Showing papers by "Philip C. Calder published in 2011"

Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity

Abstract: Low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of the obese state, and adipose tissue releases many inflammatory mediators. The source of these mediators within adipose tissue is not clear, but infiltrating macrophages seem to be especially important, although adipocytes themselves play a role. Obese people have higher circulating concentrations of many inflammatory markers than lean people do, and these are believed to play a role in causing insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances. Blood concentrations of inflammatory markers are lowered following weight loss. In the hours following the consumption of a meal, there is an elevation in the concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the bloodstream, which is exaggerated in obese subjects and in type 2 diabetics. Both high-glucose and high-fat meals may induce postprandial inflammation, and this is exaggerated by a high meal content of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and partly ablated by inclusion of certain antioxidants or antioxidant-containing foods within the meal. Healthy eating patterns are associated with lower circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Among the components of a healthy diet, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. AGE are associated with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. SFA and trans-MUFA are pro-inflammatory, while PUFA, especially long-chain n-3 PUFA, are anti-inflammatory. Hyperglycaemia induces both postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids decrease the circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Potential mechanisms are described and research gaps, which limit our understanding of the interaction between diet and postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation, are identified.

Atopy risk in infants and children in relation to early exposure to fish, oily fish, or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids: a systematic review.

Abstract: There are two main families of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the n−6 and the n−3 families. It has been suggested that there is a causal relationship between n−6 PUFA intake and allergic disease, and there are biologically plausible mechanisms, involving eicosanoid mediators of the n−6 PUFA arachidonic acid, that could explain this. Fish and fish oils are sources of long-chain n−3 PUFAs and these fatty acids act to oppose the actions of n−6 PUFAs. Thus, it is considered that n−3 PUFAs will protect against atopic sensitization and against the clinical manifestations of atopy. Evidence to examine this has been acquired from epidemiologic studies investigating associations between fish intake in pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood, and atopic outcomes in infants and children and from intervention studies with fish oil supplements in pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood, and atopic outcomes in infants and children. All five epidemiological studies investigating the effect of maternal fish intake during pregnancy on atopic or allergic outcomes in infants/children of those pregnancies concluded protective associations. One study investigating the effects of maternal fish intake during lactation did not observe any significant associations. The evidence from epidemiological studies investigating the effects of fish intake during infancy and childhood on atopic outcomes in those infants or children is inconsistent, although the majority of the studies (nine of 14) showed a protective effect of fish intake during infancy or childhood on atopic outcomes in those infants/children. Fish oil supplementation during pregnancy and lactation or during infancy or childhood results in a higher n−3 PUFA status in the infants or children. Fish oil provision to pregnant women is associated with immunologic changes in cord blood and such changes may persist. Studies performed to date indicate that provision of fish oil during pregnancy may reduce sensitization to common food allergens and reduce prevalence and severity of atopic dermatitis in the first year of life, with a possible persistence until adolescence with a reduction in eczema, hay fever, and asthma. Fish oil provision to infants or children may be associated with immunologic changes in the blood but it is not clear if these are of clinical significance and whether they persist. Fish oil supplementation in infancy may decrease the risk of developing some manifestations of allergic disease, but this benefit may not persist as other factors come into play. It is not clear whether fish oil can be used to treat children with asthma as the two studies conducted to date give divergent results. Further studies of increased long-chain n−3 PUFA provision in during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy are needed to more clearly identify the immunologic and clinical effects in infants and children and to identify protective and therapeutic effects and their persistence.

Supplementation with a Fish Oil-Enriched, High-Protein Medical Food Leads to Rapid Incorporation of EPA into White Blood Cells and Modulates Immune Responses within One Week in Healthy Men and Women

