Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

The Protective Effects Of Anthocyanins On Differentiated Sh-Sy5y Cells, Abigail F. Lynn

Honors Program Projects

Background

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are debilitating neurodegenerative diseases that are largely thought to be exacerbated, and perhaps even caused by oxidative stress in and around neurons. Green tea is known to contain various nutrients that reduce oxidative stress. Anthocyanins are group of nutrients that are found in plants that have red, purple, or black fruit. They have been shown to directly reduce oxidative stress and may also affect the activity of enzymes such as catalase that reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be simulated by LPS and D-galactose (DG), sugars that are commonly found on pathogens. SH-SY5Y cells are neuronal …

The Effects Of Creatine Supplementation On Muscle Synthesis And Fitness Levels In Drosophila Melanogaster Using A Model Of Muscle Atrophy, Kevin Williams

Honors Program Projects

This study examines whether an inhibited electron transport chain can be aided with supplemented creatine to make up for the challenged adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production mechanism. The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes in the mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and couples this reaction with the transfer of protons across the membrane to produce ATP. The differences between male and female flies and the supplementation of creatine at a 0.15% concentration was studied. The relationship between these components was studied over the course of two 3-week trials using a fly treadmill and Drosophila. The effects of creatine …

The Relationship Between Black Coffee Consumption And Weight Status, Amy Kaczor

Honors Program Projects

Learning Outcome: To understand the relationship between the amount of black coffee consumed and Body Mass Index (BMI) in individuals 18 years and older.

Background: Researchers have debated the relationship between weight status and coffee consumption with conflicting results. Lee, Kim, & Kim (2017) found a positive trend exists between the amount of coffee consumed and BMI. Conversely, Grosso et al. (2015) found an inverse trend between coffee consumption and BMI.

Methods: Quantitative design was used. A researcher constructed questionnaire was piloted through SNAP Survey at a small Midwestern university receiving 939 complete responses. Three questions were included on …

To What Extent Does Posted Nutrition Information In Fast Food Restaurants Influence Consumer Food Choices?, Kelsey D. Watson

Honors Program Projects

A study of a sample (n=59) of college students at a small, liberal arts university investigated the efficacy of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010’s Section 4205, which necessitated calorie labeling on menus of all restaurants, including fast food establishments, with 20 or more locations. The control group (n=31) of students was presented with popular fast food menu items as they currently appear on the menu, without caloric content or a recommended calorie intake statement. The experimental group (n=28) was presented with the same menu with caloric content and a statement regarding suggested daily intake. Each menu …

The Effect Of Nutrigenomics Education On The Dietary Habits Of College Students, Martha N. Harrouff

Honors Program Projects

Nutrigenomics is a newly researched area that investigates the interplay between nutrition and genetics. Theoretically, this information could enable registered dietitians to provide personalized, tailored nutrition recommendations unique to a given individual and enable individuals to alleviate future health concerns, such as cancer and heart disease. Given the potential importance of such research, the current study investigated the behavioral response of college students to this information. Seventy-five students from a small, Midwestern liberal arts university were recruited to participate in survey research. Utilizing a true experiment design, control and experimental groups completed a pretest survey measuring current dietary habits and …