Course
Stable Isotope Methods in Nutrition Research
The course will provide advanced understanding of the principles and concepts of different stable isotope techniques in nutrition research.
Background
In vivo assessment of nutrient absorption, status and metabolism can benefit a lot from the use of stable isotope methods. These methods can help to better understand biological processes, provide quantitative data on fluxes of metabolites through different compartments in the body, and help to determine nutrient status which link to health and diseases. This course will provide a solid scientific background on application of stable isotopes in nutrition research. Topics will include body composition, energy expenditure, breast milk intake, vitamin/mineral bioavailability and protein digestibility.
Target group
The course welcomes PhD students, post-docs and academic staff as well as scientists from research centres and industry working in the area of human and animal nutrition, food sciences and/or biomedical sciences. Basic scientific knowledge on concepts, methods and study designs in quantitative research is assumed, as well as general understanding of nutrition and nutritional physiology.
Aim
The course will provide advanced understanding of the principles and concepts of different stable isotope techniques in nutrition research, and participants will advance their skills in the application of these techniques. There will be time to consult faculty with questions arising from own research and experience.
After participation the participant:
- Can explain the general concepts and underlying assumptions of stable isotope techniques in nutrition research;
- Understands the principles of various laboratory techniques to quantify isotope enrichments;
- Can describe the application of stable isotopes in the assessment of body composition, energy expenditure, breast milk intake, vitamin/mineral bioavailability and protein digestibility;
- Is able to apply the theory of one or two of the techniques discussed in the course within the own research setting.
Course design
The course consists of lectures, tutorials, computer practical, excursion, and consultation with faculty.
Programme topics
- Basic concepts and definitions of the use of stable isotopes in nutrition research
- Mass spectrometry methods to measure stable isotope tracers
- Intrinsic and extrinsic labelling of experimental foods and nutrients
- Isotope tracer methods for measuring nutrient status, body composition. energy expenditure and bioavailability of vitamins and minerals
- Use of tracers in protein metabolism: digestibility, bioavailability and protein synthesis
- Excursion to a laboratory
Organisation
Course coordinators
Dr ir Alida Melse-Boonstra, Ir Paul Hulshof, and Dr Marco Mensink,
Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
Other faculty
- Prof. Thomas Preston,
Stable Isotope Biochemistry, University of Glasgow, UK - Dr. Christine Slater,
Nutrition Specialist at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria (retired) - Prof. Walter Gerrits,
Animal Nutrition, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands - Dr. Michiel Balvers,
Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, and Clinical chemical and haematology laboratory, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, the Netherlands
Date & duration
The course will be held from 26-29 August 2019. The course will start on Monday at 9.00hrs and will finish on Thursday at 13.30hrs.
Language
The course language will be English.
Study load
The study load of this course is 1.0 ECTS credits for attending all lectures.
Contact information
Organisational matters
Mrs. Ingeborg van Leeuwen-Bol
E-mail: ingeborg.vanleeuwen-bol@wur.nl
Course contents:
Dr Alida Melse, Wageningen University & Research
E-mail: alida.melse@wur.nl
Location & accommodation
Lectures will be given at Wageningen University. Wageningen is located 5 kms from the train station of Ede-Wageningen. This railway station can be reached by train from the airport Schiphol in about one hour.
The organization has blocked a number of hotel rooms at Wageningen International Hotel and Congress Centre (WICC) for course participants, but only until 15 July 2019. Single room 69 euro per night, twin room, single use 74,50 euro per night including breakfast, excluding taxes. Transport to Wageningen Campus by bus (public transport) or bike (to be rent at the hotel). Participants have to book their own room. Please book your room before 15 July 2019 and mention bonus code SIM19: http://www.wicc.nl/
Another option is to book a Bed & breakfast: https://classic.bedandbreakfast.nl/bed-and-breakfast/wageningen/netherlands/c2745088
Registration & course fee
The final registration date is 12 July 2019. If you would like to register after this date, please contact Ingeborg van Leeuwen-Bol.
Registrations will be accepted in the order in which the registration form and course fee payment are received. Applicants will be informed of acceptance of their registration by E-mail. They will receive instructions for payment, and further course details.
Course fee includes downloadable lecture notes, wi-fi internet access, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches, and one dinner, and but does not cover accommodation. The course fee depends on the participant's affiliation:
| VLAG / WUR PhD candidates | € 275 |
| Other PhD candidates, Postdocs / staff from VLAG | € 500 |
| Postdocs / university staff not affiliated with VLAG / non-profit | € 725 |
| Participants from the private sector / for-profit | € 1600 |
Cancellations policy
- No charge until 12 July 2019
- 25% of the course fee paid or due till 1 August 2019
- No refund after 1 Augustl 2019
Substitutions for participants may be made at any time until the start of the course.