Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Impact Of Inhibiting Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake On Calcium Homeostasis And Postmortem Metabolism In Porcine Muscle, Fatema Rahaman Mishu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

After harvesting the animal, pork muscle continues to undergo changes as it turns from muscle into meat. During this early period, the muscle uses up energy and produces acid, which lowers pH and can affect important quality traits such as color and how well the meat holds water. A key driver of these early changes is calcium, a natural mineral inside muscle cells that helps control contraction and energy use. In this study, we tested whether mitochondria (the cell’s “powerhouse”) help control calcium after harvest and, in turn, influence early postmortem changes in pork. We used a research compound (DS16570511) …

Paucilactobacillus Wasatchensis Gas Production In Cheddar Cheese Through Symbiotic Amino Acid Metabolism With Lactococcus Lactis Starter Cultures, Niharika Mishra

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cheese is popular for its rich sensory notes and desirable physical attributes; however, the late blowing gas defect in cheddar cheese disrupts its appearance and can undermine its commercial value, for example if the late gas defect is severe, the block can crumble upon cutting, increasing cutting losses from 10% (non-defective) up to 50% (Donnely et al., 2014).

Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis cannot survive pasteurization (McMahon, D. J., et al., 2020); therefore, it enters the cheese as a contaminant during the cheesemaking process. Cheesemaking occurs in three stages: (1) curdling of milk by acidification through starter cultures, (2) separation of curd from …

A Clinical Study Examining The Effects Of Dietary Nitrate On Urinary N-Nitrosamines, Catherine P. Bondonno, Michaela L. Sundqvist, Sujata Shinde, Kevin Croft, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Mattias Carlström, Eddie Weitzberg, Jon O. Lundberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BackgroundInorganic nitrate from dietary sources has raised health concerns due to its possible conversion into carcinogenic N-nitrosamines, leading to strict regulations on nitrate concentrations in food and drinking water.ObjectivesIn this study, which was a part of a larger randomized controlled trial, we evaluated urinary excretion of N-nitrosamines in response to daily dietary nitrate intake over a 5-wk period using 2 different forms of nitrate administration.MethodsA total of 231 participants with mild hypertension were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 78) consumed vegetables low in nitrate along with a placebo capsule (300 mg potassium chloride). Group 2 (n …

Associations Between Source-Specific Nitrate And Nitrite Intakes And Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease In Two Prospective Cohorts, Nicola P. Bondonno, Pratik Pokharel, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Liezhou Zhong, Dorit W. Erichsen, Jörg Schullehner, Kirsten Frederiksen, Cecilie Kyrø, Peter Fjeldstad Hendriksen, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Torben Sigsgaard, Christina C. Dahm, Anne Tjønneland, Alysha S. Thompson, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy, Anja Olsen, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

SummaryBackground and AimsDietary nitrate and nitrite may have source-dependent effects on liver health: plant-sourced nitrate may confer hepatoprotective benefits via its conversion to nitric oxide, whereas nitrate and nitrite from animal foods, processed meats, or contaminated drinking water may promote liver injury via their conversion to N-nitrosamines. We aimed to examine associations between source-specific nitrate and nitrite intakes and incident metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in two large cohorts. Secondary aims were to assess associations with liver MRI biomarkers and to evaluate whether nitric oxide-pathway gene variants modify associations with plant-sourced nitrate/nitrite.MethodsWe analysed 53,854 participants from the Danish Diet, …

A Functional Nutrition Literature Review For Brain Fog And Adhd-Like Symptoms In Adults, Natalie Elisani Aldahondo-Matos

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and problems with executive functioning, are increasingly recognized in adults. Although medication is commonly used to manage ADHD, there is growing interest in whether nutrition may also play a role in supporting brain function and attention. Several nutrients involved in brain health including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, and choline  have been suggested as potential contributors to cognitive performance and attention. However, the research examining the connection between diet and ADHD symptoms is still limited and sometimes shows mixed results.

