NUTRITION AND CARDIOMETABOLIC HEALTH
The Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health Unit of CCUL seeks to advance our understanding of the impact of nutrition in cardiovascular behaviour, in health and disease, including the relationship between dietary patterns, with a focus on the Mediterranean Diet, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). By developing evidence-based strategies for both primary and secondary prevention, this unit strives to mitigate the burden of cardiovascular disease and promote cardiovascular health.
The link between nutrition and CVD is well-established, with dietary patterns significantly impacting both the development and management of CVD. A healthy diet is considered one of the most impactful cornerstones of cardiovascular disease prevention, influencing multiple CVD risk factors, such as, blood pressure, blood lipids, obesity, inflammation and endothelial function.
This Unit will explore the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health, with a focus on both preventive measures and rehabilitation strategies. This unit recognizes the importance of implementing comprehensive programs targeting individuals at various stages of cardiovascular risk, from school-based programs to cardiovascular rehabilitation programs.
RESEARCH TEAM
Pinto, Ana Margarida, PhD
GROUP LEADER
Ana Margarida Pinto is a dietitian/nutritionist (5634N) and assistant professor at FMUL. She trained as a dietitian at FMUL and completed a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, followed by a PhD in Nutritional Sciences, at King’s College London (KCL). As a Postdoctoral Research Associate at KCL, Ana conducted clinical trials on the acute effects of polyphenol and fibre-rich drinks on cardiometabolic outcomes and cognition, and the impact of replacing wheat flour with cellular chickpea powder on the glycaemic and gut hormone responses in healthy individuals. Currently, Ana is engaged in pedagogical activities with undergraduate and master’s students at FMUL in the area of nutrition. Ana’s current research interests include personalised nutrition interventions (based on the Mediterranean diet) for patients enrolled in a phase III cardiac rehabilitation programme in Lisbon and promotion of healthy lifestyles in school-based community programs.
ORCID: 0000-0001-9364-905X
E-mail: aapinto@medicina.ulisboa.pt
Bernardo, Rodrigo, BSc
Researcher
Rodrigo Bernardo is a registered dietitian nutritionist (5981N) from Portugal. He holds a BSc in Nutritional Sciences from Lisbon School of Medicine (FMUL), as well as a post-graduate degree in Health Projects Management from the National School of Public Health. Currently, Rodrigo is an invited teaching assistant at FMUL, working also at the University of Lisbon’s Social Services.
ORCID: 0009-0000-1421-6732
Email: rodrigo.bernardo@medicina.ulisboa.pt