretation of nLCA results of the end-product(s). RECOMMENDATIONS: First, we provide a list of suggestions which are intended to (a) assist with deciding whether protein-quality correction is necessary for a specific research question and (b) acknowledge additional uncertainties by providing mitigating opportunities to avoid misinterpretation (or worse, dis-interpretation) of protein-focused nLCA studies. We conclude that as relevant (primary) data availability from supply chain 'gatekeepers' (e.g., international agri-food distributors and processors) becomes more prevalent, detailed consideration of IAA provision of contrasting protein sources needs to be acknowledged-ideally quantitatively with DIAAS being one example-in nLCA studies utilising protein as a nFU. We also contend that future nLCA studies should discuss the complementarity of amino acid balances at the meal-level, as a minimum, rather than the product level when assessing protein metabolic responses of consumers. Additionally, a broader set of nutrients should ideally be included when evaluating "protein-rich foods" which provide nutrients that extend beyond amino acids, which is of particular importance when exploring dietary-level nLCA.Item Preliminary examination of the perceptions of sustainable horse feeding practices in the Netherlands.(Elsevier B.V., 2024-01-01) Karasu GK; Krabbenborg R; Westerduin F; Rogers CWThe purpose of this study was to determine the perception of sustainability among horse owners in the Netherlands and their willingness to switch to more sustainable feeding practices. A survey was distributed to a target group of horse owners in the Netherlands via social media channels. Data (n = 338 valid responses) were stratified based on yard type and size (small (<20), medium (20-50), and large (>50 horses). Most of the yards were livery yards (68 %) and they were small in size (66 %). The term most commonly associated with sustainability was low environmental impact (61.8 %). All participants (338/338) indicated that they were willing to switch to more sustainable feeding practices. Of the six options offered, the most popular was the use of plastic-free packaging products (60.5 %). This study identified that numerically the greatest change in behavior for the Dutch equestrian community would be achieved by small livery yards (P < 0.001). The potential to modify certain practices might be limited by the size of the equestrian operation, such as the available land for altering pasture management, and the financial aspects of the enterprise. Future research should investigate how the scale and economic considerations of the equestrian business influence its capacity and willingness to adopt more sustainable feeding practices.Item Dietary intake, household food insecurity, and their associations with anthropometric status and sociodemographic factors amongst young New Zealand children : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-04-08) Jupiterwala, Rosario Pillar MonzalesBackground: Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern that may impact young children's dietary intake. In New Zealand (NZ), there are limited studies on young children’s dietary intake. However, comprehensive dietary data is crucial to ensure that young NZ children obtain adequate energy and nutrient intakes to support their optimal growth and development. Certain sociodemographic groups are disproportionately affected by household food insecurity, which may have been reflected by the high proportion of obesity in NZ compared to other high-income countries and poor dietary consumption indicative of suboptimal nutrition. Aim: Therefore, this thesis aims to describe the energy and nutrient intakes, food group consumption, and household food security status of young NZ children, their relationship, and associated correlates such as anthropometric status, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, age, caregiver characteristics, and household size and structure. Methods: Two 24-hour food recalls from 289 children aged 1-3 years participating in the Young Foods NZ (YFNZ) study were analysed to obtain energy, nutrient, and food group intake data. YFNZ is an observational cross-sectional study of children living in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin, NZ. Household food security status was measured using the NZ food security scale, a NZ-specific and validated questionnaire. NZ Index of Deprivation was utilised as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status. Anthropometric status was measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score. Data on other sociodemographic characteristics such as ethnicity, sex, age, caregiver characteristics, household size and structure were collected through online and interviewer-assisted questionnaires. Results: Overall, most nutrient intake recommendations were met except for fibre, iron, calcium, and vitamin C, with a proportion of inadequacy at 54.0%, 15.2%, 3.8%, and 4.8% respectively. Additionally, high protein and saturated fat intakes were observed. Māori, Pacific, Asian, and children living in areas of high deprivation were more at risk of lower fibre intakes than their counterparts, whilst children living in areas of high deprivation had a higher fat intake than those living in low-deprived neighbourhoods. Grains and pasta (n=276 participants), fruits (n=266), and biscuits, crackers, cakes, and desserts (n=242) were most commonly consumed. Formulae (i.e., infant and follow-on formula mixes) and mixed dishes primarily contributed to the intake of energy and most nutrients. Children who were more likely to consume dairy products and dairy-alternative products were children with healthy weight compared to those who were overweight (p=0.036), NZ European compared to Māori, Asian and Pacific children (p=0.005), and children