Abstract: Immune modulatory effects of EPA and DHA are well described. However, these fatty acids must be effectively incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids to modify cell function. To address the absence of human data regarding short-term incorporation, the present study investigated the incorporation of EPA and DHA into white blood cells (WBC) at different time points during 1 wk of supplementation with a medical food, which is high in protein and leucine and enriched with fish oil and specific oligosaccharides. Additionally, the effects on ex vivo immune function were determined. In a single-arm, open label study, 12 healthy men and women consumed 2 × 200 mL of medical food providing 2.4 g EPA, 1.2 g DHA, 39.7 g protein (including 4.4 g L-leucine), and 5.6 g oligosaccharides daily. Blood samples were taken at d 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 4, and 7. Within 1 d of nutritional intervention, the percentage of EPA in phospholipids of WBC increased from 0.5% at baseline to 1.3% (P < 0.001). After 1 wk, the percentage of EPA rose to 2.8% (P < 0.001). Additionally, the production of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated whole blood cultures was significantly increased within 1 wk. Nutritional supplementation with a fish oil-enriched medical food significantly increased the percentage of EPA in phospholipids of WBC within 1 wk. Simultaneously, ex vivo immune responsiveness to LPS increased significantly. These results hold promise for novel applications such as fast-acting nutritional interventions in cancer patients, which should be investigated in future studies.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk: metabolic aspects and novel treatments

Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is usually a silent disease that occurs in a very high proportion of people with features of the metabolic syndrome, including overweight, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Because obesity and type 2 diabetes are now extremely common in Westernised societies, it is likely that the prevalence of NAFLD increases markedly in the future. Although previously it was thought that NAFLD was harmless, it is now recognised that NAFLD can be a progressive liver condition that increases risk of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, liver fat accumulation causes insulin resistance and increases risk of type 2 diabetes. Increasing evidence now shows NAFLD is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the pathogenesis of NAFLD, to describe the relationship between NAFLD and CVD and the mechanisms linking both conditions and to discuss some of the treatment options (including lifestyle, nutrition and drugs) that may influence both NAFLD and risk of CVD.

The Impact of Common Gene Variants on the Response of Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk to Increased Fish Oil Fatty Acids Intakes

Abstract: The cardioprotective actions of the fish oil (FO)-derived long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been demonstrated, and dose-response relationships have been defined. However, there is a substantial and well-recognized within-population heterogeneity in response to FO, the etiology of which is poorly understood. Genetic variation may influence responsiveness. Here we review the available literature relating to gene variants shown to influence tissue LC n-3 PUFA status and response to FO intervention. From this review we conclude that the available evidence is relatively limited. A number of individual genotype × LC-n3 PUFA × phenotype associations have been described, but few have been investigated in subsequent cohorts or confirmed in independent studies. In the context of a more stratified approach to the provision of dietary advice, there is a need for further research to refine current dietary EPA and DHA recommendations.

Managing adult patients who need home parenteral nutrition.

Abstract: #### Summary points Patients with intestinal failure—defined as failure to maintain protein-energy balance, fluid balance, electrolyte balance, or micronutrient balance when eating a normal diet as a result of surgery, bowel disease, or a congenital defect—require parenteral nutrition (see box 1 for full definition). Since its introduction in 1967, intravenous nutrition administered in the home has been the mainstay of treatment for patients with long term intestinal failure. Home parenteral nutrition is a clinically important way to supply certain patients with their long term nutritional requirements, but high rates of complications are a worry. Although patients’ survival largely depends on the underlying disease, adverse events related to venous access and metabolic disturbances associated with the delivery of parenteral nutrition may compromise quality of life. We provide an overview of the indications for and delivery of home parenteral nutrition and discuss advances that promise to limit complications and improve treatment outcomes. This review is based largely on recent guidelines and on observational evidence. #### Sources and selection criteria We searched PubMed for articles in English on home parenteral nutrition. We also consulted guidelines issued by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) that are based on grade A (randomised controlled trials), grade B (non-randomised studies), and grade C (expert opinion) evidence.1 #### Box 1 Definition of intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome2 Intestinal failure is caused …

Use of a common food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary patterns and their relation to allergy and asthma in Europe: pilot study of the GA2LEN FFQ.