The purpose of this project was …

Food Reintroduction After Negative Ofcs In Pediatrics: Dietary Frequency And Caregiver Attitudes, Olivia Pietrantozzi

Honors Projects

Food allergies in pediatric populations have been gradually increasing in prevalence and present significant nutritional risks requiring strict dietary management and psychosocial challenges. Oral food challenges (OFCs) serve as a gold standard in diagnosing food allergies and determining whether allergenic foods can be safely reintroduced to an individual's diet. However, caregivers of children may still experience anxiety and barriers that delay the reintroduction of foods, which can limit diet diversity and increase the child's risk of future allergy development. This study looked to evaluate the dietary frequency of allergenic food reintroduction following negative OFCs, as well as to assess changes …

Association Between Maternal Factors And Stunting Based On The Indonesia Family Life Survey 5 (Ifls-5), Charissa Otniel Sukamto, Siti Nur Fatimah, Noormarina Indraswari

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Stunting remains a major issue in Indonesia. Maternal factors during pregnancy are one of the key determinants in preventing stunting. This study aimed to analyze the association between maternal history during pregnancy (age, height, parity, and inter-pregnancy interval) and stunting, with a comparison between urban and rural areas.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study used data from 3,639 children aged 1-5 years old from the household survey of Indonesia Family Life Survey 5, conducted between late October 2014 and August 2015 within 13 provinces in Indonesia. Data was analyzed using chi-square and binary logistic regression methods.

Results: …

Ethnicity, Culture, And The Epidemiology Of Eating Disorders, Rebecca Atwell

Honors Theses

This systematic literature review addresses the research question: How does culture affect eating disorders? It examines the role of ethnicity and culture in shaping the prevalence, symptom presentation, and treatment of eating disorders across diverse populations. Although eating disorders have traditionally been studied in Western, predominantly White populations, growing evidence suggests that cultural norms, ethnic identity, globalization, and exposure to Western ideals significantly influence both the development and expression of disordered eating behaviors. Twenty peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 were included. These studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO and selected …

The Effect Of A Low-Glycemic Index Diet On Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Among University-Aged Women, Angelika A. Gonzalez, Annalise M. Sankar, Noelle D. Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction. Dietary modifications targeting glycemic response have emerged as a nonpharmacologic approach for PCOS management. However, long-term randomized controlled trials targeting young adult populations remain limited.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term effects of adherence to a low-glycemic index diet on the frequency and severity of PCOS symptoms among female college students ages 18-22. This 12-month randomized controlled trial will recruit participants meeting the Rotterdam criteria from university health clinics. Participants will be randomly …

Ellagic Acid Reduces Inulin's Adverse Effects: A Combined Approach To Enhance Therapeutic Potential In Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, Tharani Senavirathna, Shafaei, Ricky Lareu, Lois Balmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This mouse study investigates the efficacy of ellagic acid (EA), a potent antioxidant in fruits and nuts, and inulin, a prebiotic known for gut microbiota benefits, in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A Western-style diet (WD) was used to induce NASH in C57BL/6J male mice for 16 weeks. Mice then received EA (100 mg/kg/day, oral gavage, 5 days/week) and/or 5% inulin (w/w in diet) for 12 weeks while continuing WD. Inulin increased energy intake and trended toward higher body weight and fasting glucose. EA reduced liver weights and restored the liver-to-body weight ratio. EA and inulin combined significantly reduced steatosis and hepatocyte …

Pilot Study: Consistency Matters: Session Frequency And Body Weight Loss Outcomes In Outpatient Nutrition Care, Christopher D. Boss

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The current study examines the association between number of counseling sessions and weight change over a 14 month period in overweight and obese adults as seen by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in an outpatient, insurance-based, telehealth, private practice setting. The  aim of this research is to contribute evidence on frequency of care recommendations to help guide policy. It is hypothesized that the most effective weight-loss outcomes can be achieved when counseling is delivered consistently and frequently. The impact of this study has potential to support the expansion and coverage of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist services to address a population with rising …

Examining The Benefits Of A Standardized Protocol For Hyperglycemia Screening In Adult Oncology Patients: A Pilot Study, Alexa Dashko

Pacific Journal of Health

Many individuals receiving cancer directed therapy are at risk of developing hyperglycemia and new, or worsening of, diabetes due to location of their cancer, treatment regimen, and/or prolonged use of steroids. Research shows that uncontrolled hyperglycemia can have detrimental effects on individuals’ response to cancer therapy, treatment associated toxicities, quality of life and overall mortality. Despite extensive research identifying the need for routine monitoring and management of hyperglycemia in oncology patients, medical societies have yet to establish formal screening guidelines for practitioners. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the outcomes of establishing a protocol for screening and …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

