Biography
Dr Sze-Yen Tan is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) and Registered Nutritionist (RNutr). He is a Senior Lecturer and the Deputy Course Director for the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, and member of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) at Deakin University. He completed his PhD at the University of Wollongong and post-doctoral training at the Ingestive Behavior Research Centre at Purdue University (USA). Prior to joining Deakin University, he was a lecturer at the University of South Australia and a Senior Research Fellow at the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.
Dr Tan is passionate about finding effective strategies that promote healthy body weight and metabolic health in adults. His research focuses on human energy balance regulation, and how this translates into body weight, body composition and metabolic health of adults. Specifically, he has conducted human clinical trials to understand how human energy expenditure can be altered by dietary components (e.g. protein and polyunsaturated fats content of a diet), as well as the types of physical activity (e.g. housework). He has also conducted studies to investigate how dietary intake can be modulated by factors such as eating structure (snacking behaviours), nutrient composition (high vs. low protein meals), and taste (e.g. preference for sweet taste). His research also explores how metabolic health biomarkers such as blood glucose, insulin and lipids can be improved via the modification of food structure and nutrient profiles. His research utilises techniques such as indirect calorimetry (to measure energy expenditure), accelerometry (to assess activity levels), sensory testing, appetite assessment using both subjective and objective methods.
Dr Tan has won 11 national and international research grants where he was the Lead Investigator on two projects, and 2 fellowships. He has conducted over 20 human studies, published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and supervised research staff and students.
Read more on Sze Yen's profileResearch interests
Sze-Yen Tan's research focuses primarily on various dietary factors that influence human energy balance and metabolic health. His current research focuses on the health effects of nuts and the implications of human taste function on eating behaviour and long-term health.
Affiliations
- Dietitians Association of Australia
- Nutrition Society of Australia
- Malaysian Dietitians’ Association
Teaching interests
- Diet and Disease
- Lifespan Nutrition
Units taught
HSN301 Diet and Disease
HSN702 Lifespan Nutrition (postgraduate)
HSN202 Lifespan Nutrition (undergraduate)
Knowledge areas
- Obesity & weight management
- Diet and disease
- Health effects of nuts
- Nutritional & health implications of taste
Expertise
- Diet and chronic disease
- Food
- Health and wellbeing
- Nutrition
- Obesity
Professional activities
Internal:
- Member, International Committee of the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University (2018 - present)
- Deputy Course Director - Bachelor of Nutrition Science (2020 - present)
- Deputy Course Director - Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science / Bachelor of Nutrition Science (2019)
- Deakin Fellowship for Internationalisation (2019)
External:
- Reviewed research proposals for Diabetes UK (2014), the Imperial College of London (2018), and Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation (2019), Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (2021)
- Reviewed manuscripts for over 20 scientific journals
- Member, Scientific and Social Program Committee for the 2020 Dietitians Association of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting
- First Editor of British Journal of Nutrition (2022 - present)
- Associate Editor of Nutrition & Dietetics (journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia) (2013 - present)
- Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher) (2016 - 2022)
- Leading Guest Editor, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Human Taste and Health” (2021-2022)
- Member, NSA Virtual Conference Editorial Board (2021)
- Member, Scientific and Social Program Committee for the 2020 Dietitians Association of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting
Media appearances
- "Chapter 12 – Nuts and cognition". A podcast with Nuts for Life, 26 October 2021.
