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United Kingdom

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Lecturer in Human Nutrition | PhD in Physiology & Metabolism | Registered Dietitian

Profile Summary

I am a Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Dietetics with a PhD in Human Physiology and Metabolism and a background in both research and clinical dietetic practice. I have presented nationally and internationally, published in high-impact journals, contributed to The Conversation and BBC Radio Wales, and peer-reviewed manuscripts for several scientific journals. My research focuses on how nutrition and exercise can support health, and I recently secured NIHR RCF funding to develop a collaborative NIHR grant application with an NHS trust and academic partners. Alongside research, I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, lead a MSc Dietetics course and sit on national and institutional ethics committee panels.

Subject Matter Expertise

• ☆ Nutrition Science
• ☆ Endocrinology
• ☆ Dietetics
• ☆ Metabolism & Metabolic Disease

Services

• Writing
• Research
• Consulting
• Data & AI

Writing Medical Writing, Newswriting

Research Scientific and Technical Research, Systematic Literature Review

Consulting Healthcare Consulting, Scientific and Technical Consulting

Data & AI Statistical Analysis

Work Experience

Lecturer

Cardiff Metropolitan University

November 2024 - Present

Specialist Dietitian

Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust

May 2023 - Present

University of Bath

- July 2024

Rotational Dietitian

Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust

January 2022 - May 2023

Junior researcher, Researcher, Senior Researcher

Cardiff University Pharmacy School

September 2018 - September 2019

Dietitian

Swansea Bay University Health Board

March 2018 - August 2018

Dietitian

Wye Valley NHS Trust

July 2017 - March 2018

Education

PhD (Human Physiology & Metabolism) (Health)

University of Bath

September 2019 - Present

Postgraduate Certificate Teaching in Academic Practice

Cardiff Metropolitan University

September 2025 - January 2027

University of Bath

- July 2024

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics (School of Biosciences)

University of Surrey

October 2013 - July 2017

Certifications

• Basic Life Support

  University of Surrey

  January 2014 - Present

Publications

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Oliver J. Perkin, Sophie E. Davies, Martin Hewison, Kerry S. Jones, Javier T. Gonzalez, James A. Betts, Carl Jenkinson, Mark A. Lindsay, Sarah R. Meadows, Damon A. Parkington, et al. (2025). Exercise without Weight Loss Prevents Seasonal Decline in Vitamin D Metabolites: The VitaDEx Randomized Controlled Trial . Advanced Science.

Response to Dr Zittermann @article{d4775ae3383e4e0182ec42805b213189, title = "Response to Dr Zittermann", abstract = "Response related to 'The effect of an acute bout of exercise on circulating vitamin D metabolite concentrations: a randomised crossover study in healthy adults'", author = "Sophie Davies and Perkin, {Oliver J.} and Betts, {James A.} and Gonzalez, {Javier T.} and Martin Hewison and Carl Jenkinson and Jones, {Kerry S.} and Meadows, {Sarah R.} and Parkington, {Damon A.} and Albert Koulman and Dylan Thompson", year = "2025", month = feb, day = "24", doi = "10.1113/JP288482", language = "English", journal = "Journal of Physiology", issn = "0022-3751", } . Journal of Physiology.

