Abstract Awards
We are pleased to present the N&G 2025 Best Abstract Awards
The N&G award recognizes young physicians for their work in two categories: “Neonatal & Prematurity” and “Obesity”. The awards are supported by an educational grant from the NNI (Nestlé Nutrition Institute) for the best abstracts submitted to the 12th International Conference on Nutrition & Growth.
The award recipients, selected by the N&G scientific committee, will be presented during the Conference.
Each abstract will receive a €5,000 prize.
Join us in congratulating the winners:
The Obesity Best N&G Research Award
Winner: Dr. Chonnikant Visuthranukul
Affiliation: Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
Abstract title: INULIN SUPPLEMENTATION MODULATES THE MICROBIOTA-GUT-BRAIN AXIS IN CHILDREN WITH OBESITY: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL
The gut microbiota regulates energy balance and appetite via the gut-brain axis (GBA), and dysbiosis can disrupt this communication, contributing to obesity. Inulin, a prebiotic, has the potential to modulate microbial-derived compounds that influence the GBA and improve obesity outcomes. This study assessed the effects of inulin supplementation on GBA-related amino acids and bioactive molecules in children with obesity. Children aged 7–15 with obesity were randomly assigned to inulin supplementation (intervention), maltodextrin (placebo), or dietary fiber advice groups. Plasma amino acids and bioactive molecules were analyzed using LC-MS/MS at baseline and after six months. The inulin group showed a significant increase in tyrosine and spermine from baseline and upregulated putrescine levels over time compared to the other groups. These findings suggest that inulin supplementation could be a strategic intervention for managing childhood obesity by modulating microbial-derived bioactive molecules.
Introduction
Dr. Chonnikant Visuthranukul is an attending physician in the Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. She completed her medical, pediatric, and pediatric nutrition training at Chulalongkorn University and received her Ph.D. from its International Program. She also trained as a postdoctoral research fellow in Pediatric Nutrition and Intestinal Microbiome at Baylor College of Medicine, USA. Her research focuses on pediatric obesity, gut microbiota and microbiota-derived bioactive molecules, prebiotics, synbiotics, and nutritional factors influencing gut microbiota alterations, with an emphasis on their impact on pediatric health.
The Neonatal & Prematurity Best N&G Research Award
Winner: Dr. Pardeep Kumar
Affiliation: Department of Biochemistry at F.H. Medical College and Hospital, India.
Abstract title: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF MATERNAL INSULIN THERAPY ON PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES, CHEMOKINES, AND REGULATORY T CELLS IN INFANTS BORN TO MOTHERS WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES
This study investigates the impact of maternal insulin therapy during pregnancy on the immune profile of infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It highlights that insulin therapy enhances regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) and increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies in cord blood. These findings suggest that maternal insulin treatment may promote immune regulation in utero, potentially lowering the risk of diabetes in offspring of mothers with GDM.
Introduction
Dr. Pardeep Kumar is a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biochemistry at F.H. Medical College and Hospital, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from J N University, India. His research interests are centered around nutrition and metabolic alterations associated with diabetes and aging, areas where his work has significantly contributed to scientific understanding. With 28 peer-reviewed publications to his credit, Dr. Kumar’s scholarly contributions underscore his expertise and dedication to advancing biomedical research.
Dr. Kumar has enriched his expertise by participating in over 25 international academic events, including workshops, symposia, summer schools, and conferences. He has also made significant contributions to scientific literature, presenting and publishing papers, book chapters, and a book in esteemed national and international journals. His research contributions have earned him international recognition, including the “Young Investigator Award” at the 2023 Movement Disorder Society Congress in Denmark and the Best Poster/Travel Award from the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes in the Netherlands.
