Kirsty Pourshahidi

• BSc, PhD, FHEA
• Lecturer in Food Science & Technology; Associate Research Group Leader (Agri-food and sustainability) at University of Ulster

Apples have benefits to health through protection against chronic disease, largely attributed to their (poly)phenolic and antioxidant content. As this content is unknown in apples grown or available in Northern Ireland, thirteen common (poly)phenols, proanthocyanidins, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity were determined in 74 apple varieties. Va...

Gut barrier integrity is of fundamental importance for human health. Effects of flavan-3-ols, their metabolites, and their dietary sources in maintaining its functionality was analysed in this review.

The consumption of larger food portion size(s) (PS) can result in overconsumption and a reduced ability to self-regulate appetite, which has been implicated in the rising prevalence of childhood obesity globally ⁽¹⁾ . Larger PS of food have sustained effects on energy intake in children (2–4) , which has been attributed to the ‘portion size effect’...

Vitamin D-(bio)enriched meat products may complement current market offerings to produce value-added foods without altering consumer dietary habits ⁽¹⁾ . However, a paucity of information exists regarding consumer insights in relation to nutrition/health claims, animal welfare considerations and appropriate purchase price of vitamin D-(bio)enriched...

Sufficient vitamin D status is required in childhood for normal skeletal health and the development of muscle and motor function ⁽¹⁾ . Vitamin D primarily acts through the promotion of calcium absorption from the gut and mobilisation from bone tissue ⁽²⁾ . Childrens’ vitamin D dietary intakes are currently below the recommended guidelines within th...

Optimal vitamin D status is important for growth and development during childhood ⁽¹⁾ . Children with a circulating concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] below 25 nmol/L are at increased risk of rickets. In order to maintain 25(OH)D > 25nmol/L, a dietary intake of 10µg/d vitamin D is recommended for children aged 4 years and above (2,3) ....

Vitamin D deficiency is a cause for concern among the UK population, with many failing to achieve the recommended daily amount of 10µg/day ⁽¹⁾ . Sunlight exposure is not sufficient in the UK to maintain year-round vitamin D status so therefore the population rely heavily on dietary sources, including fortified foods ⁽²⁾ . In the absence of standard...

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Stoma surgery can be critical in helping to restore the well-being of patients suffering from gastrointestinal disease or injury but it inevitably comes with numerous psychological and physiological complications. Disposable pouch systems which enable the collection of bowel waste have revolutionized stoma care but providing robust, discreet device...

Age-associated decline of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity and DNA repair efficiency leads to the accumulation of DNA damage and increased risk of cancer. Understanding the mechanisms behind increased levels of damaged DNA is crucial for developing interventions to mitigate age-related cancer risk. Associated with various...

This study investigated the impact of in vivo available colon-mango (poly)phenols on stress-induced impairment of intestinal barrier function. Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells were incubated with six extracts of ileal fluid collected pre- and 4-8 h post-mango consumption before being subjected to inflammatory stress. (Poly)phenols in ileal fluids were analyse...

Nutritional deficiencies in iron and vitamin D are common in children at a global level, albeit they can be overlooked in apparently healthy children. Iron deficiency in children has been associated with a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, although it is unclear which deficiency has the greater effect on the other, owing to the different m...

Meat and meat products are one of the largest contributors to vitamin D dietary intakes. Little is known, however, about how different animal husbandry practices and/or finishing diets might affect the vitamin D content of the animal. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of bovine finishing diet (grass vs. concentrate) on the 25(OH...

Aims This study compared those living with and without an intestinal stoma in relation to physical and psychological health, stress and coping, quality of life and resilience. Also, identifying factors that could be used to promote better self‐care in stoma patients in the future. Design A cross‐sectional and comparative study design was employed....

The development of a 3D printed sensor for direct incorporation within stoma pouches is described. Laser induced graphene scribed on either side of polyimide film served as the basis of a 2 electrode configuration that could be integrated within a disposable pouch sensor for the periodic monitoring of ileostomy fluid pH. The graphene sensors were c...