- "Should older adults eat nuts? In a nutshell, yes". A blog written for Deakin Nutrition, 18 August 2021
- "Nuts are brain-boosting food for older adults". Article published on IPAN website, 2021
- "Are artificially sweetened drinks any healthier?" published in The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, 23 July 2019
- "Health check: will eating nuts make you gain weight?" published in The Conversation on 18 February 2019
- "Are nuts making you fat?" published on Deakin University this. in 2018
- “White, brown, raw, honey: which type of sugar is best?” published on The Conversation on 7 March 2018
- "Scientists seek to boost health of Asians by modifying food" published in The Straits Times, Singapore, 29 July 2016
Research groups
Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN)
Awards
- Outstanding Contribution Award 2021, Dietitians Australia, ‘This award recognises major and sustained commitment to the profession at a national level over three years’
- New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant 2021 to support nutrition study tour to Malaysia/Singapore
- Ian Seet Award 2019, ‘For significant contribution to the School, through outstanding performance and staff engagement’
- Best Poster Award, ILSI Regional Symposium in Diabetes 2017
- “Excellence in Dietetics – New Graduate Award 2005”, Dietitians Association of Australia (New South Wales Branch)
Publications
C Nikodijevic, Y Probst, S Tan, E Neale
(2023), Vol. 14, pp. 77-98, Advances in Nutrition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Chen Du, Russell Keast, Sze-Yen Tan, Robin Tucker
(2023), Vol. 20, pp. 1-17, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Basel, Switzerland, C1
Z Huschtscha, J Fyfe, S Feros, A Betik, C Shaw, L Main, G Abbott, S Tan, M Refalo, M Gerhardy, E Grunwald, A May, J Silver, C Smith, M White, D Hamilton
(2023), Vol. 24, Trials, C1
T Wong, E George, G Abbott, R Daly, E Georgousopoulou, S Tan
(2023), European Journal of Nutrition, Germany, C1
C Nikodijevic, Y Probst, S Tan, E Neale
(2023), pp. 1-23, Advances in Nutrition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
S Carter, A Hill, L Mead, H Wong, C Yandell, J Buckley, S Tan, G Rogers, F Fraysse, A Coates
(2023), Vol. 31, pp. 2467-2481, Obesity, London, Eng., C1
E George, S Sood, R Daly, S Tan
(2022), Vol. 22, pp. 1-19, BMC Geriatrics, London, Eng, C1
S Tan, A Curtis, R Leech, N Ridgers, D Crawford, S McNaughton
(2022), Vol. 61, pp. 2255-2278, European Journal of Nutrition, Germany, C1
Robin Daly, Belinda De Ross, Jenny Gianoudis, Sze-Yen Tan
(2022), pp. 1-9, Journal of Nutrition, Oxford, Eng., C1
Elena George, Robin Daly, Siew Tey, Rachel Brown, Tommy Wong, Sze-Yen Tan
(2022), pp. 1-12, Advances in Nutrition, Oxford, Eng., C1
N Wilson, A Villani, S Tan, E Mantzioris
(2022), Vol. 10, Biomedicines, Switzerland, C1
S Tan, P Tuli, G Thio, B Noel, B Marshall, Z Yu, R Torelli, S Fitzgerald, M Chan, R Tucker
(2022), Vol. 19, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Switzerland, C1
C Freer, E George, S Tan, G Abbott, D Dunstan, R Daly
(2022), Vol. 10, BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, England, C1
S Carter, A Hill, J Buckley, S Tan, G Rogers, A Coates
(2022), European Journal of Nutrition, Germany, C1
N Kiss, K Symons, J Hewitt, H Davis, C Ting, A Lee, A Boltong, R Tucker, S Tan
(2021), Vol. 121, pp. 278-304, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Is dietary intake associated with salt taste function and perception in adults? A systematic review
S Tan, E Sotirelis, R Bojeh, I Maan, M Medalle, X Chik, R Keast, R Tucker
(2021), Vol. 92, Food Quality and Preference, C1
Nuts and older adults' health: A narrative review
S Tan, S Tey, R Brown
(2021), Vol. 18, pp. 1-26, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Switzerland, C1
E Yaghubi, S Carboni, R Snipe, C Shaw, J Fyfe, C Smith, G Kaur, S Tan, D Hamilton
