Karen Simmer

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Karen Simmer
Personal details
NationalityAustralian
Occupation Paediatrician

Karen Simmer is an Australian paediatrician and professor of Newborn Medicine at the University of Western Australia and is director of two neonatal intensive care units at hospitals in Perth. [1] She also runs the WA Human Milk Bank and is team leader, neonatal gut health, nutrition and development at the Telethon Kids Institute. [2]

Contents

Simmer completed her secondary education at Abbotsleigh in Sydney [1] and undertook an MB BS at the University of Sydney. [3] She graduated from the University of London with a PhD in perinatal nutrition and later completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. [2]

Honours

Simmer was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours for "distinguished service to medicine in the field of paediatrics, particularly neonatal and perinatal nutrition, to medical education as an academic, researcher and clinician, and to the community". [4] She was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences in 2017. [5]

Selected publications

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fat</span> Esters of fatty acid or triglycerides

In nutrition, biology, and chemistry, fat usually means any ester of fatty acids, or a mixture of such compounds, most commonly those that occur in living beings or in food.

Omega−3 fatty acids, also called omega−3 oils, ω−3 fatty acids or n−3 fatty acids, are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) characterized by the presence of a double bond three atoms away from the terminal methyl group in their chemical structure. They are widely distributed in nature, being important constituents of animal lipid metabolism, and they play an important role in the human diet and in human physiology. The three types of omega−3 fatty acids involved in human physiology are α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA can be found in plants, while DHA and EPA are found in algae and fish. Marine algae and phytoplankton are primary sources of omega−3 fatty acids. DHA and EPA accumulate in fish that eat these algae. Common sources of plant oils containing ALA include walnuts, edible seeds, and flaxseeds as well as hempseed oil, while sources of EPA and DHA include fish and fish oils, and algae oil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infant formula</span> Manufactured food designed for feeding infants

Infant formula, also called baby formula, simply formula, baby milk or infant milk, is designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age, usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder or liquid. The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines infant formula as "a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dietary supplement</span> Product providing additional nutrients

A dietary supplement is a manufactured product intended to supplement a person's diet by taking a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. A supplement can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources, or that are synthetic. The classes of nutrient compounds in supplements include vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, and amino acids. Dietary supplements can also contain substances that have not been confirmed as being essential to life, and so are not nutrients per se, but are marketed as having a beneficial biological effect, such as plant pigments or polyphenols. Animals can also be a source of supplement ingredients, such as collagen from chickens or fish for example. These are also sold individually and in combination, and may be combined with nutrient ingredients. The European Commission has also established harmonized rules to help insure that food supplements are safe and appropriately labeled.

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that are required by humans and other animals for normal physiological function that cannot be synthesized in the body.⁠ As they are not synthesized in the body, the essential fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid – must be obtained from food or from a dietary supplement. Essential fatty acids are needed for various cellular metabolic processes and for the maintenance and function of tissues and organs. These fatty acids also are precursors to vitamins, cofactors, and derivatives, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, lipoxins, and others.

α-Linolenic acid Chemical compound

α-Linolenic acid, also known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is an n−3, or omega-3, essential fatty acid. ALA is found in many seeds and oils, including flaxseed, walnuts, chia, hemp, and many common vegetable oils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arachidonic acid</span> Fatty acid used metabolically in many organisms

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated omega−6 fatty acid 20:4(ω−6), or 20:4(5,8,11,14). If its precursors or diet contains linoleic acid it is formed by biosynthesis and can be deposited in animal fats. It is a precursor in the formation of leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Preterm birth</span> Birth at less than a specified gestational age

Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, is the birth of a baby at fewer than 37 weeks gestational age, as opposed to full-term delivery at approximately 40 weeks. Extreme preterm is less than 28 weeks, very early preterm birth is between 28 and 32 weeks, early preterm birth occurs between 32 and 34 weeks, late preterm birth is between 34 and 36 weeks' gestation. These babies are also known as premature babies or colloquially preemies or premmies. Symptoms of preterm labor include uterine contractions which occur more often than every ten minutes and/or the leaking of fluid from the vagina before 37 weeks. Premature infants are at greater risk for cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing problems and problems with their vision. The earlier a baby is born, the greater these risks will be.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omega-6 fatty acid</span> Fatty acids where the sixth bond is double

Omega−6 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have in common a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n−6 position, that is, the sixth bond, counting from the methyl end.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nootropic</span> Compound intended to improve cognitive function

Nootropics, colloquially brain supplements, smart drugs and cognitive enhancers, are natural, semisynthetic or synthetic compounds which purportedly improve cognitive functions, such as executive functions, attention or memory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast milk</span> Milk produced by the mammary glands in the breast of a human female

Breast milk or mother's milk is milk produced by the mammary glands in the breast of human females. Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborn infants, comprising fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and a varying composition of minerals and vitamins. Breast milk also contains substances that help protect an infant against infection and inflammation, such as symbiotic bacteria and other microorganisms and immunoglobulin A, whilst also contributing to the healthy development of the infant's immune system and gut microbiome.

