Research
John Erdman studies how dietary changes, such as the consumption of tomato products, reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Tomatoes or lycopenes are often mentioned as foods or supplements that may have a positive impact on patients with prostate cancer. He evaluates the carotenoid lycopene, the main red color in tomatoes. His team uses ultrasound techniques for early detection of prostate cancer and tumor growth as well as monitoring development of non-alcohol liver disease. He also studies how lutein, another carotenoid pigment, impacts brain development. Other areas of research interest are biological effects of carotenoid metabolites and influence of lutein and vitamin E on brain function.
Education
- Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1975
Campus Affiliations
- Professor Emeritus, Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Professor, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Affiliate, Personalized Nutrition Initiative, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
Select Honors and Recognitions
- NAM Member, 2003
- ASN Fellow, 2011
- ASN Foundation Mentorship Award, 2012
- Gilbert A. Leveille Lectureship and Award, 2014
- Fellow of the International Carotenoid Society, 2017