LOLU™ Health · Academic profile

Louise W Lu

PhD in Nutrition ScienceNZ Registered NutritionistFounder of LOLU™ Health

PhD of Nutrition Science & Registered Nutritionist of New Zealand Nutrition Society, Reg. 82021301

Louise is the founder of LOLU™ Health and the KInD™ (Keto Intermittent™ Diet) Programme. Her academic background includes research fellowship and honorary academic work at the University of Auckland. Over the past decade, Louise has led research in dietary interventions, metabolic health, nutrient metabolism, and food behaviour. Her work integrates scientific rigour with real-world application, evaluating the feasibility of nutrition strategies and product development through consumer acceptability and sensory analysis.

She is dedicated to translating complex scientific evidence into accessible, impactful public health knowledge.

Book a free consultation

Google Scholar ↗Registration certificate ↗

Louise W Lu · PhD · Registered Nutritionist

01 / Professional profile

Biography

Dr Louise W. Lu is a nutrition scientist dedicated to preventing type 2 diabetes within New Zealand’s rapidly growing Asian population. After completing her PhD in 2016, she joined Professor Sally Poppitt’s team at the University of Auckland Human Nutrition Unit to work on the MBIE “High Value Nutrition” National Science Challenge (PANaMAH). From 2016 to 2023, she helped characterise the ‘TOFI’ (Thin‑Outside‑Fat‑Inside) phenotype, examined how meal duration and prolonged fasting influence glycaemic control, and—serving as a named investigator—launched the Vision Mātauranga project “One Bar a Day for Diabetes Prevention” in partnership with Māori industry leaders, Massey University FoodPilot, and the University of Otago CEDOR.

Louise’s earlier research focused on carbohydrate metabolism, satiety, palatability and sensory behaviour. Her doctoral work combined in‑vitro starch digestibility with human trials to show how rice variety, processing and chewing dynamics shape post‑prandial glycaemia and consumer acceptance, producing three peer‑reviewed papers and informing product development for Asian Chinese consumers.

Her work since June 2022 has included roles as Honorary Academic at the University of Auckland and Science Lead at LOLU Health, heading multidisciplinary teams of nutritionists, dietitians and nurses in nutraceutical R&D. She also leads the evidence‑based KInD™ Programme for personalised dietary intervention and delivers accredited training for holistic nutrition coaches across independent practice, healthcare institutions and the functional‑food industry.

02 / Professional profile

Professional Affiliations

Science Officer, Nutrition and Health Food Association of Australia and New Zealand (NAHFA‑ANZ) — Louise serves as the Association’s principal scientific lead, bridging academia and industry to elevate product integrity across the trans‑Tasman supplement and functional‑food market.

Product Quality & Claims Verification Programme
directs independent lab testing and evidence audits for 120+ commercial products annually, ensuring compliance with NAHFA-ANZ and FSANZ/TGA standards.
Ingredients & Formulation Working Group Chair
authors horizon‑scanning white papers on novel bioactives, clean‑label reformulation and sustainability sourcing to guide member R&D pipelines.
Scientific Dossier Author
compiles peer‑reviewed background packs that underpin structure‑function and health‑claim submissions in Australia, New Zealand and key export markets.
Cross‑Brand Benchmarking
leads comparative analyses of omega‑3, CoQ₁₀, probiotic, adaptogen and mineral categories, translating findings into consumer‑facing scorecards and B2B procurement guides.
Evidence‑Based Masterclasses
delivers quarterly workshops for dietitians, naturopaths, and corporate R&D teams on trial design, biomarker interpretation and regulatory strategy.

03 / Professional profile

Trainer & Curriculum Developer

Louise pairs her research expertise with a passion for capacity‑building in the nutrition sector. Since 2014 she has crafted tiered learning pathways that equip health professionals and industry teams with advanced, evidence‑based skills.

Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification (Level 1–3)
150 CPD‑hour curriculum covering clinical assessment, nutrient‑gene interactions, behaviour‑change science, and culturally responsive counselling. Graduates practise across Australasia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
In‑Service Workshops for Holistic Nutrition Coach
practical training for holistic nutrition coach on interpreting nutrigenomic and metabolic biomarker panels, integrating KInD™ protocols, and managing peri-diabetes in multi‑ethnic populations.
Nutraceutical R&D Masterclasses
intensive sessions for health‑food companies on ingredient substantiation, clinical‑trial design and FSANZ / TGA‑compliant labelling.
Mentorship Hub
a six‑month incubator where emerging coaches develop real‑world client programmes under Louise’s supervision and earn portfolio review for professional accreditation.
KInD™ Programme Faculty Lead
oversees coach onboarding, curriculum updates and outcome tracking for the ketogenic‑intermittent nutrition protocol.

