Associate Professor Karen Murphy

Associate Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences

City East Campus (P1-19)
tel +61 8 830 21033

email Karen.Murphy@unisa.edu.au

Available for media comment
Research Degree Supervisor

About me

Nutrition
Mediterranean diet
Dietitian
Prevention is the new cure
ORCID ID : https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2589-1319

I joined the University in 2002 after completing my PhD in nutritional biochemistry in Melbourne. After a 2 year break away, I returned as a NHMRC Industry Research Fellow. I am currently a Health Researcher, Senior Lecturer and teach third year courses Capstone in Nutrition and Food Sciences (FOSC 3016, OSP3 & SP5) and Community Nutrition Promotion (FOSC 3019) and the health promotion component of Introduction to Nutrition & Food Science 2 (BIOL 1055).

My research explores the health benefits of dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet on the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia using randomised controlled trials. This research has been funded by the NHMRC, ARC,... Read more

UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences

UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences is addressing society’s most critical and emerging health needs through quality teaching, learning and research excellence.

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About me

In the media

Date	Title
12/02/2020	Medlipal Study , https://www.linkedin.com/posts/outthought_virtual-health-coach-outthought-x-unisa-activity-6640423811646922752-OSnm/

Research

Research themes

An age friendly world
Healthy futures

Research focus

Nutrition and Dietetics
Clinical Sciences
Medical and Health Sciences
Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
Food Sciences

Highlights

The MedWalk Trial: Efficacy of a Mediterranean diet and walking lifestyle intervention on cognitive decline in older Australians residing in retirement and independent living facilities (Pipingas). NHMRC Boosting Dementia Grant (2019-2022) $1.7m.
ACTIVATE: Living your best day-Optimising activity and diet compositions for dementia prevention (Smith). NHMRC Boosting Dementia Grant $1.3m.
Mediterranean diet
Lipids, fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids
Dairy foods
Antioxidants
Dietary Flavonoids
Cardiovascular disease
Dementia risk
Cognitive performance & psychological wellbeing

Research

Outputs

Research since 2008 is shown below. To see earlier years visit ORCID, ResearcherID or Scopus

Open access indicates that an output is open access.

Highlights

Year	Output
2019	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ & Murphy, KJ 2019, 'Effects of Mediterranean diet supplemented with lean pork on blood pressure and markers of cardiovascular risk: findings from the MedPork trial', The British Journal of Nutrition: An International Journal of Nutritional Science, vol. 122. no. 8, pp. 873-883. Open access 8 5 1
2018	Murphy, KJ & Parletta, N 2018, 'Implementing a Mediterranean-style diet outside the Mediterranean region', Current Atherosclerosis Reports, vol. 20, no. 6, article no. 28 pp. 1-10. 20 15 66
2018	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ & Murphy, KJ 2018, 'A Mediterranean diet supplemented with dairy foods improves markers of cardiovascular risk: results from the MedDairy randomized controlled trial', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 108, no. 6, pp. 1166-1182. Open access 21 16 185
2017	Davis, CR, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, R, Bryan, J, Wilson, C & Murphy, KJ 2017, 'A Mediterranean diet lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function: Results from the MedLey randomized intervention trial', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 105, no. 6, pp. 1305-1313. Open access 63 56 60
2015	Davis, C, Bryan, J, Hodgson, J & Murphy, K 2015, 'Definition of the Mediterranean diet: a literature review', Nutrients, vol. 7, no. 11, pp. 9139-9153. Open access 293 270 116

Chapters

Year	Output
2017	Murphy, KJ, Marques-Lopes, I & Sánchez-Tainta, A 2017, 'Cereals and legumes', in A Sanchez-Villegas & A Sanchez-Tainta (eds), The Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease through the Mediterranean Diet, Academic Press, UK, ch. 7, pp. 111-132. 12 1
2009	Murphy, KJ & Howe, P 2009, 'Food Sources and Intakes of Omega-3 fatty acids', in Ronald R Watson, Fatty Acids in Health Promotion and Disease Causation, AOCS Press, Illinois, pp. 787-818.

