I am interested in food processing techologies with emphasis on bioavailability of folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc. Most recently, in collaboration with research colleagues at Purdue University, I have shown that microbiological food processing technologies can increase iron and zinc bioavailability in rats fed black beans. Additional experiments that involve cell-culture based experimental models for iron and zinc absorption and transport from bean products are currently being developed in collaboration with researchers at Iowa State University. In my research lab at U-M, my students and I are currently planning biokinetic experiments to determine the daily dosage of black bean products (Michigan Beans) that healthy humans need to consume related to optimizing the status of folic acid and other micronutrients and phytochemicals. As a logical extension of this research with healthy volunteers, future experiments will be conducted with those at risk for colon cancer. A preliminary investigation of the colon cancer chemopreventive potential of black beans is being planned in collaboration with the Chemoprevention Research Group at the University of Michigan.

Research interests in nutrition education relate to collaborative partnerships with colleagues in the School of Public Health and with community partners in Detroit for the development of nutrition education materials and programs with a special focus on cultural nutrition and optimizing nutritional health among those who are at risk for suboptimum nutrition. In collaboration with colleagues from the U-M M-FIT Community Health Promotion, I am evaluating the impact of the M-FIT Point of Purchase Healthy Dining and the Supermarket Shelf Labeling Program on cardiovascular healthy food choices. Finally, in collaboration with Genesee County Health Department in Flint and with the Office of Community based Public Health at SPH, my students and I are developing healthy eating, nutrition and physical activity programs for preventing obesity and reducing infant mortality among African American women of reproductive age in Flint.

Selected Publications

Ziegler, P., S. Kannan, J. Nelson, S. Leonhart and A. Krishnakumar. 2002. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of international synchronized ice skating teams. J Amer Dietetic Assoc. (submitted).

Ziegler, S. Kannan and A. Krishnakumar. 2002. Body image perceptions and weight related attitudes of U.S. international synchronized ice skating teams. J Amer Dietetic Assoc. (submitted).

Kannan, S, B.R. Carruth and J.D. Skinner. 2002. Colstrum and prelacteal feeding practices of mothers in India and in the United States. J Nutr Edu. (submitted)

Weaver, C.M. and S. Kannan. 2002. Mineral bioavailability and food phytates. IN: Food Phytates. Food and Drug Administration, PHS, National Center for Food Safety and Technology. CRC Press.

Kannan, S., A. Mason and S. Nielsen. 2001. Iron and zinc availability from intrinsically labeled bean and bean-rice based products. J Agric & Food Chem. 49:5063-5069.

Kannan, S., A.P. Rodriguez-Burger, S.S. Nielsen and A. Mason. 2001. Protein digestibility of bean and bean-rice products. J Agric & Food Chem. 49:5070-5074.

Kannan, S., D.M. Hamby, L. Minc and A. Krishnakumar. 2001. Selenium in Michigan dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): A neutron activation analysis approach. Presented at the Annual Experimental Biology Meeting, Orlando (April).

Kannan, S. B.R. Carruth and J.D. Skinner. 1999. Cultural influences on infant feeding beliefs of mothers. J Amer Dietetic Assoc. 99:29-32.