2008-2009 University Scholar Profile
Jamie Stolarz
Mentor: Wendy Dahl
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
"I applied to the Scholars program because I am very excited about the field of dietetics and I wanted to become more involved. I wanted to be active in significant scientific research that can be applied to everyday living. This year, I hope to learn how to organize a research project and understand the process of research. I plan to apply my findings to the real-world and turn scientific data into knowledge that can benefit everyone."
Courses of Study
Major
Food Science and Human Nutrition with a specialization in Dietetics
Research Interests
Nutrition and vitamin D
Awards
- Anderson Scholar of Highest Distinction
- President’s Honor Roll (2 semesters)
- Dean’s List (5 semesters)
Volunteer Service / Organizations
- American Dietetic Association
- Florida Dietetic Association
- Florida Agri-Women
- Trigators - Triathlon Team
- Rotaract (Relay for Life Captain)
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Club
- Club Alligator Swim Team
- St. Augustine Church
Hobbies/Activities
Spending time with family, making creative crafts, reading, going to the beach, and dancing
Research Description
Vitamin D Status of Multiethnic College Students from Florida and its Relationship to Dietary Intake and Sun Exposure
Lately, there has been much interest in vitamin D- the sunshine vitamin. There has also been much debate as to how much vitamin D is needed. Many studies suggest that the current Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin D is too low.
Vitamin D requirements can be met through dietary intake and by the skin’s synthesis after sun exposure to UVB light. Foods that contain vitamin D are limited and most of the dietary intake is through foods that are vitamin D fortified. It is well known that vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause osteoporosis. Low serum vitamin D status may be a risk factor for many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, some cancers, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between serum vitamin D levels of multiethnic college students 18-30 years of age at the University of Florida, their dietary intake of vitamin D, and their degree of sun exposure. The study seeks to determine what the relationships are between the gender, degree of skin pigmentation, vitamin D intake from food and supplements, sun exposure, and vitamin D status of college students.
Participants of the study will be asked to complete two surveys- a sun exposure survey and a vitamin D food frequency questionnaire- and to provide a venous blood sample. Skin colorimetry will be performed as well. Participants will later be informed of their vitamin D status and provided with an educational package on the importance of vitamin D and the risks of deficiency. They will then be contacted to determine if they have initiated any supplementation or other behaviors to improve their vitamin D status.
Although vitamin D deficiency is easy to detect and can be prevented or treated with a supplement, there is currently a widespread insufficiency in North America, including Florida, particularly among blacks. Research is needed to determine the factors that are contributing to low vitamin D status.
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