(2021), Vol. 13, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1
S Tan, E Georgousopoulou, B Cardoso, R Daly, E George
(2021), Vol. 21, BMC Geriatrics, England, C1
Barbara Cardoso, Barbara Cardoso, Sze-Yen Tan, Sze-Yen Tan, Robin Daly, Robin Daly, Jack Dalla Via, Jack Dalla Via, Ekavi Georgousopoulou, Ekavi Georgousopoulou, Elena George, Elena George
(2021), Vol. 151, pp. 3507-3515, JOURNAL OF NUTRITION, C1
S Tan, C Hack, C Yu, I Rennick, J Ohanian, M Dezan, N Mott, R Manibo, R Tucker
(2021), Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, United States, C1
P Deo, C Chern, B Peake, S Tan
(2020), Vol. 71, pp. 706-714, International journal of food sciences and nutrition, Abingdon, Eng., C1
S Carter, A Hill, C Yandell, J Buckley, S Tan, G Rogers, J Childs, M Matheson, K Lamb, S Ward, T Stanton, F Fraysse, A Hills, A Coates
(2020), Vol. 10, BMJ Open, England, C1
Sweet taste as a predictor of dietary intake: A systematic review
S Tan, R Tucker
(2019), Vol. 11, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1
C Chern, S Tan
(2019), Vol. 11, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1
S-Y Tan, P Siow, E Peh, C Henry
(2018), Vol. 57, pp. 2795-2803, European journal of nutrition, Heidelberg, Germany, C1-1
W Tan, W Tan, S Ponnalagu, K Koecher, R Menon, S Tan, C Henry
(2018), Vol. 119, pp. 1151-1156, British Journal of Nutrition, England, C1-1
C Henry, S D/O Ponnalagu, X Bi, S Tan
(2018), Vol. 118, pp. 1263-1269, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, United States, C1-1
M-J Ludy, S-Y Tan, R Leone, A Morgan, R Tucker
(2018), Vol. 194, pp. 132-136, Physiology and behavior, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
A Coates, A Hill, S Tan
(2018), Vol. 20, Current Atherosclerosis Reports, United States, C1
Can nuts mitigate malnutrition in older adults? A conceptual framework
S Tan, S Tey, R Brown
(2018), Vol. 10, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1
S-Y Tan, E Peh, P Siow, A Marangoni, C Henry
(2017), Vol. 8, pp. 4433-4440, Food and Function, Cambridge, Eng., C1-1
Do non-nutritive sweeteners influence acute glucose homeostasis in humans? A systematic review
Robin Tucker, Sze-Yen Tan
(2017), Vol. 182, pp. 17-26, PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
S-Y Tan, M Hemmelgarn, K Baumgardner, R Tucker
(2017), Vol. 74, pp. 388-395, Nutrition & Dietetics, Richmond, Vic., C1-1
S-Y Tan, E Peh, E Lau, A Marangoni, C Henry
(2017), Vol. 147, pp. 1138-1144, Journal of Nutrition, New York, N.Y., C1-1
Ethnic variability in glycemic response to sucrose and isomaltulose
W Tan, S Tan, C Henry
(2017), Vol. 9, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1-1
J Dhillon, S Tan, R Mattes
(2017), Vol. 117, pp. 395-402, British Journal of Nutrition, England, C1-1
S Tan, E Wan-Yi Peh, A Marangoni, C Henry
(2017), Vol. 8, pp. 241-249, Food and Function, England, C1-1
Long-chain n-3 PUFA in vegetarian women: a metabolic perspective
Graham Burdge, Sze-Yen Tan, Christiani Henry
(2017), Vol. 6, JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE, England, C1
J Dhillon, S-Y Tan, R Mattes
(2016), Vol. 146, pp. 2513-2519, Journal of Nutrition, New York, N.Y., C1-1
Gross and relative energy cost of domestic household activities in Asian men
H-J Goh, P Govindharajulu, S Camps, S-Y Tan, C Henry
(2016), Vol. 70, pp. 1414-1419, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, London, Eng., C1-1
Estimated portion size versus actual intake of eight commonly consumed foods by healthy adults
A Nguyen, C Chern, S Tan
(2016), Vol. 73, pp. 490-497, Nutrition and Dietetics, Richmond, Vic., C1-1
Nutritional Implications of Taste and Smell Dysfunction
J Lee, R Tucker, S Tan, C Running, J Jones, R Mattes
(2015), pp. 831-863, Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation, London, Eng., B1-1
Chemosensory properties of pungent spices: their role in altering nutrient intake
M Ludy, R Tucker, S Tan
(2015), Vol. 8, pp. 131-137, Chemosensory perception, New York, N.Y., C1-1