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Comparable international data on food and nutrient intake is often hindered by the lack of a common instrument to assess food intake. The objective of this study was within the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network of Excellence (GA(2)LEN), we developed and piloted a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess its validity in Europe. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Five countries participating in GA(2)LEN took part in the pilot study. A total of 200 adults aged 31-75 years were invited to complete a FFQ in two occasions and to give a blood sample. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess repeatability of the FFQ. Plasma phospholipid fatty acids (FAs) were analysed by gas chromatography. Pearson correlation was used to analyse the correlation between estimated dietary FA intake and plasma phospholipid FA levels. RESULTS: A total of 177 participants (89%) had complete data on FFQ(1) and plasma phospholipid FAs. In all, 152 participants (76%) completed both FFQs. ICCs between macronutrients ranged from 0.70 (saturated FAs) to 0.78 (proteins) and between 0.70 (retinol) and 0.81 (vitamin D) for micronutrients. Dietary n-3 FAs showed a good correlation with total plasma phospholipid n-3 FAs and with docosahexaenoic acid in the whole sample (0.40) and in individual countries. Poor correlations were observed for other FAs. CONCLUSIONS: The GA(2)LEN FFQ is an appropriate tool to estimate dietary intake for a range of nutrients across Europe regardless of cultural and linguistic differences. The FFQ seems to be useful to estimate the intake of n-3 FAs but not other FAs.

Update on the relationship of fish intake with prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers

Abstract: A systematic review of prospective cohort and case-control studies investigating relationships between the intake of fish and incidence of prostate, breast, or colorectal cancers was conducted. A total of 106 studies fulfilled the requirements stated in the "Search strategy and selection criteria." Among 273 estimates of association reported by these studies, 53 indicated decreased risk while 12 indicated increased risk associated with fish intake. The hypothesis linking fish consumption and low cancer incidence appears to be supported by little epidemiological data. However, there are several factors that may mask potential protective associations with fish intake. The type and the amount of fish eaten, the cooking method, the stage of the cancer and, amongst women, menopausal status may all be important factors that relate to whether fish is protective or not. Future epidemiologic studies with a clearer assessment of these factors are needed to know more about the effects of fish consumption on cancer risk. Therefore, until there are better measures of dietary exposure or biomarkers to correlate self-report, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the recommendation for increasing fish consumption in general to reduce the risk of developing the most common cancers in Western societies.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Inhibits the Adhesion of Flowing Neutrophils to Cytokine Stimulated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Abstract: The (n-3) PUFA, DHA, is widely thought to posses the ability to modulate the inflammatory response. However, its modes of interaction with inflammatory cells are poorly understood. In particular, there are limited data on the interactions of DHA with vascular endothelium, the cells that regulate the traffic of leukocytes from the blood into inflamed tissue. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC) cultured in a flow-based adhesion assay and activated with TNFα, we tested whether supplementing human umbilical vein EC with physiologically achievable concentrations of DHA would inhibit the recruitment of flowing neutrophils. DHA caused a dose-dependent reduction in neutrophil recruitment to the EC surface, although cells that became adherent were activated and could migrate across the human umbilical vein EC monolayer normally. Using EPA as an alternative supplement had no effect on the levels of neutrophil adhesion in this assay. Analysis of adhesion receptor expression by qPCR demonstrated that DHA did not alter the transcriptional activity of human umbilical vein EC. However, DHA did significantly reduce E-selectin expression at the human umbilical vein EC surface without altering the total cellular pool of this adhesion receptor. Thus, we have identified a novel mechanism by which DHA alters the trafficking of leukocytes during inflammation and demonstrate that this involves disruption of intracellular transport mechanisms used to present adhesion molecules on the surface of cytokine-stimulated EC.

Dietary Fatty Acids Affect the Immune System in Male Mice Sensitized to Ovalbumin or Vaccinated with Influenza

Abstract: PUFA are precursor molecules for eicosanoids such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins and may influence immune function through other mechanisms involving membranes, cell signaling, and gene expression. Immune-modulating properties of diets containing different oils [sunflower oil, rich in linoleic acid; linseed oil, rich in α-linolenic acid; salmon oil, rich in marine (n-3) PUFA; and beef tallow, rich in SFA] were investigated in an influenza-vaccination model, in which the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was studied in C57BL/6 mice, and an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitization model for experimental allergy in BALB/c mice. Six-week-old mice were fed the different diets for 7 wk. The first vaccination or OVA sensitization was given 2 wk after the start of the dietary intervention. In the mice vaccinated with influenza, the DTH response to the vaccine was significantly higher in mice fed the marine (n-3) PUFA diet compared to all other groups, indicating that these PUFA promote a T helper-1 response. In the OVA-sensitized mice, those fed the marine (n-3) PUFA diet had a less severe acute allergic skin response (ASR), suggesting that (n-3) PUFA lessen the T helper-2 response. Mice fed the SFA-rich diet had the most severe ASR, indicating that a diet with high levels of SFA may contribute to increased severity of allergic symptoms. Whereas significant differences in in vivo immune responses were measured, in vitro responses did not differ among the dietary groups. In conclusion, using 2 different models of immune responses demonstrates potential benefits from marine (n-3) PUFA.

