Research Interests
I am interested in examining the effect of diet and dietary patterns on bone health and risk for osteoporosis, frailty, and maintenance of independence in older adults. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the impact of a modulated fatty acid intake (i.e. reduced saturated fat and increased monounsaturated and/or n-3 polyunsaturated fat) within the context of a nutrient- rich diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet, are of particular interest. I enjoy working with older adult populations to promote their well-being. As such, I am also interested studying the impact of diet in populations with accelerated loss of function and independence, such as hip fracture and diabetes.
Heather Hutchins-Wiese
PhD, RD
Assistant Professor
PhD Food and Nutrition - Purdue University
MS Allied Health and Health Promotion - University of Connecticut
BS Dietetics - University of Connecticut
307 Marshall Bldg
313 Marshall Bldg (main HS office)
734.487.2491
734.487.4096 (main HS office)
Instruction
Community Nutrition; Proteins, Lipids and Carbohydrates; From Aging to Infancy, A Life course Retrospective.
Publications
Hutchins-Wiese HL, Kleppinger A, Annis K, Liva, E, Lammi-Keefe C, Durham H, Kenny AM. The impact of supplemental long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary antioxidants on physical performance in older postmenopausal women. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, In Press.
Hutchins-Wiese HL, Li Y, Hannon K, Watkins BA. Long chain omega-3 PUFA and hind limb suspension upregulates the endocannabinoid system in skeletal muscle. J Nutr Biochem. 2012 Aug; 23(8):986-93.
Hutchins HL, Li Y, Hannon K, Watkins BA. Eicosapentaenoic acid decreases expression of anandamide synthesis enzyme and cannabinoid receptor 2 in osteoblast-like cells. J Nutr Biochem. 2011 Feb;22(2):195-200.
Mills JD, Bailes JE, Sedney CL, Hutchins H, Sears B. Omega 3 dietary supplementation reduces traumatic axonal injury in a rodent head injury model. J Neurosurgery, 2011 Jan;114(1):77-84.
Watkins BA, Hutchins HL, Li Y, Seifert MF. The endocannabinoid system: a marriage of PUFA and musculoskeletal health. J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Dec;21(12):1141-52.
Sorgi PJ, Hallowell EM, Hutchins HL, Sears B. Effects of an open-label pilot study with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates on plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutrition Journal 2007 July;6(1):16.
Duffy VB, Lanier SA, Hutchins HL, Pescatello LS, Johnson MK, Bartoshuk LM. Food preference questionnaire as a screening tool for assessing dietary risk of cardiovascular disease within health risk appraisals. J Am Diet Assoc 2007 Feb:107(2):237-45.
Hutchins H. Conference coverage: nutrition and metabolic aspects of carbohydrate restriction - 2006 nutrition and metabolism scientific sessions. Medscape General Medicine 2006 Jun 21;8(2):80.
Johnston CS, Tjonn SL, Swan PD, White A, Hutchins H, Sears B. Ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets have no metabolic advantage as compared to non-ketogenic low-carbohydrate diets. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 May;83(5): 1055-61.
Hutchins H. Symposium Highlights: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Recommendations for Therapeutics and Prevention. Medscape General Medicine 2005 Oct 19;7(4):18.
Invited Presentations
Hutchins-Wiese HL. Nutrition Screening and Assessment. Beyond breakfast lunch and dinner. Presented at the University of Connecticut Center on Aging Grand Rounds. March 12, 2012.
Hutchins-Wiese HL. Endocannabinoid system mRNA levels are sensitive to PUFA and physiological changes in osteoblast-like cells and muscle. Presented to the University of Connecticut Department of Allied Health Sciences. Oct. 4, 2010.
