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Marta Esgalhado, PhD, MSc is a researcher at CBIOS - Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies and a faculty member in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at Universidade Lusófona, Portugal. A fully licensed member of the Portuguese Order of Nutritionists, she holds a BSc in Nutritional Sciences from Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (2010), an MSc in Clinical Nutrition from Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa (2015), a PhD in Cardiovascular Sciences from Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil (2018), and a Postgraduate Diploma in General Management from Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics (2020). Her research initially centered on cardiovascular risk mitigation in chronic kidney disease patients, with a particular emphasis on the effects of dietary interventions and physical exercise on oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota composition. Over time, her research expanded to study dietary patterns and their systemic effects on cardiometabolic health. Marta has published 25 peer-reviewed articles in international scientific journals, with more than 700 citations and an h-index of 13 (june, 2026). She has presented her research at numerous scientific conferences worldwide. In academia, she lectures in six curricular units within the Bachelor's program in Nutritional Sciences and has co-supervised two Master’s dissertations and several undergraduate final projects.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Marta Gormicho Boavida Marques Esgalhado

Citation names

  • Esgalhado, Marta

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
0218-0584-8BD9
ORCID iD
0000-0002-0370-5175

Email addresses

  • marta.esgalhado@ulusofona.pt (Professional)

Knowledge fields

  • Medical and Health Sciences - Health Sciences - Nutrition, Dietetics
Education
Degree Classification
2020
Concluded
 General Management Program (Postgraduate Program)
Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Economia e Gestão, Portugal
2018
Concluded
 Ph.D in Cardiovascular Sciences (Doctorate)
Universidade Federal Fluminense Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Brazil
"Effects of resistant starch supplementation on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis." (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
2015
Concluded
 Masters in Clinical Nutrition (Master's Degree)
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Medicina, Portugal
"Professional internship at the renal nutrition outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Nutrition of the Universidade Federal Fluminense and Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro; Effects of an intradialytic strength training program in chronic kidney disease." (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
2010
Concluded
 Degree in Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree)
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Portugal
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution		 Employer
2023 - Current Researcher (Research) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2015 - 2018 Researcher (Research) Universidade Federal Fluminense Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Brazil

Teaching in Higher Education

Category
Host institution		 Employer
2023 - Current Invited Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
Projects

Contract

Designation Funders
2025 - Current CONTEMFood: Contaminants in Meat Replacement Products: A Contemporary Food Safety Perspective
2024-1.2.3-HU-RIZONT
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Ongoing
2025 - Current SENSA - Saúde, Exercício, Nutrição, Sustentabilidade, Autocuidado: Estratégias (não farmacológicas) para prevenir e reduzir o impacto do perigo cardiovascular e metabólico
2025.07837.SAU+
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Under evaluation
2025 - Current LIFESTAR - LIFEstyle Strategies to Tackle cardiovascular and metabolic Risk
COFAC/ILIND/CBIOS/2/2024
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Ongoing
2025/01/01 - 2029/12/31 Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde
UID/04567/2025
10.54499/UID/04567/2025
Associação Lusófona para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação e Ensino em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2026/07 - 2026/07 Ciência Viva 2026: “Pequenos vasos, grandes segredos: uma viagem pela microcirculação”
CIENCIA VIVA 9839
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Concluded
2026/07 - 2026/07 Ciência Viva 2026: “Detetives do sabor: o poder oculto dos alimentos”
CIENCIA VIVA 9838
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Concluded
2025/06/30 - 2025/07/09 Ciência Viva 2025: "Gordura corporal: inimiga ou aliada? Descobre a verdade com a ciência!"
Ciência Viva 7606
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Concluded
2024 - 2024 VIDA: cardioVascular Impact of a vegetarian Diet - A randomized controlled trial
2023.11952.PEX
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Not funded
2024 - 2024 VIDA: cardioVascular Impact of a vegetarian Diet - A randomized controlled trial
VIDA Project
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
 Fresenius Kabi Pharma Portugal Lda
Not funded
2024 - 2024 Ciência Viva 2024: "O que vês ao Espelho: Realidade ou Ficção?"
Ciência Viva 4990
Researcher
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
Concluded
2015 - 2018 Effects of resistant starch supplementation on the intestinal microbiota profile and cardiovascular markers in patients with chronic kidney disease.
47703315.6.0000.5243
PhD Student Fellow
Universidade Federal Fluminense Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Brazil
 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Concluded
2015 - 2015 Effects of low-protein diet on the expression of transcriptional factors Nrf2 and NF-kB, on the cardiovascular system and on the levels of uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease.
266989147.0000.5243
PhD Student Fellow
Universidade Federal Fluminense Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Brazil
 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Concluded
2013 - 2014 Effects of strength physical exercise on appetite hormones, nutritional status and inflammatory and cardiovascular markers in hemodialysis patients.
0314.0.258.000-11
Master Student Fellow
Universidade Federal Fluminense Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Brazil
 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Concluded
Outputs