Perinatal programming of murine immune responses by polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: Linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid are essential fatty acids (eFAs) and have to be acquired from the diet. eFAs are the precursors for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (lcPUFAs), which are important immune-modulating compounds. lcPUFAs can be converted into eicosanoids and other mediators. They affect membrane structure and fluidity and can alter gene expression. There has been a marked change in dietary fatty acid intake over the last several decades. Since eFAs are acquired from the diet and immune development occurs mainly perinatally, the maternal diet may influence fetal and neonatal eFA levels, and thereby lcPUFA status, and thus immune development and function. To study whether early exposure to eFAs can program immune function, mice were fed diets varying in the ratio of ω-3 to ω-6-eFAs during pregnancy and/or lactation. After weaning, pups received a Western-style diet. At 11 weeks of age, the effects of maternal diet on the offspring's allergic and vaccination responses were examined using the T-helper 2 driven ovalbumin-induced allergy model and the T-helper 1 driven influenza-vaccination model, respectively. Offspring of dams fed a high α-linolenic acid diet during lactation showed an enhanced vaccination response. As diets with either low or high ω-3/ω-6-eFA ratio attenuated the T-helper 2 allergic response, the high α-linolenic acid diet fed during lactation had the most pronounced effect. These results indicate that there is a programming effect of maternal diet on the offspring's immune response and that in mice the window of greatest susceptibility to maternal dietary intervention is the lactation/suckling period.

More citations, but a fall in impact factor.

Abstract: released its annual statistics on citations of articles published in previous years in scientific journals. A number of different summary statistics are produced by the ISI, the most widely discussed being the impact factor. I have used previous editorials to keep readers informed of the most recent statistics for the BJN and to analyse them in relation to those of com-parator journals and to temporal changes (1 – 6). The BJN is listed in the Nutrition and Dietetics category of ISI Journal Citation Reports w. In 2010, there were seventy journals listed in this category, including review journals and journals in the areas of obesity (e.g. International Journal of Obesity, Obesity) and lipidology (e.g. Progress in Lipid Research, Lipids). The impact factor of a journal is calculated as the number of citations of papers published in the previous 2 years divided by the number of papers published in those 2 years. Thus, the impact factor for 2010 (issued in 2011) is based upon the number of citations during 2010 of papers published in a particular journal in 2008 and 2009 divided by the number of papers published in that journal in 2008 and 2009. Clearly, this favours very rapidly moving areas of research. Hence, journals such as Nature, Cell and Science have high impact factors (36·1, 32·4 and 31·4, respectively, for 2010). For the past 9 years, the two highest ranked journals in the Nutrition and Dietetics category have been Progress in Lipid Research and Annual Reviews in Nutrition, with impact factors of 9·51 and 7·88, respectively, for 2010. Table 1 lists the impact factors for the BJN and nine compara-tor journals over the period 2001– 10 inclusive. The compara-tor journals all publish a similar range of material as does the BJN, including molecular, cellular, whole body, human, clinical , public health and experimental animal nutrition and, in most cases, also farm animal nutrition. It is evident that the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is firmly established as the highest ranked journal in this category that is not solely limited to publishing review articles. In 2010, the impact factor of the BJN slipped from 3·45 to 3·07 (2559 citations in 2010 to the 833 articles published in 2008 and 2009). This slip is disappointing and is due, I think, to the increased number of articles now being published in the BJN (7). Nevertheless, an impact factor above 3 is a …

Does Increased Intake of Salmon Increase Markers of Oxidative Stress in Pregnant Women? The Salmon in Pregnancy Study

Abstract: The Salmon in Pregnancy Study provided two meals of salmon per week to pregnant women from week 20 of gestation; the control group maintained their habitual diet low in oily fish. Salmon is a rich source of marine n-3 fatty acids. Since marine n-3 fatty acids may increase oxidative stress, we investigated whether increased salmon consumption could affect markers of oxidative stress in mid and late pregnancy. Urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2 alpha), urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and plasma lipid peroxide concentrations did not change from week 20 to 38 of pregnancy and were not altered by increased consumption of salmon. Thus, increased intake of salmon during pregnancy does not increase oxidative stress, as judged by the markers of oxidative damage to lipids and DNA measured herein.

