30 August 2011 Last updated at 06:28 ET

University of Surrey probes shift workers' diets

Researchers trying to find a dietary solution to health problems caused by shift work and jet lag are looking for men to take part in their study.

Experts at the University of Surrey are investigating whether eating a main meal at different times of day can alter people's body clocks.

They said their results may prove that dietary interventions could minimise problems with shift work and jet lag.

The scientists need 42 men aged between 20 and 30 to take part in the research.

'Potential large benefit'

Senior lecturer Jonathan Johnston said: "This is an extremely exciting study that builds upon our recent advances in human biological rhythm research.

"We anticipate that the study will help develop a dietary solution to minimise health problems due to shift work and jet lag.

"The work therefore has the potential to benefit a large section of the population."

The participants, who need to be healthy non-smokers and moderately active, will take part in a seven-day session at home and a six-day session in a laboratory.

During the home-based session, they will need to have a regular sleep and meal routine.

In the laboratory, they will provide saliva, blood and fat samples at regular intervals with their blood sugar levels and skin temperature being constantly monitored. The university said the participants would be compensated for time spent on the study.