Publications

Conference abstract
  1. Oliveira, Leandro; Fontes, Tatiana; Anil, K. S.; Esgalhado, Marta. "Exploring the determinants of fast food eating habits among university students in Portugal". Paper presented in 19º Congresso Sociedade Portuguesa de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  2. Pires, C.; Esgalhado, Marta; Silva, Elisabete; Nicolai, Marisa; Rodrigues, LM. "Active Learning for Health Literacy: Teaching Physiology across Educational Levels". Paper presented in Congresso Nacional de Fisiologia SPF – 2025, 2025.
    Published
Conference poster
  1. Esgalhado, Marta; Saraiva, Ariana; Moura, M.G; Haspolat, Didem; Z, Farkas,; Raposo, António; Maynard, D.C; Costa, Maria do Céu. "Risk Assessment Considerations of Contaminants in Entomophagy as an Alternative Protein Source for Human Consumption: A Scoping Review.". Paper presented in V Jornadas Lusófonas de Nutrição, 2026.
  2. Santos, M.J; Esgalhado, Marta. "Influência do Tempo de Diagnóstico no Estado Nutricional em Idosos com a Doença de Parkinson.". Paper presented in V Jornadas Lusófonas de Nutrição, 2026.
  3. Marta Gormicho Boavida Marques Esgalhado; António Raposo; Ariana Saraiva; Dayanne da Costa Maynard; Didem Aybike Haspolat; José Costa; Maria do Céu Costa. "Edible insects as alternative protein: human consumption risks overview". Paper presented in VI Jornadas CBIOS, 2026.
  4. Esgalhado, Marta; Raposo, António; Saraiva, Ariana; Costa Maynard, D; Haspolat, D. A; Costa, Maria do Céu. "Edible Insects as Alternative Protein: Human Consumption Risks Overview". Paper presented in VI Jornadas CBIOS, 2026.
  5. António Raposo; Marta Gormicho Boavida Marques Esgalhado; Ariana Saraiva; José Costa; Dayanne da Costa Maynard; Didem Aybike Haspolat; Maria do Céu Costa. "Edible insects as alternative protein sources and their risks for human consumption: an up-to-date overview". Paper presented in XI Congreso Internacional de Ingeniería Agroindustrial, 2025.
  6. Raposo, António; Esgalhado, Marta; Saraiva, Ariana; Costa Maynard, D; Haspolat, D.A; Costa, Maria do Céu. "Edible Insects as Alternative Proteins Sources and Their Risk for Human Consumption: An Up-to-Date Overview". 2025.
  7. Oliveira, L.; Fontes, Tatiana; Anil, K.S; Esgalhado, Marta. "Exploring the Determinants of Fast Food Eating Habits among University Students in Portugal". Paper presented in SPCNA Congress 2025, 2025.
  8. Carolina Pires; Elisabete Silva; Marta Esgalhado; Marisa Nicolai; Luís Monteiro Rodrigues. "Active learning for health literacy: teaching physiology across educational levels". Paper presented in Congresso Nacional de Fisiologia 2025, 2025.
  9. Pires, C.; Silva, Elisabete; Esgalhado, Marta; Nicolai, Marisa; Rodrigues, LM. "Active Learning for Health Literacy: Teaching Physiology across Educational Levels.". Paper presented in Congresso Nacional de Fisiologia SPF – 2025, 2025.
  10. Haspolat, D.A; Esgalhado, Marta; Saraiva, Ariana; Costa, J; Raposo, A; Costa Maynard, D; Costa, M.C. "Design of a Literature Review on Insects as Alternative Sources of Proteins and Potential Risks". Paper presented in IV Bio.Natural 2025 – Bioactive Natural Products Research Conference, 2025.
  11. Esgalhado, Marta; Fontes, Tatiana; Lopes, Sofia; Regina Menezes; Monteiro Rodrigues, L; Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia. "Impact of diet quality on cardiometabolic markers and 10-year cardiovascular risk: evidence from vegetarian and omnivorous diets". Paper presented in XXIV Coongresso de Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  12. Fontes, Tatiana; Esgalhado, Marta; Lopes, Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Cebola, Marisa; Monteiro Rodrigues, L; Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia. "Diet Quality in Omnivorous and Vegetarians: Impact on Cardiovascular Risk, Lipid Profile and Body Composition". Paper presented in XXIV Congresso de Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  13. Esgalhado, Marta; Fontes, Tatiana; Lopes, Sofia; Regina Menezes; Monteiro Rodrigues, L; Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia. "Diet Quality and its Role in Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk: Evidence from Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets". Paper presented in XXIV Congresso de Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  14. Marta Esgalhado; Tatiana Fontes; Sofia Lopes; Regina Menezes; Luís Monteiro Rodrigues; Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo. "Diet quality and its role in body composition and cardiovascular risk: evidence from vegetarian and omnivorous diets". Paper presented in XXIV Congresso de Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  15. Marta Esgalhado; Tatiana Fontes; Sofia Lopes; Regina Menezes; Luís Monteiro Rodrigues; Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo. "Impact of diet quality on cardiometabolic markers and 10-year cardiovascular risk: evidence from vegetarian and omnivorous diets". Paper presented in XXIV Congresso de Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  16. Tatiana Fontes; Marta Esgalhado; Sofia Lopes; Elisabete Carolino; Marisa Cebola; L Monteiro Rodrigues; Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo. "Diet quality in omnivorous and vegetarians: impact on cardiovascular risk, lipid profile and body composition". Paper presented in XXIV Congresso de Nutrição e Alimentação, 2025.
