BIONUTRITION

The Bionutrition Core provides nutrition services to investigators who have approved protocols for both the adult and pediatric units of the GCRC. For studies requiring special nutrition control, precise research diets can be developed, weighed and prepared in the research kitchen by a specially trained staff.  Outpatient meals can be packed for 2-3 days and the subject picks them up at the GCRC. 

All bionutrition staff complete the CITI Basic Course in Human Subject Protection. The combined staff experience is greater than 30 years.  

Staff
Joan Pleuss, RD, MS, CDE, CD, Clinical Program Coordinator
jpleuss@mcw.edu, 414-805-7306

Mary Ellen Mitchell, Research Technician

Caitlyn Romm, Research Technician

414-805-7306, Bionutrition Kitchen

Resources

• Research Kitchen
• Bioelectric Impedance (Xitron) for body fat percentage, lean body mass and intracellular and extracellular fluid volume measurement
• Skinfold and circumference measurements
• Nutrient analysis software (Minnesota Nutrition Data System, NDS-R) for 127 nutrients
• Preston Pinch Gauge
• DEXA, Indirect Calorimetry thru special arrangement

Services

• Investigator consults for planning and developing nutrition component of research protocols
• Writing of nutrition component of research protocols and manuscripts
• Identification of resources and assistance with grant budget
• Evaluation of protocols as a research team member
• Screen subjects for nutrition inclusion criteria
• Design, prepare and distribute research diets and standardized meals
• Provide instructions and monitor compliance of subjects on research diets
• Collect, analyze and maintain databases for nutrition research data
• Perform body composition assessments 
• Teach study subjects how to record food diaries
• Assess dietary intake (food records, 24 hour recalls, diet history, food frequency questionnaires)
• Develop specialized nutrition education materials
• Counsel subjects on protocol specific lifestyle change
• Provide non-research snacks and meals to studies requiring fasting or prolonged visits

Training

Nutrition research methodology training for dietetic students, nurses, research coordinators, medical students, residents and fellows is available.

Hours

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special arrangement for service outside these times can be scheduled.