CAROFIBER nutrition study launches to optimize dietary guidelines

LIH calls for healthy volunteers to discover how food combinations affect nutrient absorption

• NutriHealth
• CAROFIBER

The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) has opened registration for a new nutrition study investigating the hidden relationship between everyday dietary choices. By examining how common food components interact during digestion, the CAROFIBER project aims to pave the way for more precise, optimized dietary and lifestyle guidelines.

Dietary fibre and colourful, nutrient-dense vegetables are heavily praised pillars of a healthy lifestyle. However, laboratory models suggest a complex interaction occurs behind the scenes: certain types of dietary fibre may physically “trap” beneficial nutrients during digestion, potentially limiting how effectively our bodies absorb them.

The CAROFIBER study, launched by the NutriHealth Group within the Department of Precision Health, aims to move beyond theoretical models to confirm exactly how these food interactions function in real-world human digestion. The project focuses specifically on carotenoids—the natural, health-promoting pigments responsible for the vibrant red, orange, and yellow colours found in numerous fruits and vegetables. By tracking how the human body processes test meals rich in specific fibres and carotenoids, the research team hopes to uncover how to maximize the nutritional value of everyday meals.

Understanding how these common food components interact at a digestive level is a major step forward for public health,” explains Dr Torsten Bohn, Head of the Nutrition and Health Research Team and Principal Investigator of the CAROFIBER project. “The insights we gain from our volunteers will help us figure out which specific food combinations maximize nutritional benefits. This is incredibly valuable for the general public, and it is especially crucial for individuals relying entirely on plant-based diets to meet their essential vitamin requirements“

Through this initiative, the LIH aims to deliver practical, actionable insights that empower both individuals and healthcare professionals to make more informed dietary choices.

Join the Study

The NutriHealth Group is currently recruiting healthy volunteers to participate in this project.

Interested? Find out more and register here.