Anticipatory and reactive responses to chocolate restriction in frequent chocolate consumers
C Keeler, R Mattes, S-Y Tan
(2015), Vol. 23, pp. 1130-1135, Obesity, Hoboken, N.J., C1-1
S Yen Tan
(2014), pp. 417-427, Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Abdominal Obesity, B1-1
Obesity: The influence of the food environment on ingestive behaviors
R Mattes, S Tan
(2014), pp. 317-325, Handbook of Obesity: Epidemiology, Etiology, and Physiopathology, Third Edition, B1-1
E Martens, S-Y Tan, R Mattes, M Westerterp-Plantenga
(2014), Vol. 11, pp. 1-8, Nutrition and metabolism, London, Eng., C1-1
Protein leverage effects of beef protein on energy intake in humans
E Martens, S-Y Tan, M Dunlop, D Mattes, M Westerterp-Plantenga
(2014), Vol. 99, pp. 1397-1406, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, New York, N.Y., C1-1
Relative validity of 3 accelerometer models for estimating energy expenditure during light activity
A Wetten, M Batterham, S-Y Tan, L Tapsell
(2014), Vol. 11, pp. 638-647, Journal of Physical Activity & Health, Champaign, Ill., C1-1
A review of the effects of nuts on appetite, food intake, metabolism, and body weight
S Tan, J Dhillon, R Mattes
(2014), Vol. 100, pp. 412S-422S, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Loma Linda Univ, Loma Linda, CA, E1-1
Snacking and Energy Balance in Humans
R Mattes, S Tan
(2013), pp. 501-515, Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease, B1-1
S Tan, R Mattes
(2013), Vol. 67, pp. 1205-1214, European journal of clinical nutrition, London, Eng., C1-1
J Houchins, S-Y Tan, W Campbell, R Mattes
(2013), Vol. 37, pp. 1109-1115, International journal of obesity, London, Eng., C1-1
L Tan, K Charlton, S Tan, G Ma, M Batterham
(2013), Vol. 70, pp. 71-78, Nutrition and dietetics, Chichester, Eng., C1
S-Y Tan, M Batterham, L Tapsell
(2011), Vol. 4, pp. 352-357, Obesity Facts, Basel, Switzerland, C1-1
S Tan, M Batterham, L Tapsell
(2011), Vol. 8, pp. 675-681, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Champaign, Ill., C1-1
Comparison of methods used to predict energy requirements in a whole room calorimeter
Sze Tan, Marijka Batterham, Linda Tapsell
(2010), Vol. 4, pp. E225-E230, OBESITY RESEARCH & CLINICAL PRACTICE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
Sze-Yen Tan, Marijka Batterham, Linda Tapsell
(2010), Vol. 3, pp. 101-104, OBESITY FACTS, Basel, Switzerland, C1-1
L Tapsell, M Batterham, X Huang, S-Y Tan, G Teuss, K Charlton, J OShea, E Warensjoe
(2010), Vol. 20, pp. 317-325, NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
L Tapsell, M Batterham, S Tan, E Warensjö
(2009), Vol. 28, pp. 611-617, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Abingdon, Eng., C1-1
L Tapsell, M Batterham, G Teuss, S Tan, S Dalton, C Quick, L Gillen, K Charlton
(2009), Vol. 63, pp. 1008-1015, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, London, Eng., C1-1
Funded Projects at Deakin
Industry and Other Funding
Associations between nut intake, cognition function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in older adults
Dr Sze Yen Tan, Dr Barbara Rita Cardoso, Dr Elena George, Prof Robin Daly
International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation Research Grant
- 2021: $18,146
- 2019: $18,559
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) as an adjuvant to resistance training - can PEA enhance muscle growth, power and strength when combined with strength training?
Dr Lee Hamilton, Dr Jackson Fyfe, Dr Simon Feros, Dr Andrew Betik, Dr Chris Shaw, Dr Sze Yen Tan, A/Prof Luana Main
Gencor Pacific Limited
- 2023: $80,000
- 2022: $120,000
- 2021: $54,464
Peanut butter as a strategy to improve older adults' physical capacity
Dr Sze Yen Tan, Prof Robin Daly, Dr Elena George, Dr Evaki Georgousopoulou
The Peanut Institute Peanut Nutrition Grant
- 2022: $106,658
Supervisions
No completed student supervisions to report