Mass Spectrometry and Stable Isotopes in Nutritional and Pediatric Research

A Guide for Scientists, Nutritionists, Paediatricians, and Students Involved in Metabolic Studies

Mass Spectrometry is widely used by organic chemists to determine the molecular structure as well as for quantitative analysis of a sample based on the atomic mass of each element in the sample. It is used to identify a wide variety of compound classes, including drugs and pesticides. High–precision mass spectrometric analyses are gaining popularity in many scientific disciplines, including metabolic kinetic studies in pediatrics. Innovations in mass spectrometry and tracer administration techniques have made mass spectrometers the instruments of choice for the analysis of isotopic compounds.

In particular, the coupling of LC with IRMS has created new possibilities for pediatric research, especially when low sample volume is crucial, such as in newborn babies. Mass Spectrometry and Stable Isotopes in Pediatric Research presents the relevance of mass spectrometry and stable isotope methodology in pediatric research. Applications for the use of stable isotopes with MS cover carbohydrate, fat, and protein as well as specific amino acid metabolism, energy expenditure, and the synthesis of specific peptides and proteins.

The main focus of these studies is on the interactions between nutrients and the endogenous metabolism within the body and how these factors affect the health of a growing infant. Considering that the early imprinting of metabolic processes hugely impacts metabolism (and thus functional outcome) later in life, research in this area is important and is advancing rapidly. Mass Spectrometry and Stable Isotopes in Pediatric Research features:

The book acts as a guide for scientists, pediatricians and students involved in metabolic studies in life sciences and shows the availability of modern analytical techniques and how to apply these techniques in practice. Readers will find the tools and techniques useful in their research.

Henk Schierbeek, PhD is currently engaged as Associate Professor at the Academic Medical Centre (AMC) of the University of Amsterdam and is heading the mass spectrometry facility of the Mother and child division. Currently he is a board member of the Benelux Association of Stable Isotope Scientists (BASIS.)