Analytical Core Lab
Stable Isotope Core Laboratory
The
Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Gas Chromatography/Mass
Spectrometry (GC/MS) laboratories comprise the Stable
Isotope Core Laboratory, which covers most of the seventh
floor of the CNRC building.
The Stable Isotope Laboratory provides
analytical equipment and expertise for a number of
studies requiring measurement of isotopically enriched
compounds from body fluids for the measurement of total
daily energy expenditure, nutrient oxidation, mineral
metabolism and metabolism of complex organic nutrients.
Volunteers
are given special tracers containing stable isotopes. Stable
isotopes are safe, non-radioactive forms of common
elements such as carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen that
occur naturally in small amounts in the foods and water
we consume every day. Because they are unique
and relatively rare, stable isotopes are an invaluable
tool for studying the flow of nutrients through the
human body.
Compounds containing stable isotopes
can be identified and measured using a distinct feature:
the molecular weight of a stable isotope-containing
compound differs from that of the original compound. Using
special instrumentation called mass spectrometers,
scientists use this weight difference to trace the
stable isotopes as they travel through the body and
appear in the breath, urine, blood and stool. Because
these isotopes are non-radioactive, they are harmless
and can be used in studies with infants and children
as well as pregnant and nursing women.
This sophisticated technology and
the Center's knowledgeable scientists have established
the CNRC as an international leader in the use of stable
isotopic tracers of minerals and other nutrients to
assess nutrient needs.
Training in the use of stable isotopes
is available to CNRC postdoctoral fellows and visiting
scientists, who also have the opportunity to participate
in CNRC research programs
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