DFI-AF-19010 Food for vigilance (BO-61-102-002, BO-45-003-003)

Two questions have to be answered first:

1: How can alertness be accurately assessed in the lab as well as under real working circumstances? and,

2: What mechanisms are responsible for effects of food on alertness?

The first question will be addressed by devising a test battery based on the requirements of the partners in this research program. The second question will address the gut-brain axis as the primary working mechanism for effects that food has on alertness. These effects can occur via certain neurotransmitters (and their precursors), through the composition of foods (fibres, proteins, phytochemicals, etc.) and through pre-/probiotics affecting the gut microbiome.

The findings of this research program will be used in safety critical contexts (by the Ministry of Defence and Thales), in novel food ingredients (by DSM), in advice about shift work (e.g. through Circadian) and in transportation safety (through NLR, LVNL, KLM and Thales).