  17. Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia; Fontes, Tatiana; Esgalhado, Marta; Lopes, Sofia; Regina de A. Menezes; Monteiro Rodrigues, L. "Cardiovascular 10-Year Risk: Analysis of Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets". Paper presented in LIX Congresso Anual da Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, 2024.
  18. Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo; Tatiana Fontes; Marta Esgalhado; Sofia Lopes; Regina de A. Menezes; L Monteiro Rodrigues. "Cardiovascular 10-Year risk: analysis of vegetarian and omnivorous diets". Paper presented in LIX Congresso Anual da Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, 2024.
  19. Denise Mafra; Kemp, Julie Ann; Esgalhado, Marta; Paiva, Bruna; de Jesus, Hugo E; Santos, Henrique Fragoso. "Effects of resistant starch type-2 cookies on gut microbiota profile in hemodialysis patients.". Paper presented in American Society of Nephrology-Kidney week, 2020.
  20. Denise Mafra; Kemp, Julie Ann; Santos, Henrique Fragoso; de Jesus, Hugo E; Esgalhado, Marta; Bruna Regis de Paiva; BERGAMN, P.; STENVINKEL, P.; LINDHOLM, B. "High amylose resistant starch cookies supplementation does not decrease trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) plasma level in hemodialysis patients". Paper presented in American Society of Nephrology-Kidney week, 2020.
  21. Bruna Regis de Paiva; Esgalhado, Marta; Natália A. Borges; Kemp, Julie Ann; CARDOZO, L.; Jessyca Sousa Brito; LEITE, P. E. C; et al. "Resistant Starch Supplementation Attenuates Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients". Paper presented in Kidney Week 2019, 2019.
  22. Julie Ann Kemp; Esgalhado, Marta; MACEDO, R. A; mariana pessoa; Bruna Regis de Paiva; DAMASCENO, N. R; MOREIRA, N. X; et al. "Erythrocyte fatty acid profile in hemodialysis patients: Is there a link with inflammatory and oxidative stress state?". Paper presented in XIX International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease, 2018.
  23. Julie Ann Kemp; RICCIARELLI, G. F. ; Esgalhado, Marta; MACEDO, R. A; Bruna Regis de Paiva; DAMASCENO, N. R; MOREIRA, N. X. ; et al. "Is there a link between polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and uremic toxins in hemodialysis patients?". Paper presented in XIX International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease, 2018.
  24. Denise Mafra; MACEDO, R. A; Cardozo, Ludmila F. M. F.; Natália A. Borges; Lia S. Nakao; JARDIM, M. Z. ; Bruna Regis de Paiva; Julie Ann Kemp; Esgalhado, Marta. "Effect of resistant starch supplementation on the indole-3-acetic acid levels and aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in hemodialysis patients.". Paper presented in American Society of Nephrology-Kidney week, 2018.
  25. Esgalhado, Marta; Kemp, J.A; Azevedo, R; Stockler-Pinto, M.B; Migliano, D; Mafra, Denise. "Resistant starch supplementation may improve inflammatory and oxidative stress status in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial". Paper presented in V Jornada Anual em Ciências Cardiovasculares, 2018.
  26. Azevedo, R; Esgalhado, M; Kemp, J.A; Stockler-Pinto, M.B; Migliano, D; Mafra, Denise. "Effect of resistant starch supplementation on the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis". Paper presented in V Jornada Anual em Ciências Cardiovasculares, 2018.
  27. Esgalhado, Marta; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; Natália A. Borges; Cardozo, Ludmila F. M. F.; Bruna Regis de Paiva; JARDIM, M. Z. ; Julie Ann Kemp; Denise Mafra. "Effects of Resistant Starch Supplementation on Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Status in Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Tria". Paper presented in American Society of Nephrology-Kidney week, 2017.
  28. Denise Mafra; Esgalhado, Marta; TESTA, M. C. R. R. ; Drielly C. M. de Vargas Reis; SILVA, G. S. ; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto. "Effects of low protein diet on cardiovascular risk markers in in nondialysis CKD patients". Paper presented in XVIII International Society on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease (ISRNM), 2016.
  29. Esgalhado, Marta; Macedo, R.M; Kemp, J.A; Marinho, S; Testa, M.C; Zogbi, M; Mafra, Denise. "Effects of resistant starch supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in chronic kidney disease patients under hemodialysis.". Paper presented in IV Jornada Anual em Ciências Cardiovasculares e I Simpósio Internacional de Exercício e (in)Atividade Física, 2016.