Ten Tips On How To Optimize Nutrition In Children With Chronic Kidney Disease Or On Dialysis., Nonnie Polderman, Vanessa Shaw, Caroline E. Anderson, An Desloovere, Louise Mcalister, Christina L. Nelms, Fabio Paglialonga, Pearl Pugh, Leila Qizalbash, Evelien Snauwaert, José Renken-Terhaerdt, Jetta Tuokkola, Larry A. Greenbaum, Rukshana Shroff

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Optimal nutrition is central to growth and development in all children, and is particularly relevant in those with chronic illnesses. This document provides 10 practical, evidence-informed tips on the assessment and management of the nutritional prescription in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those receiving dialysis. The 10 tips synthesize work of the Paediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce, an international team of pediatric renal dietitians and pediatric nephrologists who develop clinical practice recommendations for the nutritional management of children with kidney diseases. We describe a comprehensive, three-dimensional nutritional assessment (anthropometry, dietary intake, biochemical markers) and regular monitoring tailored to age, …

April 2026, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

• Stress Awareness Month
• Stress Management Tips for Bulldogs
• Bulldog Resources

Weaning Drives Microbiome-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation To Shape Immune Memory In Mice, Li Yang, Robert C Peery, Shirui Zhou, Xiaomin Chen, Leah M Farmer, Fabiola Gutierrez, Stephanie Fowler, Lanjing Zhang, Julia M Salamat, Karen Riggins, Jiejun Shi, Lanlan Shen

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

During weaning, the transition to solid food diversifies the gut microbiome, triggering a programmed immune response critical for long-lasting mucosal immunity. Previous work showed that the gut microbiome mediates epigenetic development in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) during suckling, but what happens during weaning is unclear. Here, genome-wide profiling revealed that weaning-driven microbiome changes shape the DNA methylome and transcriptome of murine ISCs in an IFNγ-dependent manner. Specifically, we observe demethylation of enhancer elements essential for MHC class II genes, which results in a transcriptional memory that persists through differentiation into adulthood. IFNγ blockade, or low-dose penicillin to target Gram-positive bacteria, …

The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption On Cancer Development, Bailey G. Ottmann

Emerging Writers

The dramatic rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption worldwide has sparked growing concerns about its impact on cancer development and human health. UPFs contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, dyes, and toxic compounds formed during cooking and processing. This study investigates the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer through a review of primary and secondary sources, alongside an observational survey conducted among 15 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and nursing educators. Survey findings indicate that 53% of participants observed higher cancer prevalence in patients consuming large amounts of UPFs, with colorectal cancer most frequently reported. The …

3'Utr Mapping Reveals Alternative Polyadenylation In Right Ventricular Failure, Rahul Neupane, Kartiga Natarajan, Erik E Suarez, Henry J Pownall, Kai-Lieh Huang, Eric J Wagner, Ajay Kumar Verma, Rambabu Majji, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Ashrith Guha, Rajarajan A Thandavarayan

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Randomized Controlled Trial Outcomes For Homestyles-2, An Online Obesity Prevention Program For Families With Children In Middle Childhood, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Angelica A. Pozzoli, Kaitlyn M. Eck, John Worobey, Karla Pagan Shelnutt, Melissa D. Olfert, Virginia Quick

College of Health Professions Faculty Papers

Background: Parents are children’s primary role models, are food and physical activity gatekeepers, and create the home structure/lifestyle environment. Thus, parents strongly influence children’s weight-related behaviors and have the opportunity to cultivate a “culture of health” within the home. Methods: The aim of the HomeStyles-2 (also called HomeStyles-Child) RCT was to determine whether this online, novel, age-appropriate, family intervention enabled and motivated the 131 systematically randomly assigned by computer parents of children in middle childhood (ages 6 to 11) in the experimental condition to shape home environments and healthy weight-related lifestyle practices to be more supportive of optimal health and …

Unpacking Low Glycaemic Index (Gi) Food Purchase Intentions In An S-O-R Framework: The Multidimensional Moderating Roles Of Consumer Knowledge And Trust, Cao Henglei

Student Works (2020-2029)

Research aim: Examine Malaysian consumers’ decisions to purchase low-GI foods using the S–O–R framework, while considering how knowledge and trust shape these decisions. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative survey was conducted among 302 Malaysian consumers, with data analysed via confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling, and moderation analysis. Research findings: Attitudes toward low-GI foods are shaped by health consciousness, environmental concern, and social influence, but not price perception. Purchase intention is directly influenced by trust, with moderation observed only for subjective knowledge. Theoretical contribution/Originality: Extends the S–O–R framework through differentiating knowledge type and clarifying the role of trust in low-GI food consumption. …

