Roberta R. Holt

Roberta R. Holt, Ph.D., is an Associate Researcher in the Department of Nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on defining the metabolic and physiologic effects of specific foods on cardiovascular health, particularly examining how phytochemicals in whole foods influence vascular and platelet responses. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biology from UC Davis. Dr. Holt’s work has explored dietary interventions involving cocoa, strawberries, walnuts, and other plant-based foods to reduce chronic disease risks. Her studies often integrate biomarkers of vascular function and oxidative stress, with a focus on populations such as postmenopausal women and adolescents. Collaborations with institutions like the UC Davis Department of Nutrition and industry partners highlight her translational research approach.

Education:

• Ph.D., Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis

Research Interests:

• Metabolic effects of dietary phytochemicals
• Vascular health and platelet reactivity
• Cardiovascular disease prevention through nutrition
• Biofortification strategies for nutrient-deficient populations
• Plant-based foods for skin and eye health

Key Themes in Publications:

• Flavanol-rich foods (e.g., cocoa, berries) and their vascular benefits
• Impact of dietary interventions on microvascular function
• Role of zinc and iron biofortification in global health
• Mycelium as a sustainable food source

Advising & Grants: Dr. Holt has not listed formal advisees, but her collaborations suggest involvement in team-based research. Grant support details are not provided in the text.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Department of Nutrition labs at UC Davis, focusing on clinical nutrition studies and biomarker analysis.