In the quiet village of Gopinagar in West Bengal, India, where electricity and modern conveniences were once a luxury, a young boy sat beneath the broad leaves of an Ashwatha tree, absorbing lessons that would one day ripple across continents. That boy, Asim K Duttaroy, would grow into a world-renowned medical scientist whose work would save lives, change policies, and transform the understanding of human health.
Today, Asim K Duttaroy stands as a towering figure in the medical research community, a symbol of perseverance, intellect, and purpose. As a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo since 2001, his groundbreaking contributions in cardiovascular health and fetal development have placed him at the forefront of global scientific innovation.
Asim K Duttaroy: From Village Roots to Global Recognition
Born and raised in the rural village of Gopinagar, where basic amenities were a dream and textbooks were treasures, Asim K Duttaroy’s formative years were not marked by privilege, but by passion. With a school that operated under open skies, Duttaroy’s thirst for knowledge ignited early. That humble beginning forged in him a relentless desire to explore the mysteries of life and health.
His academic journey took him from India to prestigious research centers in the USA, UK, and Norway. But it was not just the change in geography that marked his journey—it was his transformation into a trailblazer in medical science.
A Legacy Built on Scientific Innovation
Asim K Duttaroy has authored over 500 peer-reviewed publications, including original research articles, reviews, and book chapters. With a h-index of 62 and an i10-index of 202, his academic influence spans generations and geographies. He has mentored 35 Ph.D. and MD students and evaluated 278 doctoral theses across six countries.
His research spans two core areas that impact millions of lives:
1. Cardiovascular Health and the Birth of Fruitflow®
One of Dr. Asim K Duttaroy’s most revolutionary discoveries came during his tenure as a Professor at the Rowett Research Institute, University of Aberdeen. There, he discovered that a water-soluble extract from tomatoes could prevent blood platelet aggregation—a breakthrough in cardiovascular health.
This extract, later branded as Fruitflow®, was clinically proven to help reduce the risk of blood clots and improve cardiovascular function. In 2009, Fruitflow® became the first functional food ingredient to receive an approved proprietary health claim from the European Union under Article 13(5) of the EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation.
Today, Fruitflow® is available in over 75 countries, saving lives by offering a natural, side-effect-free alternative to traditional antiplatelet medication.
2. Fetal Development and the Brain’s Blueprint
Another cornerstone of Duttaroy’s legacy is his work on placental transport mechanisms. His research illuminated how essential fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are selectively transferred from the mother to the fetus via the placenta.
These nutrients are vital for fetal brain development, especially during the third trimester. Duttaroy identified key proteins, such as FABPpm, FAT/CD36, and FATP, as responsible for this selective nutrient transfer. His discoveries are now foundational in maternal nutrition guidelines, baby food formulations, and pre-conception dietary programs worldwide.
A Force for Change Beyond the Lab
Beyond his research, Asim K Duttaroy serves as Editor-in-Chief of Food & Nutrition Research and sits on editorial boards of esteemed journals including Nutrients, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids, and Frontiers. His influence extends into policy and innovation, as he has been a panel member nominating candidates for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine since 2012, and is a member of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Duttaroy is also behind HeartyFine, a kiwifruit-based supplement developed to lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular wellness. This product is now marketed in India and adds another feather to his already illustrious cap.
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