Research Areas
I have been involved in studies of diet interventions in animal models and humans for over 30 years funded through NIH, USDA, and private extramural support. I have led many randomized, controlled trials in children and adults with health and disease risk reduction outcomes, especially related to bone and heart. I have focused on mineral absorption and metabolism and subgroup differences. My work contributed to setting nutrient requirements for adolescents in North America. My research group uses isotopic tracers to study calcium metabolism. I also have been involved in creating guidelines for best practices in human nutrition research, programs for children, nutrient recommendations, and food policy guidance. For example, I was a member of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee.