Dr Natalie Sinn

Natalie has a background in Psychology and works in the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research. She is the recipient of an Australian Research Council Post Doctoral Fellowship from June 2007-10 for the project "Cognitive and behavioural benefits of omega-3 fatty acids across the lifespan", a collaboration between the University of South Australia and the Queensland University of Technology, supported by Novasel Australia, the ATN Centre for Metabolic Fitness, and a Department of Health PhD scholarship for Catherine Milte.

This project continues Natalie's PhD research, completed in 2006 on omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients and ADHD, with CSIRO Human Nutrition and UniSA. She received a successful Fresh Scientist nomination for this work in 2005 and then won the People's Choice award judged by her peers during Fresh Science week in Melbourne. Natalie gives seminars on nutrition and mental health and is involved in projects that investigate parenting and other psychosocial factors associated with child & adolescent diets, overweight and obesity.

Video-tape of interview on Today Show, Channel 9

Video-tape of interview on Campbell Live, New Zealand

Food and Behaviour Research (FAB)

Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential nutrients for our children. Highlights of a Scientific Consensus Workshop.

Nutraingredients.com: Clinical trial boosts omega-3's ADHD benefit claims

Australasian Science article Jan/Feb 2007

Fresh Science 2005

UniSA Researcher: Fish oil wins over children with ADHD

Children with ADHD benefited from 15-week course of fish oil and primrose oil

Catalyst: Omega 3

ABC News online: Fish oil supplements ease ADHD symptoms

Australia: Fish oil can help against ADHD, says new research

Nutraingredients: More support for omega-3 calming ADHD kids

The Australian: Omega-3 fish oil 'can treat ADHD'

Today Tonight: Fish oil could help problem kids

Stateline: New study says fish oil helps control unruly children

Life Matters, Radio National: Fish Oil Research and ADHD

• Tutoring: Psychology 1A, Research With Young Children, Research Methods
• Guest lecturer: Health Psychology
  Seminars: Nutrition and mental health
• Other interests: Developmental Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Biological Psychology

Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth (ARACY)
Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA)
International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA)
International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL)
Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA)
Australian Health Promoting Schools Association (AHPSA)
The Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS)
Australasian Child and Adolescent Obesity Research Network (ACAORN)

PhD, University of South Australia/CSIRO Human Nutrition 2006
BPsych (first class Hons), University of South Australia 2002
BPsych, University of South Australia 2001

• The impact of nutrition, lifestyle and environment on mood, cognition and behaviour across the lifespan, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
• Parenting and other psychosocial factors associated with child & adolescent diets, overweight and obesity
• PhD thesis title: Omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, and cognitive and behavioural problems associated with child attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Honours thesis title: Emotional intelligence as an independent predictor of life satisfaction (emotional intelligence, IQ, and personality)

Sinn N, Milte C, Howe P. (under review). Oiling the brain: A review of randomised controlled trials in omega-3 fatty acids and psychopathology across the lifespan. Nutrients - Special Omega-3 Update issue

Milte C, Sinn N, Howe, P (2009). Polyunsaturated fatty acid status in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression and Alzheimer’s disease: Towards an omega-3 index for mental health? Nutrition Reviews, 67(10):573-590. IF=2.937

NG Ka-Hung, Meyer BJ, Reece L, Sinn N (2009). Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes in children with ADHD symptoms. British Journal of Nutrition. E-pub ahead of print - doi: 10.1017/S0007114509990821. IF=2.764

Thorp A, Sinn N , Buckley JD, Coates AM, Howe PRC (2009). Soy isoflavone supplementation enhances spatial working memory in men. British Journal of Nutrition, 102:1348-1354. IF=2.764

Sinn N, Bryan J, Wilson C (2009). Nutrition and ADHD: Omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. VDM Verlag: Saarbrücken. ISBN: 978-3-639-10471-4.