Linoleic acid (LA) is an organic compound with the formula HOOC(CH2)7CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)4CH3. Both alkene groups are cis. It is a fatty acid sometimes denoted 18:2 (n−6) or 18:2 cis-9,12. A linoleate is a salt or ester of this acid.

Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oils contain the omega−3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of certain eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation in the body and improve hypertriglyceridemia. There has been a great deal of controversy in the 21st century about the role of fish oil in cardiovascular disease, with recent meta-analyses reaching different conclusions about its potential impact.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby colic</span> Medical condition

Baby colic, also known as infantile colic, is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for three weeks in an otherwise healthy child. Often crying occurs in the evening. It typically does not result in long-term problems. The crying can result in frustration of the parents, depression following delivery, excess visits to the doctor, and child abuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Docosahexaenoic acid</span> Chemical compound

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega−3 fatty acid that is an important component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. It is given the fatty acid notation 22:6(n−3). It can be synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid or obtained directly from maternal milk (breast milk), fatty fish, fish oil, or algae oil. The consumption of DHA (e.g., from fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines) contributes to numerous physiological benefits, including cognition. As a component of neuronal membranes, the function of DHA is to support neuronal conduction and to allow the optimal functioning of neuronal membrane proteins (such as receptors and enzymes).

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an intestinal disease that affects premature or very low birth weight infants. Symptoms may include poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, vomiting of bile, multi-organ failure, and potentially death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nutrition and pregnancy</span> Nutrient intake and dietary planning undertaken before, during and after pregnancy

Nutrition and pregnancy refers to the nutrient intake, and dietary planning that is undertaken before, during and after pregnancy. Nutrition of the fetus begins at conception. For this reason, the nutrition of the mother is important from before conception as well as throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. An ever-increasing number of studies have shown that the nutrition of the mother will have an effect on the child, up to and including the risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes throughout life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linoleoyl-CoA desaturase</span> Class of enzymes

Linoleoyl-CoA desaturase (also Delta 6 desaturase, EC 1.14.19.3) is an enzyme that converts between types of fatty acids, which are essential nutrients in the human body. The enzyme mainly catalyzes the chemical reaction

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egg oil</span> Oil derived from yolk of chicken eggs

Egg oil, also known as egg yolk oil or ovum oil, is derived from the yolk of chicken eggs consisting mainly of triglycerides with traces of lecithin, cholesterol, biotin, xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, and immunoglobulins. It is free of egg proteins and hence may be used safely by people who are allergic to eggs, for topical applications such as hair and skin care. The product has several historical references in Unani (Greek) medicine for hair care. Traditional Chinese medicine uses egg oil for burns, eczema, dermatitis, mouth ulcers, skin ulcers, chapped nipples, tinea capitis, ringworm, nasal vestibulitis, frostbite, and hemorrhoids.

Maria Makrides is an Australian professor at the University of Adelaide who works on improving women and babies nutritional health. In 2019 she was made a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. She is a professor of human nutrition at the Adelaide Medical School, and a theme leader for the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Women's and Children's Hospital.

References

  1. 1 2 "Karen Simmer AO (1973) - Abbotsleigh". www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  2. 1 2 "Professor Karen Simmer AO". Telethon Kids Institute. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  3. "Karen Simmer". the UWA Profiles and Research Repository. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  4. "Professor Karen Simmer". It's An Honour. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  5. "AAHMS Announces its Second Scientific Meeting and Induction of New Fellows" (PDF). Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  6. Makrides, M.; Neumann, M. A.; Byard, R. W.; Simmer, K.; Gibson, R. A. (1994). "Fatty acid composition of brain, retina, and erythrocytes in breast- and formula-fed infants". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 60 (2): 189–194. doi:10.1093/ajcn/60.2.189. ISSN   0002-9165. PMID   7913291.
  7. Makrides, M.; Neumann, M.; Simmer, K.; Pater, J.; Gibson, R. (10 June 1995). "Are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids essential nutrients in infancy?". Lancet. 345 (8963): 1463–1468. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(95)91035-2. ISSN   0140-6736. PMID   7769900.
  8. Moon, Kwi; Rao, Shripada C.; Schulzke, Sven M.; Patole, Sanjay K.; Simmer, Karen (20 December 2016). "Longchain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in preterm infants". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 12 (12): CD000375. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000375.pub5. ISSN   1469-493X. PMC   6463838 . PMID   27995607.
  9. Jasani, Bonny; Simmer, Karen; Patole, Sanjay K.; Rao, Shripada C. (10 March 2017). "Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in infants born at term". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 3 (3): CD000376. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000376.pub4. ISSN   1469-493X. PMC   6464574 . PMID   28281303.
  10. Hartmann, B. T.; Pang, W. W.; Keil, A. D.; Hartmann, P. E.; Simmer, K.; Australian Neonatal Clinical Care Unit (2007). "Best practice guidelines for the operation of a donor human milk bank in an Australian NICU". Early Human Development. 83 (10): 667–673. doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2007.07.012. ISSN   0378-3782. PMID   17913402.