From Babies to Baby Boomers – What You Should Know about DHA and Cognition
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
- Susan Carlson, Ph.D., AJ Rice Professor of Nutrition, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center
- James Astwood, Ph.D., Executive Director, Scientific Affairs, Martek Biosciences Corporation
This session highlights emerging research in the rapidly evolving field of DHA and cognition, focusing on DHA’s role in neurocognitive development. Presenters will explain the importance of DHA status in the maintenance of cognitive function throughout life. Specific information will be provided about the DHA levels needed to support cognitive development from infancy through childhood. You will gain a deeper understanding of the results of clinical studies reflecting the growing importance of DHA status for cognitive function, memory and cardiovascular health. Implications of new research, trends for nutrition labeling, communications, and marketing will also be discussed.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Susan Carlson is the A.J. Rice professor of Nutrition in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She received her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University, and her doctorate in nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology from Iowa State University. Dr. Carlson completed National Heart Lung and Blood Institute fellowships in the Department of Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, and in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of South Florida. She has conducted research on the role of DHA in infant development, including studies in term and preterm infants.
Dr. James D. Astwood is executive director of Scientific Affairs at Martek Biosciences Corporation. Prior to joining Martek, he worked at ConAgra Foods as vice president of Global Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs. He received his bachelor’s degree in Genetics from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and his doctorate in agricultural and food science jointly through the University of Manitoba and the University of Minnesota. He completed post-doctoral work in molecular biology and biochemistry at Washington State University before joining Monsanto as a science fellow and director of the Monsanto Product Safety Center. Dr. Astwood has conducted research on a broad range of food issues and has published numerous papers.