Role at BIOVIT
Professor Bracken leads the Swansea University research programme that underpins BIOVIT’s clinical evidence. He designed and led the 30-day human intervention trial comparing the bioavailability of organic, plant-derived micronutrients with their synthetic equivalents — the first study of its kind.
The trial, funded by UKRI through the ‘Better Food for All’ programme, involved 61 healthy volunteers and measured 12 blood biomarkers. The results confirmed equivalent bioavailability between natural and synthetic vitamins, providing the clinical foundation for BIOVIT’s proposition to food and drink brands.
Academic Background
Prof Bracken is based at A-STEM (Applied Sport, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre) within Swansea University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research group specialises in human nutrition, exercise physiology, and micronutrient metabolism.
He leads the Exercise, Medicine and Health research group and has published extensively on topics including endocrine function, physical activity interventions, and nutritional biochemistry. His work spans clinical populations, elite athletes, and healthy adults.
A-STEM achieved 100% world-leading and internationally excellent impact in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
BIOVIT Research Programme
Under Prof Bracken’s leadership, the Swansea research team is delivering across three pillars:
1. Bioavailability & Efficacy
The 30-day randomised controlled trial confirmed that BIOVIT’s organic vitamins and minerals deliver equivalent circulatory levels to synthetic alternatives. Results are being published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2026 and were presented at the Nutrition Society Winter Conference.
2. Stability
In partnership with RSSL and Eurofins, the team is building the most comprehensive natural nutrient stability database in the industry, covering UHT, pasteurisation, baking, carbonation, retort, and ambient storage.
3. Circularity
Through the Swansea BioHub, funded by Welsh and UK Governments, the team is developing methods for extracting natural vitamins and minerals from food processing byproducts — advancing the sustainability of BIOVIT’s supply chain.
Publications
Churm, R., Pitt, J., Sutton, E.H., Bracken, R. (2026). Effects of organic-based vs synthetic-based supplementation on circulatory vitamin and mineral levels in healthy individuals. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society (Nutrition Society Winter Conference).