  30. Macedo, R.M; Esgalhado, Marta; Kemp, J.A; Marinho, S; Testa, M.C; Zogbi, M; Mafra, Denise. "Effect of resistant starch supplementation on the lipid and glycemic profile of patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative treatment.". Paper presented in IV Jornada Anual em Ciências Cardiovasculares e I Simpósio Internacional de Exercício e (in)Atividade Física, 2016.
  31. Esgalhado, Marta; Stockler-Pinto, M.B; Mafra, Denise. "Effects of resistant starch supplementation on intestinal microbiota profile and cardiovascular markers in patients with chronic kidney disease". Paper presented in III Jornada Anual em Ciências Cardiovasculares, 2015.
  32. Esgalhado, Marta; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; Cardozo, Ludmila F. M. F.; BARBOZA, J. E. ; COSTA, C. ; Denise Mafra. "Effect of acute strength exercise on the oxidative stress responses in hemodialysis patients.". Paper presented in XVII International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease, 2014.
  33. Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; Cardozo, Ludmila F. M. F.; BARBOZA, J. E; Esgalhado, Marta; COSTA, C; Denise Mafra. "Effect of acute strength exercise on the plasma irisin levels in hemodialysis patients.". Paper presented in XVII International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease, 2014.
  34. COSTA, C; Esgalhado, Marta; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; Cardozo, Ludmila F. M. F.; BARBOZA, J. Ejorge barboza; denise mafra. "Efeitos do exercício de força agudo no estresse oxidativo em pacientes sob hemodiálise". Paper presented in 69 Congresso Brasileiro de Cardiologia, 2014.
Encyclopedia entry
  1. Tatiana Fontes; Sofia Lopes; Regina Menezes; Marta Esgalhado; LM Rodrigues; Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo. "Exploring vegetarian and omnivorous approaches to cardiovascular risk and body composition". In Scholarly Community Encyclopedia. MDPI, 2024. https://encyclopedia.pub/video/1424.
    Published
Journal article
  1. Oliveira, Leandro; Salgueiro, Mariana; Esgalhado, Marta. "Fast-Food Consumption Frequency, Food-Choice Motivations, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Young Football Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study". Nutrients 18 12 (2026): 1850. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18121850.
    Published • 10.3390/nu18121850
  2. Leandro Oliveira; Joana Ferreira; Marta Esgalhado. "Exploring the relationship between functional food perceptions and Mediterranean diet adherence in a Portuguese adult sample". Discover Food 5 1 (2025): https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105021992538.
    Open access • Published • 10.1007/s44187-025-00645-7
  3. Marta Esgalhado; António Raposo; Najla A. Albaridi; Thamer Alslamah; Nada Alqarawi; Leandro Oliveira. "Mediterranean Diet, Sleep Quality, Perceived Stress, and Physical Activity: A Pilot Study Among School Teachers". Nutrients 17 17 (2025): https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105015895415.
    Open access • Published • 10.3390/nu17172745
  4. Leandro Oliveira; António Raposo; Thamer Alslamah; Hani A. Alfheeaid; Nada Alqarawi; Marta Esgalhado. "Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Sleep Quality Among Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Portugal: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study". Nutrients 17 18 (2025): https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105017169634.
    Open access • Published • 10.3390/nu17182948
  5. Livia Alvarenga; Ludmila F. M. F. Cardozo; Márcia Ribeiro; Fernanda Kussi; Marta Esgalhado; Denise Mafra. "Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of N-Formyl Peptide Signaling in Chronic Diseases". Molecules (2025): https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142981.
    10.3390/molecules30142981
  6. Ribeiro, Marcia; Alvarenga, Livia; Cardozo, Ludmila F. M. F.; Baptista, Beatriz G.; Nascimento, Danielle; Esgalhado, Marta; Mafra, Denise. "Urolithin as a Metabolite of Ellagitannins and Ellagic Acid from Fruits and Nuts Produced by the Gut Microbiota: Its Role on Non-Communicable Diseases". Current Nutrition Reports 14 1 (2025): https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00645-0.
    10.1007/s13668-025-00645-0
  7. Fontes, Tatiana; Lopes, Sofia; Menezes, Regina; Esgalhado, Marta; Monteiro Rodrigues, Luís; Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia. "Exploring Vegetarian and Omnivorous Approaches to Cardiovascular Risk and Body Composition". Nutrients 16 13 (2024): 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu16132013.
    Published • 10.3390/nu16132013
