Dr. Adam Metherel

Dr. Adam Metherel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto. Dr. Metherel is currently developing new models for determining synthesis rates of DHA and other omega-3 PUFA from dietary precursors, including ALA and SDA, in rodents and humans, while simultaneously using these models to identify the mechanisms driving the known sex differences in omega-3, and particularly DHA status. His team is responsible for shedding new light on how mammals and humans may form as much DHA as needed from plant-based omega-3 precursors, and that high ‘preformed’ DHA intakes inhibit the body’s natural capacity to form DHA in key tissues from omega-3 ALA, SDA, and EPA. This research has profound implications for global omega-3 supply sustainability because it shows how humanity may not need to rely on wild-harvested fish and ocean ecosystems to achieve healthy omega-3 status.