Universidade Católica Portuguesa joins 1.1 million euro project to develop natural food supplements

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa, through SalivaTec, one of the research platforms of the Interdisciplinary Health Research Centre (CIIS) at the Faculty of Dental Medicine (FMD), is one of the partner institutions in the RedSup4Health research project, which aims to develop natural food supplements from cherries, peaches and blueberries. The three endogenous red fruits from Beira Interior have preventive properties for chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

With an overall eligible investment of 1.1 million euros, co-financed by the ERDF, the project is led by the pharmaceutical company Natural Green Biological (NGB), in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda (IPG), the company Cerfundão, the University of Beira Interior and the Portuguese Catholic University.

Católica's scientific contribution, through its CIIS research unit, will be essential in validating the bioactive compounds and assessing the health effects of the new supplements with a focus on preventing metabolic syndrome. Likewise, CIIS and FMD are reinforcing their commitment to applied research and the promotion of sustainable solutions to global public health challenges.

Nuno Rosa, director of CIIS and head of the project at UCP reiterates, ‘By promoting the valorisation of endogenous products and the development of innovative solutions based on natural resources, RedSup4Health combines excellent research with regional economic development, with a positive impact on the health of the population and the sustainability of the national bioeconomy.’

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