Different dietary omega-3 sources during pregnancy and DHA in the developing rat brain

Abstract: The essential n-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) can be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) under the action of desaturase and elongase enzymes. Human studies have demonstrated that females convert a higher proportion of ALA into EPA and DHA than males. We have demonstrated that when fed upon an ALA rich diet, female rats have a significantly higher EPA content of plasma and liver lipids than males. When fetal tissues were collected, it was observed that pups from dams fed the ALA rich diet had a comparable brain DHA status to those from dams fed on a salmon-oil based diet, indicating that conversion of ALA to DHA during pregnancy was efficient, and that DHA accumulated in a tissue-specific manner. Similar efficacy of dietary ALA in women during pregnancy would mean that plant n-3 fatty acids would be useful alternatives to preformed EPA and DHA.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease

Abstract: The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) (Figure 1) are naturally occurring fatty acids found in high amounts in seafood especially fatty fish (e.g. salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, tuna). These fatty acids are also found in fish oil supplements. In the 1960s and 1970s it was observed that Greenland Inuits, native Alaskans and the inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan, had a much reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to ‘western’ populations1-4 and that this was associated with a diet rich in n-3 PUFAs. Thus, the ‘cardioprotective’ hypothesis related to n-3 PUFA consumption was engendered. Much research has been carried out in the intervening years on the beneficial effects of consuming n-3 PUFAs. Here we review the data from epidemiological and interventional studies as well as mechanistic studies on the actions of dietary n-3 PUFAs in the cardiovascular system.

A–Z of nutritional supplements: dietary supplements, sports nutrition foods and ergogenic aids for health and performance—Part 23

Abstract: A-z of nutritional supplements : dietary supplements, sports nutrition foods and ergogenic aids for health and performance--part 23.

The Relationship between Carotid Plaque Calcification and Stability

Abstract: Aim: The study aimed to examine the hypothesis that advanced plaques with calcification are more stable (lower proportion of lipid component and higher proportion of fibrous tissue) compared to plaques without calcification. Methods: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens from 141 consecutive patients were studied. The specimens were analyzed histologically for fibrous tissues, smooth muscle cells, macrophage, lymphocyte, hemorrhage and lipid, according to the methods of European Carotid Plaque Study Group; plaques were also graded according to American Heart Association (AHA) consensus and its modification. Clinical data was recorded and the plasma concentrations of cholesterol and inflammatory markers were measured. Results: Thirty five out of 141 plaque specimens were identified to have advanced atherosclerosis (type V according to AHA criteria) and these were analyzed further. There were 29 type Va (non-calcified) plaques and 6 type Vb (calcified) plaques. Calcified plaques had significantly less lipid than non-calcified plaques (p < 0.0001): the mean percentage of lipid for non-calcified and calcified plaques was 61.29% and 23.48%, respectively. Also calcified plaques had more fibrous tissue than non-calcified plaques (p = 0.004): the mean percentage of fibrous tissue for non-calcified and calcified plaques was 23.74% and 59.37%, respectively (P<0.0001). The 6 calcified plaques showed no inflammatory cell infiltrate and did not exhibit thin fibrous cap atheroma which are the characteristics indicating high risk for plaque rupture. Conclusion: Calcified plaques had significantly less lipid and more fibrous tissue than non-calcified plaques. These findings might suggest indirectly that plaque calcification is a marker of plaque stability. This may be a useful clinical tool to identify asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients with high risk plaques, which could improve benefit of CEA.