Ageing is associated with a decline in both Nrf2 activity and DNA repair efficiency, leading to the accumulation of DNA damage and an increased risk of cancer. Understanding the mechanisms behind the increased level of damaged DNA during ageing is crucial for developing interventions to mitigate age-related cancer risk and improve overall health in...

After an acute intake of 300 g of mango purée by 10 subjects, 0 and 24 h urine and plasma samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method was first validated for 44 reference polyphenols in terms of linearity, specificity, limits of detection and quantification, intra-day and inter-day p...

Phenolic catabolites excreted by fasting subjects with a functioning colon and ileostomists on a low (poly)phenol diet have been investigated. Urine was collected over a 12 h fasting period after adherence to a low (poly)phenol diet for 36 h. UHPLC-HR-MS quantified 77 phenolics. Some were present in the urine of both groups in similar trace amounts...

Vitamin D intakes are concerningly low. Food-based strategies are urgently warranted to increase vitamin D intakes and subsequently improve 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. This acute randomised three-way crossover study investigated the efficacy of vitamin D biofortified pork derived from pigs exposed to UVB light to increase serum 25...

The consumption of larger portion sizes (PS) of food has been implicated in the increased prevalence of childhood obesity. The home is usually the first place children learn about food, however, little is known about how parents determine child PS in the home environment. This narrative review aimed to explore parental beliefs, decisions, strategie...

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and identification of alternative food-based strategies are urgently warranted. In two studies, 12-week old crossbred pigs (Duroc x (Large White x Landrace)) were exposed daily to narrowband UVB radiation for ~10 weeks or control (no UVB exposure) until slaughter. In Study 1 (n = 48), pigs were exposed to...

Flavan-3-ols, including the flavan-3-ol monomer (-)-epicatechin, are dietary bioactives known to mediate beneficial cardiovascular effects in humans. Recent studies showed that flavan-3-ols could interact with methylxanthines, evidenced by an increase in flavan-3-ol bioavailability with a concomitant increase in flavan-3-ol intake-mediated vascular...

Disruption of microvascular architecture is a common pathogenic mechanism in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given the anti-angiogenic activity of berry (poly)phenols, we investigated whether long-term feeding of Rubus idaeus (raspberries) could ameliorate cerebral microvascular pathology and improve cognition in the APP/PS-1 mouse mod...

Context Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health issue, particularly in nursing home residents. Objective This review critically summarizes the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents worldwide. In addition, it outlines the effect of vitamin D intervention, alone or in combination with other nutrients or therapies, on im...

Background Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration <25nmol/L, is a global health issue associated with fractures, all-cause mortality and cancer mortality. Optimizing vitamin D status through supplementation, therefore may improve health-related quality of life, whilst simultaneously reducing healt...

Little is known regarding the impact of cooking on vitamin D content in pork, despite meat being a major contributor to vitamin D intakes. This paper investigated the effect of household cooking (pan-fry/roast/grill/sous-vide/sauté), on the vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration/retention in pork loin, mince and sausages. We h...

Purpose The immunomodulatory properties of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are reported to reduce bone loss through alteration of bone remodelling and n-3 LCPUFA, therefore, may benefit bone health in post-menopausal women, a vulnerable group at high risk of osteoporosis. Methods Measures of bone mineral density (BMD) were dete...

The combination of paraffin wax and O,O′-bis(2-aminopropyl) polypropylene glycol–block–polyethylene glycol–block–polypropylene glycol was used as a phase-change material (PCM) for the controlled delivery of curcumin. The PCM was combined with a graphene-based heater derived from the laser scribing of polyimide film. This assembly provides a new app...

Limited studies have reported vitamin D status and health outcomes in care home residents, a group at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This study investigated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations in older adults within care homes in Northern Ireland (NI) and its association with musculoskeletal health (ultrasound T-score, muscle strength,...

Background This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D 3 supplementation in older adults in Ireland, with year-round vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <30 nmol/L) (13% of Irish adults), from the perspective of the Health Service Executive. Methods Three age groups were investigated: (1) ≥50 years, (2) ≥6...