living in areas of low deprivation compared to those who live in highly deprived areas (p=0.014). Food insecure children were more likely to consume pies and pasties (p=0.013), potatoes, kūmara and taro (p=0.040), and beverages (i.e., all fluids except for milk and water) (p=0.011) but less likely to consume biscuits, crackers, cakes and desserts (p=0.001), vegetables (p=0.005), and nuts and seeds (p=0.004). Energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods such as sausages and processed meats; sugar, confectionery, sweet spreads; and pies and pasties were the primary contributors to Pacific children's energy intake and those living in areas of higher deprivation and food insecure households. Over a third of young children experienced food insecurity in the past year. Being overweight, Māori or Pacific, living in areas of high deprivation; having a caregiver who was younger, not in paid employment, or had low educational attainment; living with at least two other children in the household, and living in a sole parent household were associated with household food insecurity. Compared to food-secure children, moderately food-insecure children had higher fat and saturated fat intakes, consuming 3.0 (0.2, 5.8) g/day more fat, and 2.0 (0.6, 3.5) g/day more saturated fat (p<0.05). Moderately and severely food insecure children had lower fibre intake, consuming 1.6 (2.8, 0.3) g/day and 2.6 (4.0, 1.2) g/day less fibre, respectively, compared to food secure children. Severely food-insecure children had three times the prevalence of inadequate calcium intakes and over three times the prevalence of inadequate vitamin C intakes compared to food-secure children. Conclusion: Young NZ children consume a diet that is mostly adequate in terms of most nutrients with the exception of fibre, iron, calcium, and vitamin C. High intakes of nutrients of concern (i.e., saturated fat and protein) were detected and reported to be commonly sourced from low-cost, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor foods. The consumption of these foods mirrors the high prevalence of household food insecurity and obesity amongst young NZ children. Other sociodemographic factors closely related to poverty or low income were associated with food insecurity. Therefore, targeted policies and programmes are imperative, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, to ensure young children's optimal growth and development and attain more equitable health outcomes in NZ.Item Unravelling the reservoirs for colonisation of infants with Campylobacter spp. in rural Ethiopia: protocol for a longitudinal study during a global pandemic and political tensions.(BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2022-10-05) Havelaar AH; Brhane M; Ahmed IA; Kedir J; Chen D; Deblais L; French N; Gebreyes WA; Hassen JY; Li X; Manary MJ; Mekuria Z; Ibrahim AM; Mummed B; Ojeda A; Rajashekara G; Roba KT; Saleem C; Singh N; Usmane IA; Yang Y; Yimer G; McKune SINTRODUCTION: Undernutrition is an underlying cause of mortality in children under five (CU5) years of age. Animal-source foods have been shown to decrease malnutrition in CU5. Livestock are important reservoirs for Campylobacter bacteria, which are recognised as risk factors for child malnutrition. Increasing livestock production may be beneficial for improving nutrition of children but these benefits may be negated by increased exposure to Campylobacter and research is needed to evaluate the complex pathways of Campylobacter exposure and infection applicable to low-income and middle-income countries. We aim to identify reservoirs of infection with Campylobacter spp. of infants in rural Eastern Ethiopia and evaluate interactions with child health (environmental enteric dysfunction and stunting) in the context of their sociodemographic environment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This longitudinal study involves 115 infants who are followed from birth to 12 months of age and are selected randomly from 10 kebeles of Haramaya woreda, East Hararghe zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Questionnaire-based information is obtained on demographics, livelihoods, wealth, health, nutrition and women empowerment; animal ownership/management and diseases; and water, sanitation and hygiene. Faecal samples are collected from infants, mothers, siblings and livestock, drinking water and soil. These samples are analysed by a range of phenotypic and genotypic microbiological methods to characterise the genetic structure of the Campylobacter population in each of these reservoirs, which will support inference about the main sources of exposure for infants. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Florida Internal Review Board (IRB201903141), the Haramaya University Institutional Health Research Ethics Committee (COHMS/1010/3796/20) and the Ethiopia National Research Ethics Review Committee (SM/14.1/1059/20). Written informed consent is obtained from all participating households. Research findings will be disseminated to stakeholders through conferences and peer-reviewed journals and through the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems.Item Complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake, and iron status of Māori, Pasifika, and other infants in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science, Massey University, Albany, Aotearoa New Zealand(Massey University, 2023-09-09) Casale, MariaBackground: The period of transition from a solely milk-based diet to sharing family foods at around 12 months of age is a critical time for infants. Complementary feeding practices, from the age of introduction to complementary foods, method of feeding (baby-led weaning vs. traditional spoon-feeding), use of the novel baby food pouches, use of traditional cultural foods and practices, and the characteristics