Research

Research in the Department of Nutrition focuses on applied human nutrition. Areas of interest include nutrition communication (reporting on nutrition), vegetarian nutrition, public health nutrition, vitamin C and health, and phytonutrients.

Click on the research topic name for more information.

Reporting on Nutrition

Reporting on Nutrition is a three-year grant funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this project, we will be studying impressions of mass- and peer-based media on adolescents' nutrition behavior. Reporting on Nutrition is a peer-based approach to nutrition education, and we based the protocol on the Social Cognitive Theory.

Faculty contact is Dr. Jeff Hampl.

Vegetarian Nutrition

We have designed a Food Guide Pyramid specifically addressing the nutrient inadequacies and reduced mineral bioavailability of lactovegetarian and vegan diets.

Faculty contact is Dr. Carol Johnston.

Public Health

We are working with a local food bank to provide gleaned vegetables and fruits to a Phoenix elementary school. In this study, we will be assessing changes in nutrition knowledge.

Faculty contact is Dr. Donna Winham.

Vitamin C and Health

About 30% of Americans have marginal or deficient vitamin C status, mainly due to poor diet choices. Orange juice is the most commonly consumed vitamin C-rich food in the U.S., but the vitamin C content of orange juice is variable.

Faculty contact is Dr. Carol Johnston.

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