Effective communication and leadership are needed when developing knowledge networks for nutrition research and education. The need for clear and approachable communication was highlighted by Dr Giles Yeo, who advocated for consensus, which takes time. As a result, nutrition has become a competitive space, contributing to a pseudoscience vacuum for...

(1) Background: Vitamin D status has never been investigated in children in Northern Ireland (UK). (2) Methods: Children (4–11 years) (n = 47) were recruited from November 2019 to March 2020 onto the cross-sectional study. Anthropometry was assessed. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was analysed. Vitamin D intake, parental knowledge and percept...

Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent worldwide, with many populations failing to achieve the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for vitamin D (10–20 μg/day). Owing to low vitamin D intakes, limited exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) induced dermal synthesis, lack of mandatory fortification and poor uptake in supplement advice, additional food-based strategie...

Background: This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in older adults in Ireland, with year-round vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <30 nmol/L) (13% of Irish adults), from the perspective of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Methods: Three age groups were investigated: (1) >=50 years,...

Scope Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) are richer in (poly)phenols than common commercial strawberry varieties, e.g., Fragaria × ananassa. (Poly)phenols and their microbiota-derived metabolites are hypothesised to exert bioactivity within the human gut mucosa. To address this, the effects of wild strawberries were investigated with respect to the...

Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern, linked to suboptimal musculoskeletal health and immune function, with status inadequacies owing to variations in UV dependent cutaneous synthesis and limited natural dietary sources. Endogenous biofortification, alongside traditional fortification and supplement usage is urgently needed to address this defi...

Purpose To determine the small intestinal concentration of endocannabinoids (ECs), N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and their precursors N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs) in humans. To identify relationships between those concentrations and habitual diet composition as well as individual inflammatory status. Methods An observational study was perf...

PurposeStudies on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) indicate beneficial effects against a range of chronic diseases, commonly attributed to their bioactive phytochemicals. Sulforaphane, the bioactive form of glucoraphanin, is formed by the action of the indigenous enzyme myrosinase. This study explored the role that digestion and cooking pr...

Diets rich in fruit and vegetables are associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) due, in part, to the bioactive (poly)phenolic components and their microbiota-mediated metabolites. This study investigated how such compounds, derived from ingested raspberries in the gastrointestinal tract, may exert protective effects by reduc...

The laser-induced modification of polyimide substrates to yield conductive graphitised tracks sensitive to the solution pH is investigated. The influence of laser output and operating characteristics on the surface morphology and the consequential impact on electrochemical properties have been evaluated. Several sensor formats have been pursued usi...

Cows’ milk is a relatively poor source of vitamin D but figures listed in UK food composition tables may be outdated. Samples of milk were collected for 1-year and vitamin D3 concentrations analysed using HPLC. Milk consumption data were obtained from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (Years 1–4). A theoretical model applied vitamin D3 fortifi...

Purpose: To investigate the effect of consuming quinoa biscuits on markers of CVD risk over 4 weeks in free-living older adults. Methods: A randomized-controlled, double-blind crossover trial was conducted in which consenting healthy adults aged 50-75 years (n = 40) consumed 15 g quinoa biscuits (60 g quinoa flour/100 g) or control iso-energetic...

Objectives Shift work is associated with adverse effects on the health and lifestyle behaviours of employees. This study aimed to examine factors associated with adherence among shift workers to selected indicators of dietary and physical activity guidelines. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1300 shift workers. Data were collected...

The endocannabinoid system is a lipid signalling system with several regulatory functions throughout the body including regulation of appetite, food intake, macronutrient metabolism, pain sensation, blood pressure, mood, cognition and immunity. It consists of endocannabinoids (ECs), their receptors and enzymes involved in their synthesis and degrad...

Red meat is an important dietary source of protein and many other essential nutrients including omega(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which provide numerous benefits to human health. It is well known that grass-fed meat contains a more favourable fatty acid profile, compared to other feeding regimes, but the feasibility of grass finishing i...