The Effect of an Acute Bout of Exercise on Circulating Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations @article{12441d07dcf349df8a7d1fb2be9ed789, title = "The Effect of an Acute Bout of Exercise on Circulating Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations: A Randomised Crossover Study in Healthy Adults", abstract = "Abstract: The effect of acute exercise on circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites is unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the effect of a bout of treadmill-based exercise versus rest on circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D 3, 25(OH)D 2, 3-epi-25(OH)D 3, 24,25(OH) 2D 3, 1,25(OH) 2D 3, and vitamin D 2 and D 3 in healthy men and women. Thirty-three healthy adults (14 females, 41 (15) years, body mass index 26.2 (3.7) kg/m 2, (Formula presented.) 36.2 (9.2) ml/kg/min; mean (SD)) completed two laboratory visits involving 60 min of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (60\% (Formula presented.)) versus 60 min of seated rest, both in an overnight fasted-state, as part of a randomised crossover design. Venous blood samples were drawn at baseline, immediately (0 h), 1 h and 24 h after the exercise or rest-period. There was a significant time × trial interaction effect for total circulating 25(OH)D (P = 0.0148), 25(OH)D 3 (P = 0.0127) and 1,25(OH) 2D 3 (P = 0.0226). Immediately post-exercise, 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D 3 and 1,25(OH) 2D 3 concentrations were significantly elevated compared to the control resting condition, and 1,25(OH) 2D 3 remained significantly elevated 1 h later. Circulating albumin, vitamin D binding protein, calcium and parathyroid hormone were elevated immediately post-exercise. Thus, an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise transiently increases concentrations of circulating 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH) 2D 3 compared to resting conditions. (Figure presented.). Key points: Observational studies suggest that acute exercise might change circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites, but this has not been investigated using randomised crossover studies and using robust analytical procedures. In this study, we used a randomised crossover design to examine the effect of a bout of treadmill-based exercise (vs. rest) on circulating concentrations of a wide range of vitamin D metabolites in healthy humans. We show that an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise transiently increases concentrations of circulating 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH) 2D 3 compared to resting conditions. These findings indicate that regular exercise could lead to transient but regular windows of enhanced vitamin D biological action.", keywords = "1,25(OH) D, 25(OH)D, calcitriol, lipolysis, metabolism, physiology", author = "Davies, \{Sophie E.\} and Perkin, \{Oliver J.\} and Betts, \{James A.\} and Gonzalez, \{Javier T.\} and Martin Hewison and Carl Jenkinson and Jones, \{Kerry S.\} and Meadows, \{Sarah R.\} and Parkington, \{Damon A.\} and Albert Koulman and Dylan Thompson", note = "For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a creative commons attribution (CC BY) licence to any author accepted manuscript version arising.", year = "2024", month = sep, day = "1", doi = "10.1113/JP286395", language = "English", volume = "602", pages = "4157--4170", journal = "The Journal of Physiology", issn = "0022-3751", publisher = "John Wiley and Sons Inc.", number = "17", } . The Journal of Physiology.

The effect of an acute bout of exercise on circulating vitamin D metabolite concentrations @article{421452cf39d04c9ba84f977c2130dea6, title = "The effect of an acute bout of exercise on circulating vitamin D metabolite concentrations: a randomised crossover study in healthy adults", abstract = "Abstract: The effect of acute exercise on circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites is unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the effect of a bout of treadmill-based exercise versus rest on circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, and vitamin D2 and D3 in healthy men and women. Thirty-three healthy adults (14 females, 41 (15) years, body mass index 26.2 (3.7) kg/m2, (Formula presented.) 36.2 (9.2) ml/kg/min; mean (SD)) completed two laboratory visits involving 60 min of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (60% (Formula presented.)) versus 60 min of seated rest, both in an overnight fasted-state, as part of a randomised crossover design. Venous blood samples were drawn at baseline, immediately (0 h), 1 h and 24 h after the exercise or rest-period. There was a significant time × trial interaction effect for total circulating 25(OH)D (P = 0.0148), 25(OH)D3 (P = 0.0127) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (P = 0.0226). Immediately post-exercise, 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were significantly elevated compared to the control resting condition, and 1,25(OH) 2D3 remained significantly elevated 1 h later. Circulating albumin, vitamin D binding protein, calcium and parathyroid hormone were elevated immediately post-exercise. Thus, an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise transiently increases concentrations of circulating 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D3 compared to resting conditions. (Figure presented.). Key points: Observational studies suggest that acute exercise might change circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites, but this has not been investigated using randomised crossover studies and using robust analytical procedures. In this study, we used a randomised crossover design to examine the effect of a bout of treadmill-based exercise (vs. rest) on circulating concentrations of a wide range of vitamin D metabolites in healthy humans. We show that an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise transiently increases concentrations of circulating 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D3 compared to resting conditions. These findings indicate that regular exercise could lead to transient but regular windows of enhanced vitamin D biological action.", keywords = "1,25(OH)D, 25(OH)D, calcitriol, lipolysis, metabolism, physiology", author = "Davies, {Sophie E.} and Perkin, {Oliver J.} and Betts, {James A.} and Gonzalez, {Javier T.} and Martin Hewison and Carl Jenkinson and Jones, {Kerry S.} and Meadows, {Sarah R.} and Parkington, {Damon A.} and Albert Koulman and Dylan Thompson", note = "{\textcopyright} 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Physiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Physiological Society.", year = "2024", month = aug, day = "4", doi = "10.1113/JP286395", language = "English", volume = "602", pages = "4157--4170", journal = "Journal of Physiology", issn = "0022-3751", number = "17", } . Journal of Physiology.

