Home » Louise W Lu

Louise W Lu

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

Founder of LOLU™ Health and KInD™ (Keto Intermittent™ Diet), an honorary academic at the University of Auckland, Louise's 10-year research journey centers on dietary interventions, metabolic health, nutrient metabolism, and food behaviour. She evaluates the feasibility of dietary interventions and product development through consumer acceptability and sensory analysis, with a commitment to translating research outcomes into public health information.

Tabbed Academic 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.

Since June 2022, she has held a dual role 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.

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.

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.

Coenzyme Q10 & Mitochondrial Health

  • 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

Omega-3 & Lipid Health

  • 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 & Satiety

  • 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)

  • 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

Micronutrient Bioavailability & Iron

  • 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 & Carotenoids

  • 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 Eating

  • 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 Behaviour

  • 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 Syndrome

  • 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 Proceedings

  • 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 Publications

  • 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 Presentations

  • 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 Articles

  • 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.

Some Highlights

Human Nutrition Unit, Auckland
Fun Times & Serious Science at HNU (2016–2022)
Life as a Research Fellow at Auckland’s Human Nutrition Unit wasn’t just about spreadsheets and clinical trials—it was equal parts data wrangling, group brainstorming, and occasionally debating which snacks counted as "healthy carbs." This brilliant bunch made sure science felt more like an adventure than a job!
Nutraceutical Companies Team
Nutraceutical Adventures Worldwide (2018)
In 2018, I hopped aboard an MBIE delegation touring some of the most exciting nutraceutical labs and companies worldwide. We tasted futuristic supplements, swapped research secrets, and laughed (a lot) about how "delicious" some healthy innovations actually weren't.
Beijing NZ Embassy 2018
Embassy Chats & Kiwi Oats in Beijing (2018)
Our visit to the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing quickly turned into lively conversations about nutrition, quirky Kiwi foods, and creative cross-cultural projects. Turns out, diplomacy is best served with a good sense of humour and plenty of coffee!
Singapore Science Collaboration 2019
Singapore Snacks & Science Diplomacy (2019)
In May 2019, I tagged along with PM Jacinda Ardern's team to Singapore—not just to witness history, but to make our own scientific connections over endless rounds of kopi and kaya toast. It was science diplomacy at its tastiest and most relaxed—exactly how it should be!
...and loads more fun-filled science adventures still ahead!

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