Maria Kantilafti

Maria Kantilafti is a Lecturer in Clinical Dietetics and Metabolism at the Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus since September 2024. Previously, she served as a Special Scientist at European University Cyprus (2019–2024) and Harokopio University (2009). Her academic credentials include a Doctorate from European University Cyprus (2024), a Master’s from Harokopio University (2010), and a Bachelor’s in Nutrition (2008), all from the School of Health Science & Education.

Her research focuses on nutritional epidemiology, public health nutrition, and clinical nutrition, with particular emphasis on food insecurity, obesity, iron deficiency, and metabolic disorders. Key projects include the Food Insecurity, Nutritional Behavior, and Chronic Disease study (2022) and the MedWeight Cyprus initiative (2021–2022). Her work often explores the interplay between dietary habits and chronic diseases in vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.

Her publications (2010–2024) address topics such as the double burden of obesity and iron deficiency in children, the impact of probiotics on mental health, and the association between meal timing and multimorbidity. Notably, her 2023 meta-analysis on food insecurity and multimorbidity earned recognition from the Hellenic Society of Medicine.

Maria has coordinated multiple research projects and served as an Assistant Researcher in studies like the Postmenopausal Health Study (2009) and Nutritional Intervention for Heart Diseases (2008). She actively contributes to academic committees and has presented findings at conferences, including the Healthy Growth Study series (2010–2017).

Her professional activities include editorial advisory roles and participation in health promotion initiatives, reflecting her dedication to bridging research with community health interventions.