The University of Sheffield
Department of Oncology

Dr Margo Barker BSc, MSc, PhD

Dr Margo Barker

Human Nutrition Unit
The Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX

Office: EU29

Tel: +44 (0)114 271 3782
Fax: +44 (0)114 271 3314

email: m.e.barker@sheffield.ac.uk

Biography

Margo Barker completed her PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, and began her research career in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Ulster. After a period working as a Public Health Nutritionist with Industry, she joined the University of Sheffield and helped establish postgraduate programmes in Human Nutrition. She represents Public Health Nutrition interests on Council of the UK Nutrition Society.

Research Interests

Her research program embraces the broad area of Public Health Nutrition. Current studies with the Academic Unit of Bone Metabolism at the University of Sheffield addresses research questions as to the role of vitamin D in obesity, whilst epidemiological work with Professor Hilary Powers of the Human Nutrition Unit focuses on vitamin B nutrition. Other research has investigated the effect of flavonoid-rich drinks on cardiovascular risk, and recent study has examined hydration in schoolchildren.

Dr Barker has also carried out a portfolio of study into the psychological, social and policy influences on food choice and dietary adequacy. An on-going study sponsored by the Jamie Oliver Foundation evaluates aschool-based interventions to improve food literacy, whilst other work focuses on school meals. A Leverhulme-funded study, which examined representation of food, nutrition, and slimming advice in women’s magazines, has led to a focus on how nutritional and dietary issues are portrayed in the media. 

Teaching Interests

Lead Academic for Masters and Diploma programs in Human Nutrition and Coordinator of a module of Nutritional Epidemiology module.

Professional Activities

Key Publications

1. Sprake E, Russell JM, Barker ME (2013). Food choice and nutrient intake among homeless people. J Hum Nutr Diet

2. Barker ME, McNeir K, Sameer S, Russell JM (2013). Food, nutrition and slimming messages in British women’s magazines 1954-1998. J Hum Nutr Diet

3. Barker ME, Burridge J (2013). Nutrition and health claims in British women’s magazines 1940-1955. J Hum Nutr Diet

4. Ensaff H, Russell JM, Barker ME (2013). Meeting school food standards –students’ food choice & free school meals. Pub Health Nutr available on CJO2013. doi:10.1017/S1368980012005575.

5. Hill MH, Flatley J, Barker ME, Garner CM, Manning NG, Moat SJ, Russell J, Powers HJ (2012). Vitamin B-12 supplement of 500 µg/d for 8 wk does not normalise urinary methyl malonic acid or other biomarkers of vitamin B-12 status in elderly people with moderately poor vitamin B-12 status. J Nutr 143:142-147

6. Benefer MD, Corfe BM, Russell JM, Short R, Barker ME (2012). Water intake and post-exercise cognitive performance: an observational study of long distance walkers and runners. Eur J Nutr 52:617-624