Myths and Methodologies @article{ad812edce5e14551bb54491de963f8c9, title = "Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in Human Physiology Research-Should We Control the Controllables?", abstract = "The premise of research in human physiology is to explore a multifaceted system whilst identifying one or a few outcomes of interest. Therefore, the control of potentially confounding variables requires careful thought regarding the extent of control and complexity of standardisation. One common factor to control prior to testing is diet, as food and fluid provision may deviate from participants' habitual diets, yet a self-report and replication method can be flawed by under-reporting. Researchers may also need to consider standardisation of physical activity, whether it be through familiarisation trials, wash-out periods, or guidance on levels of physical activity to be achieved before trials. In terms of pharmacological agents, the ethical implications of standardisation require researchers to carefully consider how medications, caffeine consumption and oral contraceptive prescriptions may affect the study. For research in females, it should be considered whether standardisation between- or within-participants in regards to menstrual cycle phase is most relevant. The timing of measurements relative to various other daily events is relevant to all physiological research and so it can be important to standardise when measurements are made. This review summarises the areas of standardisation which we hope will be considered useful to anyone involved in human physiology research, including when and how one can apply standardisation to various contexts.", keywords = "Biomedical Research/standards, Caffeine/administration & dosage, Diet, Exercise, Female, Humans, Male, Menstrual Cycle, Research Design/standards", author = "Merrell, {Lucy H.} and Perkin, {Oliver J.} and Louise Bradshaw and Collier-Bain, {Harrison D.} and Collins, {Adam J.} and Sophie Davies and Rachel Eddy and Hickman, {James A.} and Nicholas, {Anna P.} and Daniel Rees and Bruno Spellanzon and James, {Lewis J.} and McKay, {Alannah K.A.} and Smith, {Harry A.} and Turner, {James E.} and Francoise Koumanov and Jennifer Maher and Dylan Thompson and Gonzalez, {Javier T.} and Betts, {James A.}", note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2024 The Author(s).", year = "2024", month = jul, day = "1", doi = "10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0091", language = "English", volume = "34", pages = "242--250", journal = "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism", issn = "1526-484X", publisher = "Human Kinetics", number = "4", } . International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

