biomedical sciences research institute - Research - University of Ulster

CognitiveBehavioural.• Understanding health behaviour:Infant feedingSmoking.Publications:Simpson EE, McConville C, Rae G, O'Connor JM, Stewart-Knox BJ, Coudray C, Strain JJ; Salivary cortisol, stress andmood in healthy older adults: The Zenith study; Biological Psychology, 78: 1-9, 2008Stewart-Knox BJ, Bunting BP, Gilpin S, Parr HJ, Pinhão S, de Almeida MDV & Gibney M; Attitudes toward genetic testingand personalised nutrition in a representative sample of European consumers; British Journal of Nutrition [E-publicationcopy Ahead of print] (2008)Stewart-Knox BJ, Simpson EE, Parr H, Rae G, Polito A, Intorre F, Andriollo Sanchez M, Meunier N, O'Connor JM, MaianiG, Coudray C, Strain JJ; Taste acuity in response to zinc supplementation in older Europeans; British Journal of Nutrition,99:129-136, 2008Williams E, Stewart-Knox BJ, McConville C, Bradbury I, Armstrong N & McNulty H; Folate Status and Mood: Is Therea Relationship? Public Health Nutrition, 11: 118-123, 2008Dr Julie WallaceSenior Research FellowDr Wallace’s primary research focuses on modulation of immune function by diet and also the relationship betweenbody composition and immune function/inflammation.Alterations in immune function and inflammation are associated with the major diseases on the developed world,including cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. While it has been recognized for many years that deficiencyof particular nutrients can lead to impaired immunity and susceptibility to infection, suboptimal status of nutrients,as is evident in the Western World can also lead to impaired immune function. NICHE conducts fundamentalresearch assessing changes in immune function associated with normal physiological processes and also associatedwith pathological disease processes. The group also researches the complex relationship between specific nutrientsand immune function.In the last five years the group has carried out observational research and reported changes in immunological andhaemostatic function in pregnancy, which protect the mother and fetus from pregnancy complications. This researchalso highlighted the potential benefits for pregnant women in continuing folic acid supplementation throughoutpregnancy. Research has also shown that the immune system of men and women aged 55-70years shows differentassociations with age, with ageing of the immune system in women possibly delayed owing to the protective actionsof the female hormones.The influence of specific micronutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, γ-tocopherol and vitamin D in modulatingimmune function is a particular interest of the research group and a number of studies have been undertaken andare currently being performed in this area. The intervention studies focus on a nutritional approach, providing89