Dr Sohail Mushtaq

In addition to his role as Programme Leader for MSc Human Nutrition, Sohail leads or contributes to the following undergraduate and postgraduate modules:

• Human Metabolism (PG and UG, module leader)
• Nutrition and Metabolism (UG, module leader)
• Nutrition in Health and Disease (PG, module leader)
• Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (PG, module leader)
• Principles of Nutrition (PG)
• Human Nutrition (UG)
• Nutritional Sciences (PG)
• Clinical Medicine and Immunology (UG)
• Diabetes Science (PG, former module leader)

Sohail embarked on a professional research career at the University of Reading working as a research assistant in a cardiovascular laboratory, investigating the role of LDL oxidation in atherosclerosis.

Following this, Sohail read for a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry at Nottingham Trent University, which  involved research into the effects of dietary supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on body composition and lipid metabolism in humans, as well as evaluating CLA intake in the UK.

After gaining his PhD, Sohail joined the Human Nutrition Unit in the Medical School at the University of Sheffield as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, working on a Food Standards Agency (FSA) funded intervention study to determine the functional significance of marginal riboflavin status, with particular respect to iron absorption, in young women. In addition, Sohail also worked on a BBSRC funded project investigating role of riboflavin on the cell cycle, and mapping its precise cellular effects in terms of alterations at molecular and proteomic level.

At the University of Chester, Sohail is a Senior Faculty Postgraduate Research Tutor and leads the Micronutrient Metabolism Research Group which consists of several academics and PhD students carrying out clinical studies in relation to diet and health. 

Research Students Supervised

• Stephanie Watkins - The effect of vitamin D supplementation on asthma in adults (current)
• Romina Galea - The role of vitamin D on athlete health and performance (current)
• Darren Wycherley - The effect of vitamin D supplementation on iron status and symptom severity in individuals diagnosed with post-acute sequalae of Covid-19 (long Covid)
• Kevin Jones - Effects of altering treatment parameters on inflammatory & renal tubular damage biomarkers following extra corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (current)
• Vasiliki Sarantopolulou-Aristidemou – Dietary habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet amongst adolescents and adults in Cyprus (completed 2022)
• Alison Moyes – The effect of flexible uretereoscopy, for treatment of renal calculi, on leukocyte, endothelial and inflammatory markers (completed 2019)
• Tarimoboere Agbalallah – Vitamin D and cardiometabolic disease risk: a randomised controlled trial and cross-sectional study (completed 2017)
• Salma Faeza - The effect of dietary components on non-haem iron absorption in healthy and iron-deficient women (completed 2016)
• Carly Smith – Heat shock protein (HSPC1) inhibitors and their use in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (completed 2015)

Dogay G. Mushtaq S. (2022). N-3 fatty acid supplementation mediates lipid profile, including small dense LDL, when combined with statins: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Lipids in Health and Disease. 21:84 doi: .org/10.1186/s12944-022-01686-y.

Agbalalah T, Mushtaq S. (2022). Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on cardiometabolic disease risk among overweight/obese adult males in the UK: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 1-10. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13021.

Sempos CT,… Mushtaq S, Clarke MW, Breen N, Simpson C, Wise SA (2022). Assessment of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D assays for Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme (DEQAS) materials distributed at ambient and frozen conditions. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 414(2):1015-1028. doi: 10.1007/s00216-021-03742-5.

Wise SA,… Mushtaq S, Simpson C, Lukas P, Cavalier É, Sempos CT. (2022). Interlaboratory comparison of 25-hydroxyvitamin D assays: Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) Intercomparison Study 2 - Part 2 ligand binding assays - impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on assay performance. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 414(1):351-366. doi: 10.1007/s00216-021-03577-0.

Watkins S, Freeborn E, Mushtaq S (2021). A validated FFQ to determine dietary intake of vitamin D. Public Health Nutrition. 24(13):4001-4006. doi: 10.1017/S136898002000453X.

Camara JE,… Mushtaq S, Clarke MW, Breen N, Simpson C, Sempos CT. (2021). Assessment of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D assay commutability of Standard Reference Materials and College of American Pathologists Accuracy-Based Vitamin D (ABVD) Scheme and Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme (DEQAS) materials: Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) Commutability Study 2. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 413(20):5067-5084. doi: 10.1007/s00216-021-03470-w.

Ahmad Fuzi, S., & Mushtaq, S. (2021). Response to invited commentary: Vitamin D3 supplementation for 8 weeks leads to improved haematological status following the consumption of an iron-fortified breakfast cereal: A double-blind randomised controlled trial in iron-deficient women. British Journal of Nutrition. 125(5):598-600. doi: 10.1017/S0007114520001683.

