Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Laboratory (CND Lab)
The Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Laboratory (CND Lab) of the University of Thessaly was established in 2021. The Laboratory focuses on research and education in nutrition and clinical dietetics, with particular emphasis on areas of public health importance.
Research Areas
The Laboratory is actively engaged in nutritional assessment and care for children, adolescents, adults, and elders, with a focus on:
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Metabolic disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Mental health disorders
- Addictive behaviours
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Neurodegenerative diseases
The Laboratory also supports patients requiring artificial nutrition.
Laboratory Staff
- Odysseas Androutsos, Professor of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics – Laboratory Director
- Kalliopi Georgakouli, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nutrition & Exercise for Addictive Behaviors
Postdoctoral Researchers
- Dr Ioanna-Panagiota Kalafati (2022–2023)
Investigation of nutritional status and its impact on quality of life, functional capacity, and mental health in Greek cancer patients
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Dr Maria Vlahava (2021–2026)
Nutritional intervention using new technologies for the management of metabolic syndrome in adults
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Dr Niki Kontou (2021–2026)
The effect of intermittent fasting on chemotherapy-related toxicity in women with early breast cancer
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Dr Vaios Svolos (2023–present)
Cognitive frameworks and perceptions regarding the role of nutrition and dietary therapies in gastrointestinal diseases
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Dr Dimitra-Eleftheria Stroggylou (2024–present)
Development and evaluation of a dietetic–psychological intervention targeting biological and psychosocial outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Dr Athanasios Migdanis (2024–2026)
Comparing blended diets with commercial formulas in terms of intestinal function and anthropometric and biochemical markers in enterally fed patients
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos
PhD Graduates
- Dr Maria Perperidi (2021–2025)
Design and evaluation of an intervention programme for the management of obesity in women with breast cancer
PhD Candidates
- Athanasios Topis (2022–present)
Dietary habits of children with autism spectrum disorders
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Iliana Evangelou (2023–present)
Lifestyle intervention using new technologies in adults at risk of metabolic syndrome
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos - Maria Koutsaki (2024–present)
Assessment of dietary behaviour and its determinants in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Supervisor: Odysseas Androutsos
Research Projects
The Laboratory is involved in a wide range of national and European projects, including:
- Childhood obesity prevention and public health nutrition initiatives (Ministry of Health / Greece 2.0 Recovery and Resilience Fund)
- European Union programmes (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe), such as GATEKEEPER, Digicare4U, and SEEDS
- Artificial intelligence–supported lifestyle interventions for breast cancer risk reduction
- Community and school-based nutrition programmes
- Clinical studies on probiotics and dietary interventions
- Collaborations with organisations such as UNICEF and the American College of Greece
Equipment
The Laboratory is equipped to support both research and clinical work, including:
- Nutrition models and food pyramids
- Computers with specialised nutrition software
- Skinfold calipers
- Bioelectrical impedance analysers
- Scales and stadiometers
- Measuring tapes
- Blood pressure monitors and stethoscopes
- Handgrip dynamometers and pedometers
- Exercise equipment (bicycles and treadmill)
- Clinical beds and a phlebotomy chair
- Benches and floor mats