04 / Academic work

Publications & academic record

Google Scholar ↗

Coenzyme Q₁₀ & Mitochondrial Health1 records

Louise W Lu, Jie-Hua Chen, Yi Li & Xue-Song Xiang. 2025 — in finalisation.
Enhancing the Absorption and Bioavailability of Exogenous Coenzyme Q₁₀: Novel Approaches and Mechanisms
. To be submitted to Metabolites (May 2025). DOI TBA

Manuscript status as recorded in the original profile (20 May 2025).

Omega-3 & Lipid Health1 records

Lu, L. W., Quek S. Y., Lu S. P. & Chen J. H. 2023.
Potential Benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (N3PUFAs) on Cardiovascular Health Associated with COVID-19: An Update for 2023
. Metabolites 13(5): 630. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13050630

Glycaemic Regulation & Satiety10 records

Sequeira-Bisson I. R., Lu, L. W. et al. 2024.
Glycaemic Response to a Nut-Enriched Diet in Asian Chinese Adults with Normal or High Glycaemia: The Tū Ora RCT
. Nutrients 16(13): 2103. 10.3390/nu16132103
Lim J. J., Sequeira-Bisson I. R., Yip W. C., Lu, L. W., Miles-Chan J. L. & Poppitt S. D. 2024.
Intra-Pancreatic Fat Is Associated with High Circulating Glucagon and GLP-1 after Whey Protein Ingestion in Overweight Women with Impaired Fasting Glucose
. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice 207: 111084. 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.111084
Lim J. J., Liu Y., Lu, L. W., Sequeira I. R. & Poppitt S. D. 2023.
No Evidence That Circulating GLP-1 or PYY Are Associated with Increased Satiety during Low-Energy Diet-Induced Weight Loss
. Nutrients 15(10): 2399. 10.3390/nu15102399
Lu, L. W., Silvestre M. P., Sequeira I. R. et al. 2021.
A Higher-Protein Nut-Based Snack Product Suppresses Glycaemia and Decreases Glycaemic Response to Co-Ingested Carbohydrate in an Overweight Prediabetic Asian Chinese Cohort
. Journal of Nutritional Science 10: e30. 10.1017/jns.2021.20
Lim J. J., Lu, L. W. et al. 2022.
Does a Higher-Protein Diet Promote Satiety & Weight Loss Independent of Carbohydrate Content? An 8-Week LED Intervention
. Nutrients 14(3): 538. 10.3390/nu14030538
Lim J. J., Lu, L. W. et al. 2022.
Postprandial Glycine as a Biomarker of Satiety: A Dose-Rising Randomised Control Trial of Whey Protein in Overweight Women
. Appetite 169: 105871. 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105871
Lu, L. W. & Chen J. H. 2022.
Seaweeds as Ingredients to Lower Glycemic Potency of Cereal Foods Synergistically — A Perspective
. Foods 11(5): 714. 10.3390/foods11050714
Lu, L. W., Monro J., Lu J. & Rush E. 2018.
The Effect of Cold Treatment of Parboiled Rice with Lowered Glycaemic Potency on Consumer Liking & Acceptability
. Foods 7(12): 207. 10.3390/foods7120207
Lu, L. W., Venn B., Lu J., Monro J. & Rush E. 2017.
Effect of Cold Storage & Reheating of Parboiled Rice on Postprandial Glycaemic Response, Satiety, Palatability & Chewed Particle Size Distribution
. Nutrients 9(5): 475. 10.3390/nu9050475
Lu, L. W., Monro J., Lu J. & Rush E. 2016.
Effect of Cold Storage, Reheating & Particle Sizes on In Vitro Glucose Release & Starch Digestibility among Five Rice Products
. Journal of Rice Research 4: 171. 10.4172/2375-4338.1000171

