A major focus of Dr. Zidenberg-Cherr´s research program is the study of the impact of an individual's nutritional status on their response to diverse physiologic stresses. These stresses can range from pregnancy to exposure to environmental toxicants during various stages of the life cycle. Current topics of investigation include the examination of nutritional status of children at risk for lead toxicity. As part of this study, methods of dietary assessment which can be used to determine dietary intake in young children are being developed and refined.
Another aspect of Dr. Zidenberg-Cherr's program involves the development and testing of new approaches to educate the public such as through the education of primary targets for consumer questions, i.e.. physicians. Along these lines, a study is currently in progress to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of physicians concerning lead toxicity in children, with an emphasis on iron deficiency, given both its reported high prevalence in California and its relationship to lead toxicity.
Nutrition education methodologies are currently being employed to provide target groups including adolescents and young children with programs emphasizing the importance of diet and lifestyle for optimal health and well-being. The role of nutrition on pregnancy outcome is also an active area of research in Dr. Zidenberg-Cherr's program.
Dr. Zidenberg-Cherr prepares a bimonthly publication called "Nutrition Perspectives" that is designed to provide research-based information on ongoing nutrition and food-related programs.