Associate Professor Department of Food Science, Cornell University,
349 Stocking Hall | 411 Tower Road | Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-0884 (voice) | 607-254-4868 (fax)
https://foodscience.cals.cornell.edu/people/elad-tako/
et79@cornell.edu
B.S. The Faculty of Agriculture, Food & The Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1998
M.S. The Faculty of Agriculture, Food & The Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2001
Ph.D. The Faculty of Agriculture, Food & The Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2005
Dr. Elad Tako and his research team conduct multidisciplinary research that links between the research fields of Food Science and Nutrition. The research is focused on various aspects of (a) dietary trace mineral deficiencies, cause and effects, with emphases on the physiological and nutritional factors and practices that influence the intestinal absorption of micronutrients, specifically iron and zinc. (b) the characterization of the individual and interactive effects of dietary minerals (Fe/Zn), phytochemicals and prebiotics common to staple foods on the intestinal microbiome and BBM functionality. Evaluation of plant origin bioactive compounds extracted from food crops on mineral (Fe, Zn) dietary bioavailability and absorption in vivo. In this context, the team is using various approaches that utilize both cellular and animal (Gallus gallus, both hatchling and embryonic) models to assess mineral bioavailability of staple food crops, and plant origin bioactive compounds. In general, his research is focused at:
- Alleviating dietary mineral deficiencies in at-risk populations.
- The development of a novel zinc status physiological blood biomarker (the LA:DGLA ratio), and as part of the development of the “Zinc Status Index”.
- The study of the effects of mineral deficiencies (Zn and Fe) on the intestinal brush border membrane functionality using the Gallus gallus model.
- The interplay between nutrient intake and gene expression (nutrigenomics) relevant to Fe and Zn deficiency.
- Characterize the intestinal microbiome and its influence on intestinal brush border membrane morphology and functionality in response to dietary phytochemicals, prebiotics, and Fe and Zn status. Further, link between mineral “deficient” microbial profile and secondary physiological conditions and disease.
- The characterization of the individual and interactive effects of dietary minerals (Fe/Zn), phytochemicals and prebiotics common to staple foods (chickpea, bean, wheat, lentil) on the intestinal microbiome and BBM functionality. Evaluation of plant origin bioactive compounds extracted from food crops on mineral (Fe, Zn) dietary bioavailability and absorption in vivo.
- Development of the intra-amniotic administration method (Gallus gallus) as an in vivo approach to identify and assess plant origin bioactive compounds with potential nutritional benefits.
Prior to joining the Department of Food Science, Dr. Tako was a lead scientist research physiologist with the USDA-ARS, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health located on Cornell University campus, where he established the Trace Mineral & Nutrition unit.
Dr. Tako has published more than 75 peer-reviewed manuscripts, and had given over 100 presentations in international scientific meetings, symposia, and others. He also created and edited 5 special issues within Nutrients (leading journal in the field of nutrition research).
Dr. Tako multidisciplinary and strategic approach includes collaborations with other domestic and international scientists in the fields of Plant Science, Animal Science, Crop & Soil Science, Viticulture, Plant Pathology, Food Science, Human Nutrition, Biological Science and Biomedical Engineering. The multidisciplinary research adds significant productivity and scientific impact, and results in publications in leading Food Science and Nutrition journals, as well as other top disciplinary journals.