Omega 3 fatty acids for the treatment of dementia and cognitive impairment

Abstract: This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: Primary objective To evaluate the effect of omega 3 FA supplementation on cognitive functions in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Secondary objectives To assess the effect of omega 3 FA on global disease severity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life and performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and to assess the safety and acceptability of omega 3 FA supplementation in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment

Editors' conflicts of interest 2011

Abstract: In previous editorials, I have stated my desire to increase the transparency of the British Journal of Nutrition in order to foster an environment of openness, honesty and integrity and to follow the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics and of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Thus, during 2008, I introduced a requirement for ‘conflict of interest’ statements from authors and for more complete descriptions of the contribution of each author to the publication, while in 2010, the British Journal of Nutrition published for the first time conflict of interest statements for myself and the Deputy Editors of this journal. This was a direct response to the guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics that journals should ‘publish lists of relevant interests (financial, academic and other kinds) of all editorial staff and members of editorial boards (which should be updated at least annually)’. I now provide updated conflict of interest statements. Philip Calder, Editor-in-Chief, is employed by the University of Southampton. He serves on the Danone Scientific Advisory Board on Baby Nutrition, the Actimel Scientific Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board of Syral. He served on the Global Advisory Board for Baxter Healthcare that met in 2008. He acts as a consultant to the Danone Research Centre for Specialised Nutrition, Christian Hansen and Beneo-Orafti, and in the past 5 years, he has acted as a consultant to Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Vifor Pharma, Equazen and Amarin Corporation. He has received speaking honoraria from Solvay Healthcare, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Pronova Biocare, Fresenius Kabi, B. Braun, Abbott Nutrition, Baxter Healthcare and Nestlé. He currently receives research funding from the Food Standards Agency, the European Commission, National Institute of Health Research, Vifor Pharma, Abbott Nutrition and Beghin-Meiji; in the recent past, he has received research funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council, Heart UK, Pronova Biocare, Unilever Corporate Research and Beneo-Orafti. He is elected President of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, an organisation that is partly supported by corporate membership fees, mainly the food and supplements industries. He is currently, or has recently been, a member of expert groups of ILSI Europe, chairing three of these; ILSI Europe is funded in part by the European food industry. France Bellisle, Deputy Editor, is Associate Professor at Laval University, Quebec. She serves on scientific advisory committees forMcDonalds, Coca-Cola and theEUFIC. Shehas acted as consultant to Knorr. She has been a member of the Communication Committee of the Institut Français pour la Nutrition, an organisation that is partly supported by corporate membership fees. She participates in the Research AwardsCommitteeof the InstitutBenjaminDelessert (France). David Jacobs, Deputy Editor, is employed by the University of Minnesota and is a regular Guest Professor at the University of Oslo. He is an unpaid consultant to the California Walnut Commission (Scientific Advisory Board). He is a paid statistical reviewer for the journal Circulation. He is a consultant in the life settlement industry, a branch of the life insurance industry. He is funded by grants and contracts from the National Institutes of Health and the US Environmental Protection Agency. John Wallace, Deputy Editor, is employed by the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen. He is a consultant for Enterprise Ireland. He sat on the review board of INRA Jouy-en-Josas, was a recent member of the University College Dublin steering committee on methane emissions and is on the advisory board of the International Foundation for Science. His research is funded by the European Commission, the Scottish Government Rural and Environment Research and Analysis Directorate, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and he has research collaborations with DSM, Alltech, Agolin, Lesaffre, Harbro and Novozymes. Susan Whiting, Deputy Editor, is an employee of University of Saskatchewan. She is a member of the International Institute for Nutrition and Bone Health, an educational initiative sponsored by Yoplait. She is an unpaid consultant to Osteoporosis Canada. She has presented talks with sponsorship from Dairy Farmers of Canada, the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations, Amway International, Glaxo Smith Kline and the Vitamin D Society. She is funded by, or has recently received funding from, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, Centrum Foundation and Dairy Farmers of Canada. Stuart Wood, Deputy Editor, is currently a honorary lecturer and was until recently an employee of the University of Liverpool. He is also an unpaid consultant to the Association for the Study of Obesity, UK. He has received funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the RLBUH NHS Trust R&D (Liverpool). British Journal of Nutrition (2011), 105, 661–662 q The Author 2011