Age-related bone loss leads to a significant decline in bone formation and an increase in bone resorption resulting in a marked negative effect on bone mineral density (BMD). This bone turnover cycle can be further disrupted by estrogen deficiency during menopause which can lead to a great net loss of bone in post-menopausal women. Evidence suggest...

Berries are one of the most commonly consumed sources of bioactive polyphenols and these compounds may exert protective effects against initiation of colorectal cancer (CRC) by reducing DNA damage. The inverse correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and the incidence of CRC is well established, hence the role of berry derived bioactive...

Background: Approximately 17% of the European Union workforce is engaged in shift work. Shift work has been associated with a number of chronic conditions, including obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the dietary and lifestyle behaviours of shift workers with a healthy vs. overweight/obese body mas...

Broccoli is rich in glucosinolates, which can be converted upon chewing and processing into Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) ligands. Activation of AhR plays an important role in overall gut homeostasis but the role of broccoli processing on the generation of AhR ligands is still largely unknown. In this study, the effects of temperature, cooking me...

Background: University represents a key transition into adulthood for many adolescents but there are associated concerns about health and behaviours. One important aspect relates to diet and there is emerging evidence that university students may consume poor quality diets, with potential implications for body weight and long-term health. This res...

Background: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that a diet rich in (poly)phenols has beneficial effects on many chronic diseases. Brown seaweed is a rich source of (poly)phenols. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability and effect of a brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) (poly)phenol extract on DNA damage, oxidative s...

One in four children on the Island of Ireland are overweight or obese. The consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods such as snacks, contribute to one fifth of children's calorie intake. However the snack food literature has failed to draw firm conclusions between snack food intake and obesity. Within this literature, the word snack and trea...

Novel quinoa-enriched biscuits improve CVD risk markers in older adults: a randomised crossover trial with a novel food product - Volume 77 Issue OCE3 - L.K. Pourshahidi, E. Caballero, A. Osses, B.W. Hyland, N.G. Ternan, C.I.R. Gill

An investigation into the lifestyle and dietary characteristics of normal weight versus overweight and obese shift workers on the island of Ireland - Volume 77 Issue OCE3 - V. O'Brien, F. Nea, L.K. Pourshahidi, J. Kearney, M.B.E. Livingstone, C.A. Corish

Background Owing to hospitalization, reduced functional capacity and consequently, less sunlight exposure, suboptimal vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]⩽50 nmol/L) is prevalent among COPD patients. Objective This study aimed to investigate seasonal changes in vitamin D status and any associated changes in fat-free mass (FFM), muscle s...

Consumption of high-energy foods in the absence of hunger has been identified as a key target to address in the area of obesity. For children, such foods are often provided by adults as treats. There is limited understating of adults' treat giving. The present study aimed to understand adults' provision of treats to children on the Island of Irelan...

Context: The metabolism of thyroid hormones, which are essential for normal development, involves many proteins and enzymes. It requires iodine as a key component but is also influenced by several other micronutrients, including selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin A. Objective: This systematic review was designed to investigate the effect of micro...

Background: Approximately 17% of the European workforce is engaged in shift work. How the experience of shift work impacts on the dietary and lifestyle practices of workers is unclear. Methods: Overall, 15 focus groups were conducted by two researchers, with 109 participants. The initial focus group was carried out with both researchers present,...

Cow's milk is the most important dietary source of iodine in the UK and Ireland, and also contributes to dietary selenium intakes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of season, milk fat class (whole; semi-skimmed; skimmed) and pasteurisation on iodine and selenium concentrations in Northern Ireland (NI) milk, and to estimate the co...

Background: Recent evidence has highlighted the prevalence of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency in women of childbearing age and pregnant women, with important public health ramifications due to the role of iodine, which is required for thyroid hormone production, in neurodevelopment. Cow milk contributes the greatest amount to iodine intakes in...

