Nutritional Sciences University of Toronto Nutritional Sciences

David J.A. Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc.

University Professor
Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism
Department of Nutritional Sciences

Director,
Risk Factor Modification Centre,  St. Michael's Hospital

University of Toronto
FitzGerald Building, Room 340
150 College Street
Toronto ON.  M5S 3E2  CANADA

Tel: 416-978-4752
Fax: 416-978-5310
E-mail: cyril.kendall@utoronto.ca

 Jenkins         

 

Research

            The ultimate goal of our research team is to elucidate the potential of diet to prevent and treat chronic diseases; primarily heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Our research is clinically based. Dietary trials allow us to also assess mechanisms in vivo by which diet and/or its components alter risk for disease. We have spent considerable time assessing the glycemic index of foods, and have identified legumes and traditional methods of processing as producing a low glycemic index (eg. white pasta - low vs. white bread - high)  We have and continue to carry out research on vegetable proteins and their potential health benefits eg. soy, gluten, and other cereal and vegan proteins. Most recently we have started to combine foods with cholesterol lowering actions (soy, viscous fibers, oats, barley, plant sterols and nuts - almonds) in a single diet to lower serum cholesterol. We have demonstrated that early statin-like effects can be achieved under highly controlled conditions. In the real world this dietary approach has a somewhat dampened level of efficacy, but remains a highly effective dietary approach to cholesterol reduction. We continue to carry out studies on low glycemic index diets, and the quest to find new low glycemic index foods continues. We also work in collaboration with the food industry on a diverse spectrum of food products and food components ranging from macronutrients to phytochemicals.

 

Selected Publications