Sinn N, Milte C, Howe PRC (2009). From ADHD to Alzheimer's: Omega-3 fatty acids and mental health. In Fatty Acids in Health Promotion and Disease Causation, Watson RR (ed), pp 611-641. Urbana, Illinois: AOCS press

Sinn N (2008). Nutritional and dietary influences on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutrition Reviews. 66(10):558-568. IF=2.937

Sinn N, Bryan J, Wilson C (2008). Cognitive effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with ADHD symptoms: A randomised controlled trial. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes & Essential Fatty Acids, 78(4-5):311-326. IF=2.261. Citations: 6

Sinn N, Howe PRC (2008). Mental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids may be mediated by improvements in cerebral vascular function. Bioscience Hypotheses, 1(2):103-108. [Sister journal to Medical Hypotheses, IF=1.299] Citations: 3

Tsiros MD, Sinn N, Brennan L, Coates AM, Walkley JD, Petkov J, Howe PRC, Buckley JD (2008). Cognitive behavioural therapy improves diet and body composition in overweight and obese adolescents. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87:1134-1140. IF=6.562

Tsiros MD, Sinn N, Coates AM, Howe PRC, Buckley JD (2008). Treatment of adolescent overweight and obesity. European Journal of Pediatrics, 167(1):9-16. IF=1.382. Citations: 13

Hodge L, Kruger M, Meyer B, Morgan W, Richardson A, Sinclair A, Sinn N, Helman T. Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential nutrients for our children. Arbor Clinical Nutrition Updates 2007 (Sep); 283S:1-3

Sinn N (2007). Physical fatty acid deficiency signs in children with ADHD symptoms. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes & Essential Fatty Acids, 77(2):109-115. IF=2.261. Citations: 4

Sinn N (2007). Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for ADHD symptoms: Response to commentary. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 28(3):262-263. IF=2.170. Citations: 2

Sinn N, Bryan J (2007). Effect of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients on ADHD-related problems with attention and behaviour. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 28(2):82-91. IF=2.170. Citations: 38

Sinn N, Wilson C (2006). Dietary supplementation with highly unsaturated fatty acids: Implications for interventions with persons with mental retardation from research on infant cognitive development, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities. International Review of Research in Mental Retardation, 32, 159-196. Citations: 2

Gannon [Sinn] N, Ranzijn R (2005). Does emotional intelligence predict unique variance in life satisfaction beyond IQ and personality? Personality and Individual Differences,38:1353-1364. IF=1.256. Citations: 27

Conferences and abstracts

Sinn N, Milte C, Coates AM, Buckley JD, Young R, Howe PRC (2009). Erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acid status, memory and cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Newcastle Australia, 8-11 December.

Milte C, Sinn N, Coates AM, Buckley JD, Young R, Howe PRC (2009). Childhood learning and behaviour disorders respond to changes in erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Newcastle Australia, 8-11 December.

Zarnowiecki D, Sinn N, Dollman J (2009). Associations of parents’ nutrition knowledge and attitudes with children’s weight status. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Newcastle Australia, 8-11 December.

Zarnowiecki D, Sinn N, Dollman J (2009). Associations of parents’ nutrition knowledge and attitudes with children’s healthy food knowledge. Peer-reviewed poster presentation, Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Conference (ANZOS), Melbourne Australia, 23-25 October. Winner: Best Student Poster Prize

Sinn N, Milte C, Howe P (2009). Polyunsaturated fatty acid status in ADHD, depression and Alzheimer’s disease: Towards an omega-3 index for mental health?’ Invited presentation, World Congress on Oils and Fats & 28th ISF Congress: Sydney 27-30 September 2009.

Milte C, Sinn N, Buckley J, Coates AM, Young RM, Howe PRC (2008). Associations between erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognitive assessments in children with ADHD and learning difficulties. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Adelaide Australia, 30 Nov-3 Dec. Abstract published in Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17:S1-S143.