Pancreatic Fat & Metabolic Risk (TOFI)9 records

Ramzan F., Sequeira-Bisson I. R., Lu, L. W. et al. 2023.
Circulatory miRNAs as Correlates of Elevated Intra-Pancreatic Fat Deposition in a Mixed Ethnic Female Cohort
. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24(18): 14393. 10.3390/ijms241814393
Mathrani A., Lu, L. W., Sequeira-Bisson I. R. et al. 2023.
Gut Microbiota Profiles in Two New Zealand Cohorts with Overweight & Prediabetes: A Tū Ora/PREVIEW Comparative Study
. Frontiers in Microbiology 14: 1244179. 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1244179
Joblin-Mills A., Wu Z., Fraser K. et al. Lu, L. 2022.
The Impact of Ethnicity & Intra-Pancreatic Fat on the Postprandial Metabolome Response to Whey Protein in Overweight Women with Prediabetes
. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes & Healthcare 3: 980856. 10.3389/fcdhc.2022.980856
Sequeira I. R., Yip W., Lu, L. W. et al. 2022.
Exploring the Relationship between Pancreatic Fat & Insulin Secretion in Overweight or Obese Women without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
. PLOS ONE 17(12): e0279085. 10.1371/journal.pone.0279085
Sequeira I. R., Yip W. C., Lu, L. W. et al. 2022.
Pancreas Fat, an Early Marker of Metabolic Risk? A Magnetic Resonance Study of Chinese & Caucasian Women
. Frontiers in Physiology 13: 819606. 10.3389/fphys.2022.819606
Wu Z. E., Fraser K., Kruger M. C., Lu, L. W. et al. 2021.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Plasma Metabolites Predictive of Ectopic Fat in Pancreas & Liver
. International Journal of Obesity 45: 1844-1854. 10.1038/s41366-021-00854-x
Wu Z. E., Fraser K., Kruger M. C., Lu, L. W. et al. 2020.
Metabolomic Signatures for Visceral Adiposity & Dysglycaemia in Asian Chinese & Caucasian European Adults
. Nutrition & Metabolism 17: 95. 10.1186/s12986-020-00518-z
Sequeira I. R., Yip W., Lu, L. W. et al. 2020.
Visceral Adiposity & Glucoregulatory Peptides Are Associated with Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes: The TOFI_Asia Study
. Obesity 28(12): 2368-2378. 10.1002/oby.22994
Cardiorespiratory Fitness & Metabolic Risk: The TOF Asia Study
. Sequeira I. R., Yip W., Lu L W et al. 2020 — in finalisation. To be submitted to Frontiers in Physiology (Dec 2020). DOI TBA

Manuscript status as recorded in the original profile (20 May 2025).

Micronutrient Bioavailability & Iron1 records

Chen J. H., Wang Y., Pan J., Lu, L. W. et al. 2022.
Prebiotic Oligosaccharides Enhance Iron Absorption via Modulation of Protein Expression & Gut Microbiota in Iron-Deficient Rats
. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 66(10): e2101064. 10.1002/mnfr.202101064

Neuroprotection & Carotenoids1 records

Batool Z., Chen J. H., Gao Y., Lu, L. W. et al. 2022.
Natural Carotenoids as Neuroprotective Agents for Alzheimer’s Disease: An Evidence-Based Comprehensive Review
. Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry 70(50): 15631-15646. 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06206

Dietary Strategies & Time-Restricted Eating1 records

Chen J. H., Lu, L. W. et al. 2021.
Missing Puzzle Pieces of Time-Restricted Eating as a Long-Term Weight-Loss Strategy in Overweight & Obese People
. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition. 10.1080/10408398.2021.1974335

Mastication & Eating Behaviour1 records

White A. K., Venn B., Lu, L. W. et al. 2015.
A Comparison of Chewing Rate between Overweight & Normal BMI Individuals
. Physiology & Behavior 145: 8-13. 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.03.028

Anthropometry & Metabolic Syndrome1 records

Jowitt L. M., Lu, L. W. & Rush E. C. 2014.
Migrant Asian Indians in New Zealand: Prediction of Metabolic Syndrome Using Body Weights & Measures
. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 23(3): 541-550. 10.6133/apjcn.2014.23.3.06

Compiled by Louise W. Lu, last updated 20 May 2025.

