Ahmed El-Sohemy
PhD
Qualification
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health (1999-2000)
- Summer Program, Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health (1999)
- PhD, Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto (1999)
- BSc (Hons.), Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto (1994)
At a Glance
- Dr. El-Sohemy's research program in nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics aims to understand how genetic and dietary factors interact to regulate various metabolic and biochemical pathways involved in the development of cardiometabolic disease as well as athletic performance
About Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy
Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy is a Full Professor at the University of Toronto and held a Canada Research Chair in Nutrigenomics. He earned his PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard. The goal of his research is to understand how genetic differences modify response to diet for optimal health and performance. Dr. El-Sohemy has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, given over 350 invited talks and received a number of awards for excellence in research by the Canadian Nutrition Society and the American College of Nutrition. He is the founder of Nutrigenomix Inc.
Research Synopsis
The overall goal of Dr. El-Sohemy's research program in nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics is to identify biomarkers of dietary exposure and elucidate the genetic basis for variability in nutrient response and dietary preferences. His research program employs metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics to study the effects of diet on human health. This approach will help Dr. El-Sohemy and his team to understand how genetic and dietary factors interact to regulate various metabolic and biochemical pathways involved in the development of chronic diseases. His lab has also been studying the effects of disclosing genetic information on eating behaviours along with exploring attitudes and perceptions of genetic testing. Other research projects focus on micronutrient genomics, genetics of caffeine response, and genetic determinants of eating habits as well as athletic performance.
Recent Awards and Distinctions (Selected)
NutraIngredients Award, Personalised Nutrition Initiative (2020)
NutraIngredients Award, Personalised Nutrition Initiative (2019)
Stanley Wallach Award, American College of Nutrition (2018)
Mark Bieber Professional Award, American College of Nutrition (2016)
National and International Committee Memberships (Current)
Science Advisory Council, American Nutrition Association (2020-present)
Nutritional Genomics Advisory Board, American Nutrition Association (2019-present)
Scientific Advisory Board, The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (2011-present)
Scientific Advisory Board, Nutrigenomix Inc. (2011-present)
Recent Publications
Ahmed El-Sohemy | Scholarly & creative works | University of Toronto
In the News
Exploring links between DNA and diet
Gene that affects iron metabolism linked to improved performance in athletes, U of T study finds. U of T News. March 24, 2021
Do DNA-based diets work? TODAY. June 18, 2020
Current Lab Members
Katie Rosychuk – MSc student
Aryan Fazliepour - MSc Student (Co-Supervisor)
Caitlin Duthie - MSc Student (Co-Supervisor)