  8. Laís de Souza Gouveia Moreira; Isabela de Souza da Costa Brum; Drielly C. M. de Vargas Reis; Liana Trugilho; Tuany R. Chermut; Marta Esgalhado; Ludmila F. M. F. Cardozo; et al. "Cinnamon: an aromatic condiment applicable to chronic kidney disease". Kidney Research and Clinical Practice (2023): https://doi.org/10.23876/j.krcp.22.111.
    10.23876/j.krcp.22.111
  9. Julie Ann Kemp; Henrique Fragoso dos Santos; Hugo Emiliano de Jesus; Marta Esgalhado; Bruna Regis de Paiva; Renata Azevedo; Peter Stenvinkel; et al. "Resistant Starch Type-2 Supplementation Does Not Decrease Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Plasma Level in Hemodialysis Patients". Journal of the American Nutrition Association (2022): https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.1967814.
    10.1080/07315724.2021.1967814
  10. Renata Azevedo; Marta Esgalhado; Julie Ann Kemp; Bruna Regis; Ludmila FMF Cardozo; Lia S. Nakao; Jessyca Sousa de Brito; Denise Mafra. "Resistant starch supplementation effects on plasma indole 3-acetic acid and aryl hydrocarbon receptor mRNA expression in hemodialysis patients: Randomized, double blind and controlled clinical trial". Brazilian Journal of Nephrology 42 3 (2020): 273-279. https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2020-0003.
    10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2020-0003
  11. de Paiva BR; Esgalhado M; Borges NA; Julie Ann Kemp; Gutemberg Alves; Paulo Emilio Leite; Macedo R; et al. "Resistant starch supplementation attenuates inflammation in hemodialysis patients: a pilot study.". International urology and nephrology (2020): https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-020-02392-3.
    10.1007/s11255-020-02392-3
  12. Marta Esgalhado; Julie Ann Kemp; Bruna R. de Paiva; Jessyca Sousa Brito; Ludmila F. M. F. Cardozo; Renata Azevedo; Diana Barbosa Cunha; Lia S. Nakao; Denise Mafra. "Resistant starch type-2 enriched cookies modulate uremic toxins and inflammation in hemodialysis patients: a randomized, double-blind, crossover and placebo-controlled trial". Food & Function 11 3 (2020): 2617-2625. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9FO02939G.
    10.1039/C9FO02939G
  13. Mafra D; Esgalhado M; Borges NA; Ludmila Cardozo; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; Craven H; Buchanan SJ; et al. "Methyl Donor Nutrients in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on the Epigenetic Landscape.". The Journal of nutrition (2019): https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxy289.
    10.1093/jn/nxy289
  14. Julie Ann Kemp; Esgalhado M; Macedo RA; Regis B; Damasceno NRT; da Silva Torres EAF; Gustavo Gonçalinho; et al. "A possible link between polyunsaturated fatty acids and uremic toxins from the gut microbiota in hemodialysis patients: A hypothesis.". Hemodialysis international. International Symposium on Home Hemodialysis (2019): https://doi.org/10.1111/hdi.12725.
    10.1111/hdi.12725
  15. Denise Mafra; Natália Borges; Livia Alvarenga; Marta Esgalhado; Ludmila Cardozo; Bengt Lindholm; Peter Stenvinkel. "Dietary Components That May Influence the Disturbed Gut Microbiota in Chronic Kidney Disease". Nutrients (2019): https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/3/496.
    10.3390/nu11030496
  16. Anjos JS; Ludmila Cardozo; Esgalhado M; Bengt Lindholm; Peter Stenvinkel; Fouque D; Mafra D. "Could Low-Protein Diet Modulate Nrf2 Pathway in Chronic Kidney Disease?". Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation (2018): https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jrn.2017.11.005.
    10.1053/j.jrn.2017.11.005
  17. Esgalhado MGBM; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; Ludmila Cardozo; Barboza JE; Mafra D. "Does high intensity exercise affects irisin plasma levels in hemodialysis patients? A pilot study.". Jornal brasileiro de nefrologia (2018): https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC6533975.
    10.1590/1678-4685-jbn-3802
  18. Marta Esgalhado; Julie A. Kemp; Renata Azevedo; Bruna R. Paiva; Milena B. Stockler-Pinto; Carla J. Dolenga; Natália A. Borges; Lia S. Nakao; Denise Mafra. "Could resistant starch supplementation improve inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and uremic toxins levels in hemodialysis patients? A pilot randomized controlled trial". Food & Function 9 12 (2018): 6508-6516. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8FO01876F.
    10.1039/C8FO01876F
  19. C.C. Abreu; L.F.M.F. Cardozo; M.B. Stockler-Pinto; M. Esgalhado; J.E. Barboza; R. Frauches; D. Mafra. "Does resistance exercise performed during dialysis modulate Nrf2 and NF-¿B in patients with chronic kidney disease?". Life Sciences (2017): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2017.09.007.
    10.1016/j.lfs.2017.09.007
  20. Marta Esgalhado; Julie A Kemp; Nagila RT Damasceno; Denis Fouque; Denise Mafra. "Short-chain fatty acids: a link between prebiotics and microbiota in chronic kidney disease". Future Microbiology (2017): http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/fmb-2017-0059.