Conference Proceedings2 records

Blundell B. G. & Lu, L. W. 2015.
Ethical and Professional Issues: Reflections on Course Evolution, Innovation and Student Engagement
. Presented at BCS Quality SG’s INSPIRE 2015 Conference, Loughborough University, UK.
Blundell B. G. & Lu, L. W. 2013.
Ethical and Professional Issues: Transcending the Obstacles to Student Engagement
. In: Proceedings BCS INSPIRE 2013 (18th International Conference for Process Improvement, Research and Education): “Education Inspires”.

Thesis Publications2 records

Lu, L. W. 2016 — PhD.
Which Rice and Why? A Healthier Choice
. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. Full text
Lu, L. W. 2010 — MPH.
Scaled Rectangle Diagrams to Depict Associations between Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes
. University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Invited & Conference Presentations10 records

Lu, L. 2020.
Investigating Higher-Protein Snack for Glycaemic Control in Asian Chinese with Increased Risk of T2D: The HVN Tū Ora Study “One Bar a Day for Diabetes Prevention (1BarDDP)”
. Food, Food Production & Nutrition Theme Meeting, University of Auckland, NZ.
Lu, L. 2020.
Investigating Higher-Protein Diets for Glycaemic Control in Asian Chinese with Increased Risk of T2D
. University of Auckland School of Biological Sciences Showcase, NZ.
Lu, L. & Foster M. 2019.
Tū Ora Project: Supporting Innovation with Science Excellence for NUKU ki te Puku™
. Foodomics, High Value Nutrition, Auckland, NZ.
Tay A., Lu, L. W. et al. 2017.
The Effect of Prolonged Overnight Fasting on Glycaemia in Type 2 Diabetes
. Dietitians New Zealand National Meeting, Wellington.
Sequeira I., Yip W., Lu, L. W. et al. 2017.
Resistance & Susceptibility to Diabetes — Characterising the “TOFI” Profile Using MRI
. International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), Hawai’i, USA.
Sequeira L., Yip W., Lu, L. W. & Poppitt S. 2016.
What’s on the INSIDE Matters — Exploring the “TOFI” Profile across Ethnicities
. ANZOS Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, Australia.
Lu, L. W., Rush E. & Venn B. 2016.
Effect of Rice Cooking Methods on Postprandial Glycaemic Response, Satiety & Palatability
. Nutrition Society of New Zealand Annual Meeting, Christchurch, NZ.
Lu, L. W., Rush E. & Venn B. 2016.
Effect of Rice Cooking Methods on Postprandial Glycaemic Response, Satiety & Palatability
. ANZOS Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, Australia.
Lu, L. W. & Rush E. 2013.
Rice Product, Preparation & Particle Size: In Vitro Effect on Glucose Release & Starch Digestion
. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice 7, e82-e83. 10.1016/j.orcp.2013.12.651
Lu, L. W. & Rush E. 2012.
Preparation Technique & Rice Variety: Modelling the Effect on Long-Term Fasting Blood Glucose
. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice 6: 89.

News Articles2 records

Lu, L. & Milan A. 2020 May 08.
Stevia Not Simple Sweet Answer
. Otago Daily Times.
Lu, L. W. & Rush E. 2011.
Brown Rice May Help to Control Blood Sugar
. The Asian Network Incorporated, p. 1.

05 / Research & collaboration

Some Highlights

Research and collaboration at HNU (2016–2022)

At the University of Auckland’s Human Nutrition Unit, Louise’s work as a Research Fellow combined clinical trials, data analysis and collaborative discussion. Alongside the scientific work, the team exchanged ideas about food and nutrition in a collegial environment that made research a shared endeavour.

International nutraceutical research exchange (2018)

In 2018, Louise joined an MBIE delegation visiting nutraceutical laboratories and companies internationally. The programme offered opportunities to exchange research insights, explore emerging supplement products and discuss the practical relationship between nutritional innovation and consumer acceptability.

New Zealand Embassy visit, Beijing (2018)

A visit to the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing in 2018 provided an opportunity to discuss nutrition, New Zealand foods and cross-cultural collaboration. Informal conversations alongside the visit helped build connections around shared interests in food and health.

Science collaboration in Singapore (2019)

In May 2019, Louise travelled to Singapore with the delegation accompanying Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The visit provided opportunities to develop scientific connections and exchange ideas, with informal discussions over local coffee and food adding a personal dimension to the collaboration.

Continuing to connect nutrition research, professional exchange and practical application.

Connect with LOLU™ Health