Misregulated Alternative Splicing In Endometriosis: A Role For Aberrant Mrna Variants In Endometriotic Cell Growth, Venkata Naga Goutham Davuluri, Michelle Dias, Roxanna Llinas, Kamath Neha, Pooja Popli, Shannon M Hawkins, Chandrakant Tayade, Elise T Courtois, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Ramakrishna Kommagani

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder marked by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, often leading to pelvic pain, inflammation, and infertility. Despite its global prevalence, diagnosis remains delayed, and effective non-surgical treatments are lacking. While recent transcriptomic studies have identified mRNA transcript changes in ectopic lesions, the contribution of alternative pre-mRNA splicing, a key posttranscriptional regulatory layer, remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing (AS) events in endometriotic lesions using transcriptomic data. We uncovered distinct alterations in alternative splicing events are associated with endometriosis, highlighting a previously underappreciated layer of …

Inverse Associations Of Serum Total Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Linoleic Acid With Biomarkers Of Inflammation: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Kevin C Maki, Xiwei Chen, Meredith L Wilcox, Carol F Kirkpatrick, Liana L Guarneiri, Orsolya M Palacios, Erika T Beidelman, Anna Lm Macagno, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Observational evidence supports associations between higher consumption of omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with reduced risks for cardiometabolic diseases. However, some have hypothesized that higher n-6 PUFA intake may be proinflammatory.

Objectives: The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from the Aegis cohort was to examine associations of serum total n-6 PUFA and linoleic acid concentrations with biomarkers of inflammation.

Methods: Serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycoprotein acetyls, serum amyloid A (SAA), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were assessed as biomarkers of inflammation. Univariate Pearson correlation coefficients …

A Case Of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease With Multiple Bilateral Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hemorrhages, Masato Mizuta, Tatsuya Suwabe, Yuki Oba, Akinari Sekine, Masayuki Yamanouchi, Hiroki Mizuno, Eiko Hasegawa, Takehiko Wada, Makoto Fukuda, Motoaki Miyazono, Naoki Sawa, Yoshifumi Ubara

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

We experienced a 45-year-old male with ADPKD who developed spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhages with hypertension in the right subcapsular renal space without trauma. After his condition worsened with conservative management, he was treated by renal transarterial embolization (TAE). Over the next eight years, he experienced bilateral bleeding at three different sites and underwent repeated endovascular treatment with renal TAE to stop the bleeding. After the fourth occurrence, the patient underwent hemodialysis. Although renal cysts and urinary tract bleeding occur frequently in ADPKD, retroperitoneal hemorrhage is rare; however, TAE is both effective and a good way to preserve renal function.

Health Professional Students' Experiences With Gender-Identity Inclusive Content In The Classroom And Supervised Clinical Learning, Perry Xinyi Zhang, Aria Grabowski, Olivia S. Anderson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Gender-identity diverse populations have unique healthcare needs, but they experience stigmatization leading to negative health outcomes. Healthcare professionals have reported obstacles to delivering affirming care to gender-identity diverse patients due to limited training. We assessed how health profession students encounter gender-identity content and how students’ perceived preparedness to provide care for gender-identity diverse populations. Methods: A survey distributed to students enrolled in health professional programs at a large mid-western university included close-ended questions about exposure to gender-identity diverse curricular content in didactic and supervised clinical settings and perceived preparedness to work with gender-identity diverse populations. Open-ended questions asked what …

Circulating Ketone Bodies And Incident Cardiovascular Outcomes And Mortality: Insights From The Uk Biobank, Parag Anilkumar Chevli, Saeid Mirzai, Richard Kazibwe, Jeff Kingsley, Alexis C Wood, Joseph Yeboah, Leandro Slipczuk, Anurag Mehta, Harpreet S Bhatia, Ambarish Pandey, Michael D Shapiro

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Ketone bodies (KB) are endogenous energy sources synthesized by the liver in response to metabolic stress. Their associations with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), and mortality and their potential beneficial or harmful effects have yet to be determined. This study aimed to examine the association between KB and incident cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in a large general population cohort free from ASCVD and HF at baseline.

