Dr Lisa Daniels

Research

Dr Lisa Daniels is a Senior Research Fellow and New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD).

Lisa's research experience is in nutrition and public health with a specific interest in paediatrics. Her PhD was in infant nutrition and focused on assessing the impact of modified Baby-Led Weaning on iron and zinc in infants and toddlers. She is currently conducting research investigating breast milk intakes in New Zealand infants, alongside work in assessing the physical growth of tamariki using Whānau Āwhina Plunket data.

Her non-research career highlights include representing New Zealand in Synchronised Swimming at the Commonwealth Games (2006) and Olympics (2008) and co-authoring a cookbook with Nadia Lim (titled: YUM).

Current research Lisa leads or co-leads

• Breast milk intakes: using the 'dose-to-mother stable isotope (deuterium oxide)' technique to assess breast milk intakes of New Zealand infants
• Breast milk composition: determining nutrient composition of breast milk at 7-10 months postpartum
• Plunket 'big data': using Plunket's electronic records to investigate areas of child health (growth, breastfeeding practices, safe sleep environments)
• Healthy weight in Māori preschoolers: investigating anthropometrics and structural factors in Māori preschool children, using Ministry of Health 'B4 School Check' data

Current research Lisa supports

• Rapid weight gain in infancy - evidence to support best practice care
• Understanding parental knowledge of offering common food allergens to infants during the complementary feeding period
• The relationship between baby-led weaning and baby food pouch use on nutrient intakes and iron status in New Zealand infants
• Freeze dried donor human milk for improving premature infant outcomes