Kelly Foss

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, have enormous impacts on the health and well-being of Canadians. The causes of these diseases are not completely understood but include behavioural, genetic and environmental risk factors.

Dr. David Jenkins is the Canadian Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism with the Department of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto. His team was the first to define and explore the concept of the glycemic index of foods and demonstrate the breadth of metabolic effects of viscous soluble fibre, including effects on blood glucose and cholesterol lowering.

His studies on combining cholesterol-lowering food components (dietary portfolio) have been recognized as creating an effective dietary alternative to drug therapy (statins) for many people.

Dr. Jenkins will give a free public lecture titled, Diet and Chronic Disease in the 21st Century on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Room IIC-2001.  In his talk, he will discuss the effect of diet on modifying the progression and severity of chronic diseases.

In addition, Dr. Jenkins will deliver a seminar geared toward a scientific audience of the same title on Monday, April 7 at 2 p.m. in the Engineering building, Room EN-2043.

The inaugural Faith Elizabeth Winifred (Rusted) Bayley Nutrition Lecture is hosted by the Department of Biochemistry. It was established by a bequest from Dr. Nigel Rusted in memory of his sister, a dietitian and high-ranking RCAF squadron leader in the Eastern Air Command during WWII.

Both lectures are open to all and the evening session will be followed by a reception.