Department of Molecular Nutritional Science

Consumption of red meat has been associated in many studies with health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, these associations often overlook the fact that the composition of red meat can be substantially altered by the feeding regimen of ruminants. In particular, grassland-based, biodiverse feed has been shown to increase the content of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant compounds in meat, which might help to mitigate potential adverse health effects.

Against this background, the project investigates whether, and to what extent, different feeding strategies influence the health effects of red meat. In a mouse model, meat from conventionally and grassland-based fed cattle and lambs will be compared with white meat. The focus is on effects on metabolism, gut health, the microbiome, inflammatory processes, and antioxidant status. The aim is to better understand whether and how the health effects of red meat can be modified through targeted feed interventions.

Infertility is increasing in both women and high-yielding dairy cows, two biologically comparable systems that show similar declines in oocyte quality with age. Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies, success rates remain limited, highlighting the need for non-invasive strategies to improve oocyte competence. Nutrition, particularly the intake of bioactive compounds, represents a promising yet underexplored avenue to support reproductive health.

This project investigates how diets rich in polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, key components of the Mediterranean diet, influence the metabolic environment of the ovarian follicle and may thereby enhance oocyte quality and early embryo development. By combining studies in women and dairy cows, we take a unique cross-species approach to identify shared metabolic pathways and biomarkers linked to improved fertility. The ultimate goal is to develop evidence-based nutritional strategies that support reproductive success, reduce the need for repeated fertility treatments, and improve both women’s and livestock health.

in Cooperation with 

Prof. Dr. Yael Heifetz

In the search for the causes of complex diseases, samples and data from biobanks are an enormously important resource. We are therefore dedicated to establishing and expanding a scientific collection of human adipose tissue samples (subcutaneous and visceral) as well as culturable preadipocytes derived from them for biomedical research purposes. A particular strength of the biobank is that it includes samples from obese patients as well as samples from the same patients after substantial weight loss following bariatric surgery. 

The biobank makes it possible to link information obtained from scientific analyses of these samples with phenotypic information and clinical follow-up data. In this way, it can make a substantial contribution to the development of new preventive measures, diagnostic procedures, and therapies. 

Team Dr. Raggi

in Cooperation with

Dr. med. Matthias Raggi

Adipositaszentrum Stuttgart