and nutrient density of first foods offered support the healthy growth and development of the infant, as well as shape long term dietary patters and food preferences. Additionally, iron status is crucial for healthy infant growth and development, and while this is impacted by myriad maternal, genetic, and environmental factors, complementary feeding practices and the characteristics of foods offered are key modifiable practices that influence infant iron status. Aims and objectives: The overall aim of this study was to investigate and describe early infant feeding practices, key nutrient intake and density, and the iron status of Māori, Pasifika and other infants living in Aotearoa New Zealand, using an observational cross-sectional study design. The primary objective was to conduct an intra-ethnic analysis of infant complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake and density from complementary foods, and iron status between Māori, Pasifika, and ‘other’ infants. ‘Other’ refers to any infants who were not self-identified by the adult respondent as Māori or Pasifika. Methods: Infants aged 7.0–10.0 months along with their primary caregiver participated in an observational cross-sectional study, with 625 infant–caregiver dyads recruited from Auckland and Dunedin, New Zealand. Participants were recruited from a range of ethnic groups and deprivation statuses. Infants were stratified by ethnicity using total response for Māori and Pasifika, with all non-Māori, non-Pasifika infants categorised into a single ‘others’ group. Demographic and feeding practices data were collected via questionnaire. Nutrient intake from complementary food was measured using the multiple-source method from two multiple-pass 24-hour diet recalls. Nutrient density of complementary food was calculated as the concentration of selected nutrients per 418 kJ (100 kcal) of energy. For iron status, haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, C-Reactive protein, and alpha-glycoprotein were obtained from a venous blood sample. Inflammation was adjusted for using the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anaemia (BRINDA) method. Body iron concentration (mg/kg body weight) was calculated using the ratio of sTfR and ferritin. Results: A total of 1424 infant-caregiver dyads were assessed for eligibility, and 625 eligible dyads were enrolled in the study, all of whom provided written consent. Data for complementary feeding practices and nutrient intake were analysed for all 625 infants, with blood samples obtained from 365 of these infants for the assessment of iron status. Within the cohort 131 infants were identified by their caregiver as Māori, and 82 as Pasifika. The remaining infants are allocated into a single ‘others’ group as the primary focus of this manuscript is Māori and Pasifika infants. The mean (SD) infant age was 8.4 (0.8) months for Māori, 8.5 (0.9) months for Pasifika, and 8.4 (0.8) months for ‘other’ infants. Over half of all ethnicities introduced CF at around six months of age (56.5% of Māori, 62.2% of Pasifika, and 80.9% of ‘others’). BLW prevalence increased from 11.5% of Māori, 3.7% of Pasifika, and 12.4% of ‘other’ infants at the time of introducing CF to 29.2% of Māori, 17.1% of Pasifika, and 27.3% of ‘others’ currently. Baby food pouches were used at least once by 89.3% of Māori, 85.4% of Pasifika, and 75.6% of ‘other’ infants. Of those who always or frequently were fed pouches, 27.1% of Māori, 25% of Pasifika, and 12% of ‘other’ infants always or mostly sucked directly from the nozzle. Vegetables and ‘pureed’ were the most common first food and texture offered, respectively, for all ethnic groups. At six months red meat was consumed by 54.6% of Māori infants, 63.4% of Pasifika infants, and 61.8% of ‘other’ infants, and approximately half had iron-fortified baby rice (Māori 57.3%, Pasifika 56.1%, ‘other’ 48.7%). Age-inappropriate drinks were currently given to 17.6% of Māori, 20.7% of Pasifika, and 3.8% of ‘other’ infants. In total, 9.1% of Māori and 20.7% of Pasifika respondents reported offering traditional cultural foods to their infants. Energy intake increased with age for all ethnic groups and was higher for boys than girls. Protein as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly lower for Māori compared to ‘others’. Fat as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly lower for both Māori and Pasifika than ‘others’, whereas carbohydrate as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly higher. Sugar intake in grams from CF was significantly higher for Pasifika when compared to ‘others’, and sugar as a percentage of energy intake from CF was significantly higher for Māori than ‘others’. Iron, zinc, and calcium density of the complementary diet was inadequate for all groups: Māori and ‘others’ had an iron density of 0.8 mg/418 kJ, and Pasifika 0.9 mg/418 kJ. Zinc density was 0.5 mg/418 kJ for all groups. Calcium density was 37 mg/418 kJ for Māori, 40 mg/418 kJ for Pasifika, and 38 mg/418 kJ for ‘others’. In total, 96.4% of Pasifika infants were iron sufficient, compared to 82.5% of Māori and 76% of ‘other’ infants. ‘Other’ infants had the highest prevalence of iron deficiency overall, with 3% categorised with iron-deficiency anaemia, 12% with early functional iron deficiency, and 9% with iron depletion. For Māori infants, 4.7% had iron-deficiency anaemia and early functional iron deficiency, respectively, and 8% were iron depleted. One (3.6%) Pasifika infant was iron depleted, and the remainder were iron sufficient. Mediation analysis suggested that the difference in body iron concentration between Pasifika and ‘others’ was partially explained by the frequency of their higher consumption of baby food pouches. Conclusions: The high prevalence of Māori and Pasifika infants feeding directly from baby food pouch nozzles is