Research groups working at MTT and University of Kuopio have published several papers on the contents of various polyphenols in a large number of food products commonly consumed in Finland. The latest paper reports the contents of both extractable and unextractable proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins).

Bacterial attachment to host tissues is the first step of infection. Blocking this bacterial binding provides novel potential to control infections. Cranberry is known to prevent the adhesion of E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, and mutans streptococci. This study carried out at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the School of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio, was directed to binding and inhibitory activity of different berries and fruits against Neisseria meningitidis, which cause meningitis and septicemia. It adheres to human cells by pili which are long and flexible filamentous structures on the surface of bacteria.

Gut Bifidobacterium microbiota of the elderly has been suggested to differ from that of adults, possibly promoting the risk of infections and gut barrier dysfunction. Specific probiotics may improve the gut barrier. This study assessed the efficacy of an oat product fermented with two probiotic Bifidobacterium strains, specifically designed for the elderly, in the improvement of the gastrointestinal Bifidobacterium composition of elderly nursing-home residents. The study was carried out by Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku and Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio.

The BrainHealthFood -project will address the key bioactive compounds present in blackcurrants that may possess neuroprotective properties, and thus provide novel functional ingredients to formulate berry and fruit juices and other food products which may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease. The consortium includes leading experts from different European countries representing strong experience in bioactive chemistry, metabolomics and neurology.