Myths and Methodologies @article{3b1fe571c8de4ea991e4478b0fac4d60, title = "Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in Human Physiology Research-Should We Control the Controllables?", abstract = "Abstract: The premise of research in human physiology is to explore a multifaceted system whilst identifying one or a few outcomes of interest. Therefore, the control of potentially confounding variables requires careful thought regarding the extent of control and complexity of standardisation. One common factor to control prior to testing is diet, as food and fluid provision may deviate from participants{\textquoteright} habitual diets, yet a self-report and replication method can be flawed by under-reporting. Researchers may also need to consider standardisation of physical activity, whether it be through familiarisation trials, wash-out periods, or guidance on levels of physical activity to be achieved before trials. In terms of pharmacological agents, the ethical implications of standardisation require researchers to carefully consider how medications, caffeine consumption and oral contraceptive prescriptions may affect the study. For research in females, it should be considered whether standardisation between- or within-participants in regards to menstrual cycle phase is most relevant. The timing of measurements relative to various other daily events is relevant to all physiological research and so it can be important to standardise when measurements are made. This review summarises the areas of standardisation which we hope will be considered useful to anyone involved in human physiology research, including when and how one can apply standardisation to various contexts.", keywords = "control, physiology, standardisation", author = "Merrell, \{Lucy H.\} and Perkin, \{Oliver J.\} and Louise Bradshaw and Collier-Bain, \{Harrison D.\} and Collins, \{Adam J.\} and Sophie Davies and Rachel Eddy and Hickman, \{James A.\} and Nicholas, \{Anna P.\} and Daniel Rees and Bruno Spellanzon and James, \{Lewis J.\} and McKay, \{Alannah K.A.\} and Smith, \{Harry A.\} and Turner, \{James E.\} and Francoise Koumanov and Jennifer Maher and Dylan Thompson and Gonzalez, \{Javier T.\} and Betts, \{James A.\}", year = "2024", month = jul, day = "1", doi = "10.1113/EP091557", language = "English", volume = "109", pages = "1099--1108", journal = "International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism", issn = "1526-484X", publisher = "Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.", number = "7", } . International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism.

Lucy H. Merrell, Oliver J. Perkin, Louise Bradshaw, Harrison D. Collier‐Bain, Adam J. Collins, Sophie Davies, Rachel Eddy, James A. Hickman, Anna P. Nicholas, Daniel Rees, et al. (2024). Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in human physiology research—should we control the controllables? . Experimental Physiology.

Myths and Methodologies @article{a9cb0d5596ce4a17aacdc0cfbd0b79bc, title = "Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in human physiology research—should we control the controllables?", abstract = "The premise of research in human physiology is to explore a multifaceted system whilst identifying one or a few outcomes of interest. Therefore, the control of potentially confounding variables requires careful thought regarding the extent of control and complexity of standardisation. One common factor to control prior to testing is diet, as food and fluid provision may deviate from participants' habitual diets, yet a self-report and replication method can be flawed by under-reporting. Researchers may also need to consider standardisation of physical activity, whether it be through familiarisation trials, wash-out periods, or guidance on levels of physical activity to be achieved before trials. In terms of pharmacological agents, the ethical implications of standardisation require researchers to carefully consider how medications, caffeine consumption and oral contraceptive prescriptions may affect the study. For research in females, it should be considered whether standardisation between- or within-participants in regards to menstrual cycle phase is most relevant. The timing of measurements relative to various other daily events is relevant to all physiological research and so it can be important to standardise when measurements are made. This review summarises the areas of standardisation which we hope will be considered useful to anyone involved in human physiology research, including when and how one can apply standardisation to various contexts.", keywords = "Female, Humans, Menstrual Cycle/physiology, Physiology/standards, Research Design/standards", author = "Merrell, {Lucy H.} and Perkin, {Oliver J.} and Louise Bradshaw and Collier-Bain, {Harrison D.} and Collins, {Adam J.} and Sophie Davies and Rachel Eddy and Hickman, {James A.} and Nicholas, {Anna P.} and Daniel Rees and Bruno Spellanzon and James, {Lewis J.} and McKay, {Alannah K.A.} and Smith, {Harry A.} and Turner, {James E.} and Francoise Koumanov and Jennifer Maher and Dylan Thompson and Gonzalez, {Javier T.} and Betts, {James A.}", note = "{\textcopyright} 2024 The Authors. Experimental Physiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Physiological Society.", year = "2024", month = may, day = "19", doi = "10.1113/EP091557", language = "English", volume = "109", pages = "1099--1108", journal = "Experimental Physiology", issn = "0958-0670", number = "7", } . Experimental Physiology.

