Research Interests

As a Category 4 research scientist, Dr. Canfield's primary role is as supervisor of human subjects enrolled in studies developed by Center scientists.  He provides medical information and guidance to scientists engaged in human study development. 

His research interests include nutrient and food component influences on human health.  More specifically, the nutrients/components of interest include omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid in flax), prebiotic carbohydrates (inulin in wheat), probiotic organisms (beneficial bacteria in the intestine), phytate (in wild rice), and vitamin D (subclinical and overt deficiency in persons living in Northern latitudes).  These nutrients/food components all have particular relevance to North Dakota residents.  Many are found in crops produced in the state, or in the upper Midwest.  Vitamin D deficiency, as a consequence of reduced exposure to sunlight given our latitude, is a major factor in the prevalence of osteoporosis (increased falls and fractures in the institutionalized elderly).  In addition, the effect of nutrients/components on inflammation is a developing area of research at the Center.  Many common human diseases/conditions share increased inflammation as a common factor.  Examples are diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.  Omega-3 fatty acid consumption reduces the inflammatory process.  Probiotic bacteria have been shown to reduce colon cancer risk in animals and require prebiotics for optimal activity.  Colon cancer risk is greater in obese persons and those with diabetes. 

Currently, a study is being developed that will test whether a flax oil enriched diet will reduce abdominal fat in overweight/obese persons at risk for diabetes mellitus.  The oil's effect on insulin action, glucose tolerance, inflammation, blood cholesterol and triglycerides, fat cell size, gene expression (genes that code for enzymes necessary for fat metabolism), and energy production by fat cell mitochondria (in collaboration with Dr. W. Thomas Johnson) will also be determined.

Dr. Canfield has been asked by Dr. Terry Dwelle, ND State Health Commissioner, to help shed some light on the reason for the high rate of childhood asthma at the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation, in Devil's Lake.  Currently, the prevalence of asthma on the reservation is being determined by survey in collaboration with Dr. Russ McDonald, a native researcher there.  After confirming the high rate of asthma, the role of diet in this inflammatory disease will be investigated.  Recent scientific evidence suggests that higher omega-3 fatty acid consumption (as found in flax) is associated with a reduced risk for childhood asthma.  Most people in this country consume far too many calories as saturated fat, and as omega-6 fatty acids (although the latter is essential for human health).  By substituting omega-3 fatty acids for omega-6 fatty acids, the risk of asthma may be reduced.

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