Methods: This analysis included 90 987 participants (mean age 56.4 ± 8.1 years; 54.7% women) from the UK Biobank without prevalent ASCVD or HF. KB were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance …

Perceptions And Use Of Behaviour Change Interventions For Physical Activity In Chronic Respiratory Disease In The Republic Of Ireland, Ciara Hanrahan, Joseph G Mcveigh, Terence M O'Connor, Thierry Troosters, Julie Broderick

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objectives: Behaviour change interventions may support physical activity behaviour in people with chronic respiratory disease. The most effective interventions for long-term physical activity behaviour change in this cohort remains unclear. This aim of this study was to explore the use and perceptions of behaviour change interventions by both providers of physical activity programmes for people with chronic respiratory disease and by people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in The Republic of Ireland.

Design: Two anonymous online and paper-copy cross-sectional surveys, piloted and mapped to the COM-B model of behaviour change, were distributed via social media and relevant gate-keepers …

March 2026, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

National Nutrition Month

Nutrition Tips for Bulldogs

Bulldog Resources

Simple Heart-Healthy Recipes for College Students

The Role Of Top-Down Appetite Self-Regulation In The Development Of Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Children: A Narrative Review And Socialization Framework, David J Bridgett, Sheryl O Hughes, Matthew Broussard, Daniela Mccourt, Christina M Croce, Jennifer O Fisher

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Appetite self-regulation (ASR) among children is thought to have a fundamental role in shaping the development of healthy eating behaviors, dietary intake, and growth during childhood. Parallel to developmental frameworks for understanding "general" self-regulation among children, ASR has been described as involving children's use of "top-down" cognitive processes to moderate "bottom-up" biological drives around food approach and avoidance in the interest of achieving desired eating behaviors or outcomes. Whereas bottom-up ASR processes during early childhood are well characterized, particularly in the context of dysregulation and obesity risk, the role of top-down ASR processes in the development of healthy eating behaviors …

Oral Ferrous Sulphate Supplementation Has Greater Efficacy, But Lower Tolerance Than Iron (Iii)-Hydroxide Polymaltose Complexes In Exercising Women With Low Iron Stores, Alannah Ka Mckay, Sophie Broome, Nicolin Tee, Kin Lui Yim, Marc Sim, Peter Peeling, Louise M. Burke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background & Aims: Iron deficiency (ID) is a global health condition that predominately affects women. Although oral iron supplementation is an effective treatment strategy for this issue, gastrointestinal complaints are common, and if persistent, may lead to poor compliance. The efficacy of different iron formulations which claim to improve tolerance is unclear. This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of ferrous sulphate (FS) and iron (III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC) supplementation in three different cohorts of women.. Methods: This study implemented a 12-week, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants had a serum ferritin concentration of <50 μg/L and met specific inclusion criteria to be enrolled to either the athlete, pre-menopausal or post-menopausal groups. Participants were randomized to receive FS (equivalent to 105 mg elemental iron) plus sodium ascorbate or IPC (equivalent to 100 mg elemental iron) daily. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline, 4-, 8- and 12-weeks of supplementation. A daily questionnaire was completed throughout the study period, documenting supplement tolerance (number and severity of symptoms), exercise load, menstrual characteristics, and supplement compliance. Results: Fifty-seven participants completed the intervention with a compliance rate of 94.9 % [range: 74.8-100 %]. A significant interaction between supplement and time was evident for ferritin (p < 0.001), where FS increased after 12 weeks (+109 %; p < 0.001) but no change was evident in IPC (+7 %; p = 0.727). No differences were detected between cohorts (p > 0.05). The IPC group had a …

Preliminary Evidence Of Blood Dna Methylation Changes In Pregnant Women Adhering To A Mediterranean Diet, Grace Tavelli, Nikki Schultz, Joanna Brisbane, Nina Kresoje, Samantha Lodge, Jeremy K. Nicholson, Nicola J. Armstrong, Desiree Silva, Nina D’Vaz, David Martino

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with reduced incidence of non-communicable diseases and reduced overall mortality, with epigenomic effects representing plausible mediators. The aim of this pilot study was to explore potential epigenetic associations between DNA methylation markers in blood and adherence to an MD in pregnancy. Methods: Fifty-two pregnant women with high or low adherence to an MD throughout pregnancy, who participated in the BioMood ORIGINS study, were selected using an extremes-of-exposure design. DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles from whole blood were generated using the TWIST human methylome panel. We conducted both genome-wide and candidate gene-based …