Ng Ka-Hung, Reece L, Sinn N, Meyer BJ (2008). Polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes in children with ADHD. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Adelaide Australia, 30 Nov-3 Dec. Abstract published in Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17:S1-S143.

Walkley J, Brennan L, Tsiros M, Sinn N, Buckley J, Howe P, Coates A, Mallows R, Lukeis S, Fraser S, Spargo F, Taylor L, Lante K, Greenway K (2008). Physical activity and body composition in overweight and obese adolescents. Peer-reviewed poster presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Adelaide Australia, 30 Nov-3 Dec. Abstract published in Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17:S1-S143.

Zarnowiecki DM, Sinn N, Dollman J (2008). Development of a Healthy Food Knowledge Activity to assess nutrition knowledge in young children. Peer-reviewed poster presentation, Nutrition Society Conference, Adelaide Australia, 30 Nov-3 Dec. Abstract published in Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17:S1-S143.

Walkley J, Brennan L, Tsiros M, Sinn N, Buckley J, Howe P, Coates A, Mallows R, Lukeis S, Fraser S, Spargo F, Taylor L, Lante K, Greenway K (2008). Physical activity and body composition in overweight and obese adolescents. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Australian Health & Medical Research Congress, November, Brisbane.

Sinn N (2008). Optimum nutrition for learning and behaviour. Invited speaker for the Food for the Brain conference, 11-12 October, London UK.

Sinn N (2008). Autism and ADHD. Invited speaker for The Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition Seminar, The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Paediatric Nutrition. 9-10 September 2008, London Metropolitan University, UK.

Sinn N, Howe P (2008). Omega-3 for heart and mind. Peer-reviewed poster presentation, Psychogenic Cardiovascular Disease Conference, Prato, Italy, 3-5 September.

Sinn N (2008). Cognitive effects of omega-3 fatty acids in adults and the elderly. Invited speaker, Pharmacy Expo 2008, Sydney, 21-22 June.

Milte C, Sinn N, Buckley JD, Coates AM, Howe PRC (2008). Low long-chain omega-3 levels correlate with ADHD symptoms, attention and literacy problems in children with low omega-3 status. Peer-reviewed oral presentation, Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) SA Scientific Meeting, Adelaide 4 June.

Peters J, Sinn N, Dollman J (2008). Parental influences on young children’s food choices. Peer-reviewed poster presentation, Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) SA Scientific Meeting, Adelaide 4 June.

Zarnowiecki D, Sinn N, Dollman J (2008). Assessing nutrition knowledge in 5-6 year old children. Peer-reviewed poster presentation, Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) SA Scientific Meeting, Adelaide 4 June.

Sinn N, Milte C, Buckley JD, Coates AM, Howe PRC (2008). Low long-chain omega-3 levels correlate with ADHD symptoms, attention and literacy problems in children with low omega-3 status. Oral presentation, International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) Conference, 17-22 May, Kansas City USA.

Sinn N (2008). Nutritional support for learning and behavioural difficulties in children - what's the evidence? Invited speaker, Pharmacists Conference, Gold Coast, 30 March.

Sinn N (2007). Nutrition, learning and behaviour: omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients for childhood developmental difficulties. Invited speaker, Nutrition Society Australia/New Zealand Conference, 5-7 December, New Zealand. Abstract published in Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007;16(Suppl 3):S64.

Thorpe A, Sinn N, Coates AM, Buckley J, Howe PRC (2007). Soy isoflavone supplementation improves spatial working memory in healthy males. Oral presentation, Nutrition Society Australia/New Zealand Conference, 5-7 December, New Zealand. Abstract published in Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007;16(Suppl 3):S34.

Sinn N (2007). Nutritional support for learning and behavioural difficulties in children - what's the evidence? Invited speaker, Pharmacy Assistant Conference, Gold Coast, 26 October 2007.