    10.2217/fmb-2017-0059
  21. Brito JS; Borges NA; Esgalhado M; D'Angelo Magliano; Christophe Soulage; Mafra D. "Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Uremic Toxins.". Nephron (2017): https://doi.org/10.1159/000476074.
    10.1159/000476074
  22. Esgalhado M; Peter Stenvinkel; Mafra D. "Nonpharmacologic Strategies to Modulate Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related Factor 2 Pathway in Chronic Kidney Disease.". Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation (2017): https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jrn.2017.01.022.
    10.1053/j.jrn.2017.01.022
  23. Esgalhado M; Borges NA; Mafra D. "Could physical exercise help modulate the gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease?". Future microbiology (2016): https://doi.org/10.2217/fmb.16.12.
    10.2217/fmb.16.12
  24. Esgalhado M; Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto; de França Cardozo LF; Costa C; Barboza JE; Mafra D. "Effect of acute intradialytic strength physical exercise on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in hemodialysis patients.". Kidney research and clinical practice (2015): https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4570601.
    10.1016/j.krcp.2015.02.004
  25. Esgalhado, Marta; Mafra, Denise. "Influence of Physical Exercise on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients". Journal of Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis 06 03 (2015): https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-9929.1000e120.
    10.4172/2155-9929.1000e120
  26. Esgalhado, Marta; Mafra, D. "Influence of Physical Exercise on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients". Journal of Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis 06 03 (2015): https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-9929.1000e120.
    10.4172/2155-9929.1000e120
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2024 VIDA - cardioVascular Impact of a vegetarian Diet - A randomized controlled trial. 22º Prémio Fresenius Kabi - XXVI Congresso Anual APNEP
2018/10 Resistant starch supplementation reduces indoxyl sulfate levels in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. American Society of Nephrology-Kidney week
(San Diego, CA, United States)
2018/06 Resistant starch supplementation lowers plasma indoxyl sulfate in hemodialysis patients: a pilot randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial. XIX International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease
(Genova, Italy)
2018/06 High amylose resistant starch supplementation ameliorates inflammatory and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients: A pilot randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial. XIX International Congress on Nutrition and Metabolism in Renal Disease
(Genova, Italy)
2015/05 Effect of acute intradialytic strength physical exercise on the inflammatory and oxidative stress response in hemodialysis patients. XIV Nutrition and Food Congress
(Lisboa, Portugal)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role		 Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2025 - 2026 Influence of Diagnosis Time on Nutritional Status in Elderly Individuals with Parkinson's Disease
Supervisor of Maria João Santos
 Nutrition Sciences (Degree)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025 - 2026 Assessment of the Hydration Status of Players from the Sporting Clube de Portugal U23 and B Teams and its Relationship with the Perception of Thirst and Effort
Supervisor
 Nutrition Sciences (Degree)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024 - 2025 Assessment and comparison of 10-Year cardiovascular disease risk prediction models in vegetarian and omnivorous adults”
Supervisor of Ana Rita Viana Ferreira
 Nutrition Sciences (Degree)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2024 - 2024 Perception, Satisfaction and Distortion of Body Image and its Correlation with Body Composition: An Analysis of Nutrition Science Students
Supervisor of PatrÍcia Serra Ferreira
 Nutrition Sciences (Degree)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2016 - 2018 Plasma fatty acid profile of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis and possible associations with inflammation.
Co-supervisor of Julie Ann Kemp Duarte
 Medical Sciences (Master)
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
2016 - 2018 Effect of resistant starch supplementation on the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.
Co-supervisor of Renata de Azevedo Macedo
 Cardiovascular Sciences (Master)
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
2016 - 2017 Effects of resistant starch supplementation in the inflammatory profile of patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.
Co-supervisor of Maria Clara Ribeiro Testa
 Nutrition Sciences (Degree)
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil

Event organisation

Event name
Type of event (Role)		 Institution / Organization
2026/03 - Current Foro CYTED (2026)
Seminar
 Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/07/06 - 2026/07/10 Ocupação Científica de Jovens nas Férias 2026 (2026/07/06 - 2026/07/10)
Workshop (Other)
2026/05/26 - 2026/05/26 Seminário de Anatomia IIObesidade mórbida: comorbilidades e tratamentos (2026/05/26)
Seminar (Co-organiser)
2026/03/29 - 2026/04/02 Foro CYTED (2026/03/29)
Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)
2026/03/24 - 2026/03/24 V Jornadas Lusófonas da Nutrição (2026 - 2026)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/03/24 - 2026/03/24 V Jornadas Lusófonas da Nutrição (2026)
Congress (Member of the Scientific Committee)
 Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/03/24 - 2026/03/24 V Jornadas Lusófonas de Nutrição (2026/03/24 - 2026/03/24)
Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)
2026/02/06 - 2026/02/06 VI Jornadas CBIOS (2026/02/06)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/02/06 - 2026/02/06 VI Jornadas CBIOS (2026/02/06 - 2026/02/06)
Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)
2026 - 2026 Ciência Viva no Laboratório (2026/07/06)
Other (Co-organiser)
2025/12/15 - 2025/12/15 Governance em Saúde: Quais são as perspetivas de carreira no setor público e privado? (2025/12/15)
Seminar (Co-organiser)
2025 - 2025 Ciência Viva no Laboratório 2025 (2025/06/30)
Other (Co-organiser)
2024/03/15 - 2024/03/16 IV Jornadas Lusófonas de Nutrição (2024/03)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event		 Event name
Institution / Organization
2026/02 - Current VI Jornadas CBIOS
Conference
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Centro de Investigação em Biociências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal

Jury of academic degree

Topic
Role		 Candidate name (Type of degree)
Institution / Organization
2026/02/20 Perception of Training Needs Regarding Nutrition in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Among Nurses in the Pediatric Service of the CUF Descobertas Hospital
President of the jury
 Catarina Simões Rodrigues (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/02/20 TNF-alpha as an Indicator of Inflammation and Progression of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Relationship with Clinical, Metabolic, and Pancreatic Functional Parameters
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Ana Filipa Barreiras Custódio (Master)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/02/20 Evaluation of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in Plasma from Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Liane Margarida Balau Barros (Master)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/02/03 Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Determinants of Fast-Food Consumption in Children and Young People Playing Football and Their Guardians
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Mariana Salgueiro (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2026/02/03 Parents' Consumption Behaviors: Influences on the Eating Habits and Nutritional Status of Children in the 1st Cycle
President of the jury
 Maria Inês Delgado (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025/12/15 Nutrition, Nutritional Status and Food and Nutritional Knowledge of Pregnant Women in the Autonomous Region of Madeira
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Patrícia Isabel Quintal Gomes (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025/12/11 Characterization of the Eating Habits and Behaviors of the Adult Population in the Municipality of Lourinhã
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Filipa Correia Nunes (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025/11/11 Relationship between Diet Quality, Eating Behavior, and Frequency of Injuries in Pre-Professional Dancers.
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Márcia Filipe Ventura Mestre (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025/09/15 Influence of Micronutrient Intake on Physical Performance and Recovery in Elite Speed ¿¿Swimmers
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Diana Sofia Ribeiro Serra (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025/04 Perception, knowledge, and consumption of functional foods in a sample of the Portuguese population
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Joana Vanessa Bento Ferreira (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025 Perception, Knowledge and Consumption of Functional Foods in a Sample of the Brazilian Population
(Thesis) Arguer
 Francisco Maria Carneiro Pacheco D´Orey (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024/07 Sarcopenia: Assessment of elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy – CUF Descobertas hospital
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Francisco Manuel Rodrigues Pontes (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024/07 Assessment of nutritional status and eating behaviour in pre-professional ballet dancers: relationship with perceived exertion
President of the jury
 Maria da Piedade Valadas Parreira Cano (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024/07 Impact of carrying out activities associated with food preparation at dinner for children belonging to the MUN-SI program
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Carolina Jardim Fidalgo (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024/04 Risk identification and assessment of nutritional status in elderly people with femoral neck fractures
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Daniela Padeira Gonçalves Ferreira (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024/03 Nutritional status of children in the 1st cycle of basic education in schools in the Amadora Oeste – Lisbon group
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Valdirene de Sousa Lima Maia (Other)
Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal

Ad Hoc journal article review

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2022 - Current Biomedical and Biopharmaceutical Research

Association member

Society Organization name Role
2024 - Current Sociedade Portuguesa de Fisiologia
2024 - Current Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição
2015 - Current Grupo de pesquisa em doença renal - Denise Mafra (External organisation) Member
2012 - Current Ordem dos Nutricionistas Full member

Committee member

Activity description
Role		 Institution / Organization
2024 - Current Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição (External organisation) Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição, Portugal
2023 - Current Sociedade Portuguesa de Fisiologia (External organisation) Sociedade Portuguesa de Fisiologia, Portugal

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2025 - Current Anatomy II Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2025 - Current Anatomy I Nutrition Sciences (Licenciatura) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024 - Current Physiology II Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2024 - Current Biochemistry I Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências Económicas e das Organizações, Portugal
2023 - Current Bromatology Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2023 - Current Physiology I Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal
2023 - Current Pathology Nutrition Sciences (Licenciate Degree) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Escola de Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Portugal

Journal scientific committee

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2025 - Current Frontiers in Nutrition (2296-861X) Frontiers Media SA
Distinctions

Award

2024 VIVER SAUDÁVEL: MET_BCCV - Awarded as Project of the Year in Research category