concerning in light of the increasing popularity and prevalence of this novel feeding device, with concerns for both the safety and impact on development of this way of feeding. The low density of iron, zinc, and calcium in the complementary diet warrants further investigation into feeding and fortification strategies, due to the key role these nutrients play in the growth and development of infants. The rate of iron deficiency was very low for Pasifika infants despite little iron intake from complementary food, indicating non-dietary factors as the likely cause for this group.Item A review of dystocia in sheep(Elsevier B.V., 2020-11-01) Jacobson C; Bruce M; Kenyon PR; Lockwood A; Miller D; Refshauge G; Masters DGThis review aims to describe the nutritional and non-nutritional factors that may affect parturition and dystocia in sheep. Dystocia is associated with fetopelvic disproportion, uterine inertia, failure of the cervix to fully dilate, malpresentation and disease or congenital defects in lambs. Dystocia can result in lambs that are born dead, or lambs that survive parturition but sustain birth injury including central nervous system damage. Dystocia risk is increased with high or low birthweight lambs, high (fat) or low liveweight ewes, and small first parity ewes. Other factors implicated include low muscle glycogen, pregnancy toxaemia, mineral imbalance causing hypocalcaemia, and a lack of antioxidant nutrients. Addressing these risks requires differential nutritional management for single and multiple bearing ewes. There is also evidence for stress and environmentally related dystocia. The stress related hormones cortisol, adrenaline and ACTH play a major role in the initiation and control of parturition in the sheep indicating a need for adequate supervision during lambing, provision of adequate feed and shelter at the lambing site, and small flock size to reduce physical and environmental stress. Hormonal control of parturition can be further disrupted by xenoestrogens or phytoestrogens in clovers and medics. Oestrogenic plants are still widely grown in mixed pastures but should be not be grazed by pregnant ewes. There is clearly a genetic component to dystocia. This is partly explained by incompatibility in physical size and dimensions of the ram, ewe and lamb. A rapid reduction in dystocia through direct genetic selection is problematic with low heritability of dystocia and some of its indicator traits such as lambing ease. This review provides broad interpretation of the literature, but conclusions are not definitive with widespread inconsistency in reported results. Further research is required to investigate dystocia under commercial production conditions, and this should be complemented by focussed studies under controlled conditions. Priorities include defining the fitness of the ewe to lamb, the role of stress and environment on parturition and the use of indicator traits to select for ease of birth.Item Host-microbiota interactions underlying functional gastrointestinal disorders and the impact of gold kiwifruit consumption : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Albany, Manawatū, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2023-05-18) Carco, CaterinaThe microbial ecosystem exists in a mutualistic relationship with its host, contributing to a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Growing evidence supports the role of microbial-immune interactions in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, these mechanisms are poorly understood. It has been hypothesised that taxonomic and gene abundance in the faecal microbiota and gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) could discriminate FGID subtypes (functional constipation (FC), IBS constipation, functional diarrhoea (FD), IBS diarrhoea) from each other and healthy subjects (controls). A second hypothesis was that consuming two gold kiwifruit daily for four weeks had a different effect on the microbial composition and gene abundance than psyllium in constipation predominant FGID subjects or controls. A systems biology approach was used to address these hypotheses. Different microbial compositional and gene abundance profiles were associated with constipation and/or diarrhoea, particularly facultative anaerobes and obligate fermenters, and genes related to tyrosine metabolism, secretion systems and micronutrient utilisation. Differentially PBMC expressed immunoglobulin variable domain genes were shared among FGIDs, except for IBS constipation. Increased expression levels of interferon-induced genes and those linked to the complement system and platelet functions characterised the immune signature of functional constipation. Increased expression levels of immunoglobulin variable domain associated with immunoglobulin E/G receptor-mediated pathways characterised the immune signature of IBS diarrhoea and FD. Further analyses showed that computationally selected microbial, immune gene and symptomatic variables were associated with constipation or diarrhoea predominant FGIDs, and that symptoms remain the best way to discriminate among FGIDs or controls than PBMC genes or microbial taxa except for FC, which was best discriminated from other FGIDs or controls by selected PBMC genes. Eggerthella and Bacteroides were the only genera that differed between subjects consuming gold kiwifruit or psyllium or between each intervention compared to pre-intervention levels, regardless of the digestive health status of the subjects. This PhD thesis presents novel insights into the host-microbiota interactions underlying FGIDs and the microbiota responses to daily consumption of two gold kiwifruit over four weeks in constipation predominant FGID subjects. The knowledge generated can be used for future research on food-based treatments supporting gastrointestinal health and comfort.