Tsiros MD, Sinn N, Coates AM, Brennan L, Walkley J, Howe PRC, Buckley JD (2007). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat overweight and obese adolescents: Adelaide-based evaluation of the Choose Health program. Oral presentation, Australasian Society for the Study of Obesity, 15th Annual Scientific Meeting, 31 August, 1-2 September, Canberra.

Tsiros MD, Sinn N, Coates AM, Brennan L, Walkley J, Howe PRC, Buckley JD (2007). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat overweight and obese adolescents: Adelaide-based evaluation of the Choose Health program. Oral presentation, ASMR SA Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, 6 June.

Tsiros MD, Sinn N, Coates AM, Brennan L, Walkley J, Howe PRC, Buckley JD (2006). Adelaide-based evaluation of the Choose Health Program: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for overweight and obesity in adolescents. Oral presentation, Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA) symposium for Early Career Researchers, University of Adelaide, 2 November.

Sinn N, Bryan J, Wilson C (2006). Polyunsaturated fatty acids with high ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid improve attention and behaviour in children suffering problems with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Oral presentation, International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids Conference. Cairns, July 23-28.

Sinn N, Bryan J (2005). Intervention study looking at the effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive outcomes in children with learning difficulties. Poster presentation, Cognitive Development Society Fourth Biennial Meeting. San Diego, October 21-22.

Other

Sinn N (2008). Are schools responsible for children's health? ACEL Directions in Education (Editor Debra Brydon), May: Invited commentary.

Sinn N (2007). Children, brain and behaviour: An Australian perspective. Omega-3 fatty acids – essential nutrients for our children. Scientific consensus workshop, Omega-3 Centre, Sydney, April: Invited summary paper.

Sinn N (2007). Omega-3 fatty acids may improve concentration and hyperactivity, Australasian Science (Editor Guy Nolch), January/February: Invited article.

Sinn N (2007). Long overdue health revolution in school canteens, ACEL Directions in Education (Editor Debra Brydon), March: Invited commentary.

Sinn N (2006). Children’s diets, learning and behaviour, ACEL Directions in Education (Editor Debra Brydon), August: Invited commentary.

Sinn N. Can omega-3 fatty acids help my child’s developmental problems with hyperactivity, concentration and learning? Feminine Zone: Online information forum for women. Invited article for parents.

I am able to provide media comment in the following areas of expertise:

Discipline:

• Have provided extensive media comment on omega-3 fatty acids for ADHD symptoms in children
• Have provided media interviews on Choose Health - CBT treatment for adolescent obesity

Defying the odds: the healthy child in an obesogenic environment. An exploration of the unique factors leading to healthy diets and physical activity in children from low socioeconomic position. (Dorota Zarnowiecki, PhD project 2009-11. Principal supervisor Jim Dollman)

The effectiveness of a resistance training intervention in overweight and obese adolescent boys on physical and psychological outcomes (Natasha Schranz, PhD project 2009-11 Principal supervisors Tim Olds and Grant Tomkinson).

Parenting and Teaching Children Healthy Habits (PATCH) - Parental influences on diets of 2-5 year old children (Jacqueline Peters, PhD project 2008-10. Co-supervisors John Lynch & Karen Campbell)

Omega-3 fatty acids for ADHD and learning difficulties (Catherine Milte, PhD project 2007-10. Associate supervisors Jon Buckley, Alison Coates, Peter Howe)

Omega-3 fatty acids for memory and mood in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (Catherine Milte, PhD project 2007-10. Associate supervisors Jon Buckley, Alison Coates, Peter Howe)

To what extent do parental attitudes and nutrition knowledge predict their 5-6 year old children's healthy food knowledge (and development of a Healthy Food Knowledge Activity; HFKA) (Dorota Zarnowiecki, First Class Honours project 2008. Co-supervisor Jim Dollman)

Role of parenting and parent-adolescent communication styles in adolescent weight status (Amber Owen, Psychology Clinical Masters project 2007)