Ahmad Fuzi, S.F & Mushtaq, S. (2019).  Vitamin D3 supplementation for 8 weeks leads to improved iron status following the consumption of an iron-fortified breakfast cereal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial in iron-deficient women. British Journal of Nutrition, 121, 1146–1157. doi: 10.1017/S0007114519000412.

Ahmad Fuzi, S.F., Koller, D., Bruggraber, S., Pereira, D.I.A., Dainty, J.R. & Mushtaq, S. (2017). A one-hour time interval between a meal containing iron, and consumption of tea, attenuates the inhibitory effects on iron absorption: a controlled trial in a cohort of healthy UK women using a stable iron isotope. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 106(6), 1413-1421. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.117.161364.

Agbalalah, T., Hughes, S.F., Freeborn, E.J. & Mushtaq, S. (2017). Impact of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial and inflammatory markers in adults: A systematic review.Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 173, 292-300. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.015.

Hughes, S.F., Thomas-Wright, S.J., Banwell, J., Williams, R., Moyes, A.J., Mushtaq, S., Abdulmajed, M. & Shergill, I. (2015). A Pilot Study to Evaluate Haemostatic Function, following Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) for the Treatment of Solitary Kidney Stones. PLoS ONE 10, (5): e0125840. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125840.

Powers, H. J., Hill, M. H., Mushtaq, S., Dainty, J. R., Majsak-Newman, G. & Williams, E. A. (2011). Correcting a marginal riboflavin deficiency improves hematologic status in young women in the United Kingdom (RIBOFEM). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 93, 1274-84. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.008409.

Nakano, E., Mushtaq, S., Heath, P. R., Lee, E. S., Bury, J. P., Riley, S. A., Powers, H. J. & Corfe, B. M. (2011). Riboflavin depletion impairs cell proliferation in adult human duodenum: identification of potential effectors. Digestive Disease Sciences, 56, 1007-19. doi: 10.1007/s10620-010-1374-3.

Mushtaq, S., Heather Mangiapane, E. & Hunter, K. A. (2010). Estimation of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid content in UK foods and assessment of dietary intake in a cohort of healthy adults. British Journal of Nutrition, 103, 1366-74. doi: 10.1017/S000711450999328X.

Mushtaq, S., Su, H., Hill, M. H. & Powers, H. J. (2009). Erythrocyte pyridoxamine phosphate oxidase activity: a potential biomarker of riboflavin status? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90, 1151-9. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.28338.

Hill, M. H., Bradley, A., Mushtaq, S., Williams, E. A. & Powers, H. J. (2009). Effects of methodological variation on assessment of riboflavin status using the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient assay. British Journal of Nutrition, 102, 273-8. doi: 10.1017/S0007114508162997.

Hill, M. H., Mushtaq, S., Williams, E. A., Dainty, J. R. & Powers, H. J. (2009). Study Protocol: randomised controlled trial to investigate the functional significance of marginal riboflavin status in young women in the UK (RIBOFEM). BMC Public Health, 9, 90. 1-8. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-90.

Harris, L. K., Mann, G. E., Ruiz, E., Mushtaq, S. & Leake, D. S. (2006). Ascorbate does not protect macrophages against apoptosis induced by oxidised low density lipoprotein.Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 455: 68-76. 

Abstracts/Proceedings 

Mushtaq, S., & Fuzi, S. (2020). Dietary vitamin D supplementation improves haematological status following consumption of an iron-fortified cereal: An 8-week randomised controlled trial. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 79(OCE2), E529. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665120004784.

Butler, T., Confue, C., Guild, J., & Mushtaq, S. (2019). Effect of a single serving of pecan nuts on blood lipids and weight: A single blind randomised control trial.  Public Health. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 32: 46-50. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12630.

Agbalalah T. & Mushtaq S. (2019). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiometabolic markers in overweight and obese adults. a randomised controlled trial. Proceedings of the 21st Workshop on Vitamin D in Barcelona. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 189: Plenary Poster Session. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.03.026.

Mushtaq, S., Ahmad Fuzi, S.F. (2019). Dietary supplementation with 1500IU vitamin D3 for 8 weeks improves iron status following the consumption of an iron-fortified breakfast cereal: a double-blind randomised controlled trial in iron-deficient UK women. Proceedings of the 21st Workshop on Vitamin D in Barcelona. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 189: Plenary Poster Session. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.03.026.

Jackson, E., & Mushtaq, S. (2018). Leading brand products and their supermarket economy line equivalents, is there a difference in nutritional content? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 77(OCE4), E198. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665118002045.

Butler, T., Confue, C., Guild, J., & Mushtaq, S. (2018). Effect of a single serving of pecan nuts on blood lipids and weight: A single blind randomised control trial. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 77(OCE4), E164. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665118001702.

