Metabolic Disorder Research

Researchers in the Department of Nutritional Sciences focus on the following disease states.

Cancer

Faculty members who research the impact of nutrition on cancer include:

Cardiovascular

Conducting research on nutrition and metabolic disorders frequently requires controlling what participants eat for short periods of time. Providing foods to be eaten at home is one way of doing this.

Faculty members who research the impact of nutrition on cardiovascular disease include:

• Penny Kris-Etherton
• Rita Castro

Diabetes Mellitus

Faculty members who research the impact of nutrition on diabetes mellitus include:

• Penny Kris-Etherton

Immunological Disorders

Retinol Binding Protein Retinol is a form of Vitamin A. Vitamin A status is associated with survival when children have infections. For this reason, it is important to know how vitamin A influences the immune system of children and develop nutrition indicators of vitamin A status.

Faculty members who research the impact of nutrition on immunological disorders include:

Obesity/Anorexia

Research in the department has demonstrated we consistently eat more when given larger portions. With more people eating out and the increase in restaurant portions, this seems to be a factor in the obesity problem.

Faculty members who research the impact of nutrition on obesity and anorexia include:

• Kathleen Keller
• Jennifer Savage Williams

Osteoporosis

Research in the department has looked at the impact of weight loss, weight loss diets, and restrained eating on bone mineral density and bone metabolism.

Faculty members who research the impact of nutrition on osteoporosis include:

• Barbara Rolls