Lucy H. Merrell, Oliver J. Perkin, Louise Bradshaw, Harrison D. Collier-Bain, Adam J. Collins, Sophie Davies, Rachel Eddy, James A. Hickman, Anna P. Nicholas, Daniel Rees, et al. (2024). Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in Human Physiology Research—Should We Control the Controllables? . International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

Sophie Ella Davies, Oliver J. Perkin, Javier T. Gonzalez, James A. Betts, Martin Hewison, Carl Jenkinson, Kerry S. Jones, Dylan Thompson (2023). The Effect Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Serum Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations . Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

DATA SET

Sophie Davies, Oly Perkin, Dylan Thompson, James Betts, Javier Gonzalez (2024). Dataset for "The Effect of an Acute Bout of Exercise on Circulating Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations: A Randomised Crossover Study in Healthy Adults" . University of Bath.

Oly Perkin, Dylan Thompson, Sophie Davies, Javier Gonzalez, James Betts (2024). Dataset for "Exercise prevents seasonal decline in vitamin D metabolites in people with overweight and obesity" . University of Bath.

OTHER

The Effect Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Serum Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations 2706 @article{d995a94ae1cb4f078f142497ff581523, title = "The Effect Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Serum Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations 2706", abstract = "PURPOSE: There is emerging evidence that acute exercise can influence serum vitamin D metabolite concentrations for up to 24 hours. However, previous studies focussed on one or two specific vitamin D metabolites measured using antibody-based methods, and there is a lack of acute exercise studies using gold-standard mass spectrometry measurement. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of an acute bout of treadmill exercise on the concentration of serum 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, D2 and D3 as measured by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry in healthy adults.METHODS: Thirty-three healthy, non-vitamin D supplementing adults (♀ n = 14, (x̅(SD)) 41(15) yr, Body Mass Index 26.2(3.7) kg/m2) completed two trials (60-minute treadmill exercise at 60% {\.V}O2 MAX and rest) in a randomised crossover design under overnight fasted conditions. A washout period of >3 days between trials allowed replication of dietary intake and abstinence of moderate-vigorous activity 24 h prior to trials. Venous blood samples were drawn at baseline, immediately (0 h), 1 h and 24 h after the exercise or rest period. Testing occurred between March and November. Post-exercise concentrations were albumin-corrected to account for shifts in blood plasma volume. A mixed effects model was undertaken, with Bonferroni multiple comparison tests.RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased significantly immediately post exercise as compared to resting conditions from baseline (25(OH)D3: +4.28(0.97) nmol/L vs -1.09(0.40) nmol/L, p < 0.0001; 1,25(OH)2D3: +5.33(1.12) pmol/L vs + 0.73(0.18) pmol/L, p = 0.0008). Serum 1,25(OH)2D3 remained significantly elevated compared to resting conditions 1 h following exercise (+3.83(1.33) pmol/L vs + 0.29(1.33) pmol/L, p = 0.013). Serum 3-epi-25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, D2 and D3 did not change following exercise compared to resting conditions. No significant change was observed for vitamin D metabolites 24 h following exercise.CONCLUSION: An acute bout of moderate intensity exercise transiently increases concentrations of serum 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 compared to resting conditions. However, effects are short-lived and vitamin D metabolites return to baseline within 24 h of exercise. Supported by BBSRC grant BB/R018928/1.", author = "Sophie Davies and Perkin, {Oliver J.} and Gonzalez, {Javier T.} and Betts, {James A.} and Martin Hewison and Carl Jenkinson and Jones, {Kerry S.} and Dylan Thompson", year = "2023", month = sep, day = "1", doi = "10.1249/01.mss.0000988348.63842.aa", language = "English", volume = "55", pages = "915", journal = "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise", issn = "0195-9131", publisher = "Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)", number = "9s", } . Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

CONFERENCE ABSTRACT

SE Davies, YS Lee & RM Elliott. The effect of dietary antioxidants on levels of DNA damage in humans: A systematic review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 2018.