Agbalalah, T., Mushtaq, S. (2017). Impact of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial and inflammatory markers in adults: A systematic review. Proceedings of the 19thWorkshop on Vitamin D in Boston. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 173:. doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.06.005.

Butler, T.J., Davies, I. & Mushtaq, S. (2017). Full fat cheese intake and cardiovascular health: a randomised control trial. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 76 (OCE4), E223 Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665117003858.

Harris, K., Mushtaq. S. & Butler T. (2017). A double-blind randomised study investigating the effect of 4 weeks of cheese intake on blood lipids. (201, Public Health. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 30: 28-34. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12462.

Ahmad Fuzi, S.F. & Mushtaq, S. (2016). Investigation into the inhibitory effects of tea consumption on iron bioavailability in a cohort of healthy UK women, using a stable iron isotope (57Fe). International Conference on Advances in Human Nutrition, Food Science & Technology, Toronto, USA. doi: 978-0-9951985-1-7.

Amirabdollahian, F., Buczkowski, B., Mushtaq, S. & Davies, I.G. (2016). Estimates of fibre intake and percentage of the population with intake below the dietary reference values (DRVs) in England (1991-2015). Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 75 (OCE3). Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665116001506.

Benson, L. & Mushtaq, S. (2015) Dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) for 4 weeks reduces post-exercise fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in trained male athletes. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 75(OCE5), E280. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665115003274.

Turner, E. & Mushtaq, S. (2015) Acute and chronic effects of beetroot supplementation on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in humans. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 74 (OCE1), E112. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665115001275.

Aitken, A. & Mushtaq, S. (2015). Dietary vitamin D consumption, sunlight exposure, sunscreen use and parental knowledge of vitamin D sources in a cohort of children aged 1-6 years in North West England. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 74 (OCE1), E19. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665115000348.

Moyes A,J., Shergill I., Thomas-Wright S,J., Banwell, J., Williams, E., Mushtaq, S., Abdulmajed M,I. & Hughes SF. (2015). The role of phagocytic leucocytes and inflammatory biomarkers following SWL for unilateral kidney stones. Annual North West Urology Congress, Warrington, UK. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21234.09924.

Hughes, S.F., Thomas-Wright, S.J., Banwell, J., Williams, R., Moyes, A.J., Mushtaq, S. & Shergill, I. (2015). A pilot study to evaluate haemostatic function following ESWL for unilateral kidney stones. Norman Gibbon Urology Meeting, Liverpool Medical Institute, UK. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.31300.42887.

Thomas, P. & Mushtaq, S. Saturated Fatty Acid Intake as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Healthy Caucasian Adults from Western Populations. (2014). European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 4(3): 250-251.

Mushtaq, S., Morris, M. & Benn, J. (2014). Conjugated linoleic acid as an ergogenic aid in endurance performance in trained cyclists/triathletes. 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science: Amsterdam. European Database of Sport Science.

Hughes, S.F., Thomas-Wright, S.J., Banwell, J., Mushtaq, S., Williams, R., Abdulmajed, M., & Shergill, I. (2014). Are urological patients at increased risks of developing haemostatic complications following shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for solitary unilateral kidney stones? Eur Urol Suppl, 13, E816.

Thomas, P. & Mushtaq, S. (2013). Saturated fatty acid intake as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in affluent, healthy Caucasian adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 72 (OCE4), E238. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665113002632.

Moss, J. & Mushtaq, S. (2013). Estimation of fruit and vegetable consumption in a cohort of Ghanaian women and evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practice. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 72 (OCE4), E304. Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665113003315.

Lewis, D. & Mushtaq, S. (2013). Vitamin D intake and adequacy in an adolescent population in rural North Wales, UK. DIETS e‐journal. Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2013.

Drake, L. & Mushtaq, S. (2013). An evaluation of the intake and knowledge of folic acid amongst pregnant women in the UK. DIETS e‐journal. Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2013.

Mushtaq S. (2011). Psychological Wellbeing, Physical Activity and Nutrition - Wellness in staff in Higher Education (WISHE) Intervention.

Majsak-Newman, G., Dainty, J.R., Hill, M.H.E., Mushtaq, S., Williams, E.A. & Powers, H.J. (2009). Effect of Riboflavin status on the bioavailability of non-heam iron. International IUPAC Symposium on trace elements in food.

Mushtaq, S., Hunter, K.A. & Mangiapane, H.E. (2004). Estimation of the Daily Intake of the cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 Isomers of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) of a Cohort of Healthy Adult UK Volunteers. Proceedings of the 6th Congress of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL). Lipids. 2004 39(11):1043-146.

• RNutr, FHEA .
• PhD Nutritional Biochemistry - Nottingham Trent University
• MSc Immunology - University of Essex
• BSc (hons) Biochemistry - University of Essex
• PG Cert Teaching and Learning in HE - University of Chester