The objectives of this study was to analyse iodine and selenium concentrations in NI milk over a full year and to examine the effects of milk fat class, pasteurization and season on concentrations

Objectives: The study aimed to understand lifestyle practices among shift workers, including an exploration of workers' perceptions of their workplace environment (WPE). Methods: Fifteen focus groups (FGs) were conducted by two researchers, with a total of 109 participants. A pilot FG was carried out with both researchers present, to ensure cons...

Lower cathelicidin concentrations in Irish athletes compared to controls: a role for vitamin D? - Volume 76 Issue OCE3 - J.J. Todd, E.M. McSorley, L.K. Pourshahidi, S.M. Madigan, E. Laird, R.R. Weir, M. Healy, M.B.E. Livingstone, C. Beggan, L. Beggan, P.J. Magee

The effect of cow's milk consumption on cardiometabolic health in women of childbearing age - Volume 76 Issue OCE3 - A.J. Yeates, N. Gilmartin, S.M. O'Kane, L.K. Pourshahidi, M.S. Mulhern, J.J. Strain

Knowledge and awareness of the new SACN vitamin D dietary guidelines - Volume 76 Issue OCE3 - M.S. Mulhern, S. Boyle, H.C. Burgess, N. Byrne, C. McKeown, L.K. Pourshahidi

Coffee consumption and cardiometabolic health in UK adults: cross-sectional analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey - Volume 76 Issue OCE3 - L.K. Pourshahidi, L. Navarini, M. Petracco, J.J. Strain

Purpose: Experimental animal models of myopia demonstrate that higher melatonin (Mel) and lower dopamine (DA) concentrations actively promote axial elongation. This study explored the association between myopia and serum concentrations of DA and Mel in humans. Methods: Morning serum concentrations of DA and Mel were measured by solid phase extra...

Purpose: Vitamin D inadequacy is a global health concern in athletes as well as the general population. Whilst the role of vitamin D in skeletal health is well defined, there remains uncertainty over whether vitamin D supplementation has an added benefit beyond bone health. Methods: This randomised placebo-controlled trial in healthy male and fe...

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased bone remodelling activity. Quantification of reference-standard bone turnover markers total procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) (bone formation) and beta C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTx) (bone resorption) therefore enable detection of subtle perturbations in bone remodel...

Objective This qualitative study aimed to investigate consumer opinions on the usefulness of portion size estimation aids (PSEA); consumer preferences in terms of format and context for use; and the level of detail of guidance considered necessary for the effective application of PSEA. Design Six focus groups (three to eight participants per group...

An exploration of parental barriers to appropriate portion sizes for young children: a qualitative study - Volume 76 Issue OCE3 - L.K. Pourshahidi, M.B.E. Livingstone, L.E. McCotter, T.A. McCaffrey, H. McCarthy, M.A. Kerr

Vitamin D is obtained by cattle from the diet and from skin production via UVB exposure from sunlight. The vitamin D status of the cow impacts the vitamin D content of the milk produced, much like human breast milk, with seasonal variation in the vitamin D content of milk well documented. Factors such as changes in husbandry practices therefore hav...

div class="title">A comparison of capsule and oral spray solution as a method of delivering vitamin D 3 and raising vitamin D status: a wintertime randomised, open-label crossover study - Volume 75 Issue OCE3 - J.J. Todd, E.M. McSorley, L.K. Pourshahidi, S.M. Madigan, E Laird, M Healy, P.J. Magee

div class="title">An assessment of the iodine and selenium content of cow&apos;s milk produced in Northern Ireland - Volume 75 Issue OCE3 - S.M. O'Kane, L.K. Pourshahidi, M.S Mulhern, R.R. Weir, S. Hill, J. O'Reilly, D. Kmiotek, C. Deitrich, E.M. Mackle, E. Fitzgerald, J.J. Strain, A.J. Yeates

Adequate I intake is important before conception and during pregnancy for optimal infant neurodevelopment. Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of I deficiency in the UK and Ireland. It is possible that optimal I intake may be impeded by a poor knowledge of I nutrition. This study aimed to investigate I knowledge among women of childbeari...