Journal Articles

Year	Output
2021	Bracci, EL, Keogh, JB, Milte, R & Murphy, KJ 2021, 'A comparison of dietary quality and nutritional adequacy of popular energy restricted diets against the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Mediterranean Diet', The British Journal of Nutrition: An International Journal of Nutritional Science, In press, pp, 1-43. Open access
2021	Clark, J, Simpson, BS & Murphy, KJ 2021, 'The role of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity in decreasing age-related inflammation through modulation of the gut microbiota composition', The British Journal of Nutrition: An International Journal of Nutritional Science, online, pp. 1-16.
2021	Wade, AT, Elias, MF & Murphy, KJ 2021, 'Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with cognitive function in an older non-Mediterranean sample: findings from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study', Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 24, no. 7, pp. 542-553. 2 5 15
2021	Whitbread, JS, Murphy, KJ, Clifton, PM & Keogh, JB 2021, 'Iodine excretion and intake in women of reproductive age in South Australia eating plant-based and omnivore diets: a pilot study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 7, pp. 1-11. Open access 1
2020	Ahmed, FS, Wade, AT, Guenther, BA, Murphy, KJ & Elias, MF 2020, 'Adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with lower blood pressure in a US sample: findings from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study', Journal of Clinical Hypertension, vol. 22, no. 12, pp. 2276-2284. 1 1
2020	Davis, CR, Murphy, KJ, Curtis, RG & Maher, CA 2020, 'A process evaluation examining the performance, adherence, and acceptability of a physical activity and diet artificial intelligence virtual health assistant', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 23, article no. 9137, pp. 1-14. Open access 1
2020	Maher, CA, Davis, CR, Curtis, RG, Short, CE & Murphy, KJ 2020, 'A physical activity and diet program delivered by artificially intelligent virtual health coach: proof-of-concept study', JMIR mHealth and uHealth, vol. 8, no. 7, article no. e17558, pp. 1-11. Open access 4 3 3
2020	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ, Keage, HA & Murphy, KJ 2020, 'A Mediterranean diet supplemented with dairy foods improves mood and processing speed in an Australian sample: results from the MedDairy randomized controlled trial', Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 23, no. 8, pp. 646-658. 10 9 10
2019	Gómez-Donoso, C, Martínez-González, M, Gea, A, Murphy, K, Parletta, N & Bes-Rastrollo, M 2019, 'A food-based score and incidence of overweight/obesity: the Dietary Obesity-Prevention Score (DOS)', Clinical Nutrition, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 2607-2615. 6
2019	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ & Murphy, KJ 2019, 'Effects of Mediterranean diet supplemented with lean pork on blood pressure and markers of cardiovascular risk: findings from the MedPork trial', The British Journal of Nutrition: An International Journal of Nutritional Science, vol. 122. no. 8, pp. 873-883. Open access 8 5 1
2019	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ, Keage, HA & Murphy, KJ 2019, 'A Mediterranean diet with fresh, lean pork improves processing speed and mood: cognitive findings from the MedPork randomised controlled trial', Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 7, pp. 1-16. Open access 11 10 83
2018	Murphy, KJ & Parletta, N 2018, 'Implementing a Mediterranean-style diet outside the Mediterranean region', Current Atherosclerosis Reports, vol. 20, no. 6, article no. 28 pp. 1-10. 20 15 66
2018	Murphy, KJ, Walker, KM, Dyer, KA & Bryan, J 2018, 'Estimation of daily intake of flavonoids and major food sources in middle-aged Australian men and women', Nutrition Research, vol. 61, pp. 64-81. 13 12
2018	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ & Murphy, KJ 2018, 'A Mediterranean diet supplemented with dairy foods improves markers of cardiovascular risk: results from the MedDairy randomized controlled trial', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 108, no. 6, pp. 1166-1182. Open access 21 16 185
2018	Watson, NA, Dyer, KA, Buckley, JD, Brinkworth, GD, Coates, AM, Parfitt, G, Howe, PR, Noakes, M & Murphy, KJ 2018, 'Reductions in food cravings are similar with low-fat weight loss diets differing in protein and carbohydrate in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial', Nutrition Research, vol. 57, pp. 56-66. 8 8 6
2018	Watson, NA, Dyer, KA, Buckley, JD, Brinkworth, GD, Coates, AM, Parfitt, G, Howe, PRC, Noakes, M & Murphy, KJ 2018, 'Comparison of two low-fat diets, differing in protein and carbohydrate, on psychological wellbeing in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes: a randomised clinical trial', Nutrition Journal, vol. 17, no. 1, article no. 62, pp. 1-12. Open access 3 3 2
2017	Davis, C, Hodgson, J, Bryan, J, Garg, M, Woodman, R & Murphy, K 2017, 'Older Australians can achieve high adherence to the Mediterranean diet during a 6 month randomised intervention; results from the Medley study', Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 6, article no. 534, pp. 1-20. Open access 17 16
2017	Davis, CR, Bryan, J, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ & Murphy, KJ 2017, 'A Mediterranean diet reduces F₂-Isoprostanes and triglycerides among older Australian men and women after 6 months', Journal of Nutrition, vol. 147, no. 7, pp. 1348-1355. Open access 16 16 2
2017	Davis, CR, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, R, Bryan, J, Wilson, C & Murphy, KJ 2017, 'A Mediterranean diet lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function: Results from the MedLey randomized intervention trial', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 105, no. 6, pp. 1305-1313. Open access 63 56 60
2017	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ, Keage, HA & Murphy, KJ 2017, 'A Mediterranean diet to improve cardiovascular and cognitive health: protocol for a randomised controlled intervention study', Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 2, article no. 145, pp. 1-29. Open access 14 15 11
2017	Wade, AT, Davis, CR, Dyer, KA, Hodgson, JM, Woodman, RJ, Keage, HA & Murphy, KJ 2017, 'Including pork in the Mediterranean diet for an Australian population: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial assessing cardiovascular risk and cognitive function', Nutrition Journal, vol. 16, no. 1, article no. 84, pp. 1-19. Open access 7 6 2
2016	Knight, A, Bryan, J & Murphy, K 2016, 'Is the Mediterranean diet a feasible approach to preserving cognitive function and reducing risk of dementia for older adults in Western countries? New insights and future directions', Ageing Research Reviews, vol. 25, pp. 85-101. 54 45 17
2016	Knight, A, Bryan, J & Murphy, K 2016, 'The Mediterranean diet and age-related cognitive functioning: a systematic review of study findings and neuropsychological assessment methodology', Nutritional Neuroscience, vol. 20, no. 8, pp. 449-468. Open access 15 16 1
2016	Knight, A, Bryan, J, Wilson, C, Hodgson, J, Davis, C & Murphy, KJ 2016, 'The Mediterranean diet and cognitive function among healthy older adults in a 6-month randomised controlled trial: the MedLey study', Nutrients, vol. 8, no. 9, pp. 2-17. Open access 48 41 3
2016	Watson, N, Dyer, K, Buckley, J, Brinkworth, G, Coates, A, Parfitt, G, Howe, P, Noakes, M & Murphy, K 2016, 'Effects of low-fat diets differing in protein and carbohydrate content on cardiometabolic risk factors during weight loss and weight maintenance in obese adults with Type 2 Diabetes', Nutrients, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 289-304. Open access 22 22 11
2015	Davis, C, Bryan, J, Hodgson, J & Murphy, K 2015, 'Definition of the Mediterranean diet: a literature review', Nutrients, vol. 7, no. 11, pp. 9139-9153. Open access 293 270 116
2015	Davis, CR, Bryan, J, Hodgson, J, Wilson, C & Murphy, KJ 2015, 'Older Australians can adhere to a traditional Mediterranean style diet over two weeks: a pilot dietary intervention study', BMC nutrition, vol. 1, article no. 28, pp. 1-10. Open access 12
2015	Davis, CR, Bryan, J, Hodgson, JM, Wilson, C, Dhillon, V & Murphy, KJ 2015, 'A randomised controlled intervention trial evaluating the efficacy of an Australianised Mediterranean diet compared to the habitual Australian diet on cognitive function, psychological wellbeing and cardiovascular health in healthy older adults (MedLey study): protocol paper', BMC nutrition, vol. 1, article no. 35, pp. 1-12. Open access 3
2015	Knight, A, Bryan, J, Wilson, C, Hodgson, J & Murphy, K 2015, 'A randomised controlled intervention trial evaluating the efficacy of a Mediterranean dietary pattern on cognitive function and psychological wellbeing in healthy older adults: the MedLey study', BMC Geriatrics, vol. 15, article no. 55, pp. 1-24. Open access 34 29 5
2015	Watson, N, Dyer, KA, Buckley, JD, Brinkworth, GD, Coates, AM, Parfitt, G, Howe, PRC, Noakes, M, Dye, L, Chadwick, H & Murphy, KJ 2015, 'A randomised trial comparing low-fat diets differing in carbohydrate and protein ratio, combined with regular moderate intensity exercise, on glycaemic control, cardiometabolic risk factors, food cravings, cognitive function and psychological wellbeing in adults with type 2 diabetes: Study protocol', Contemporary Clinical Trials, vol. 45, pp. 217-225. Open access 9 10
2014	Howe, PR, Buckley, JD, Murphy, KJ, Pettman, T, Milte, C & Coates, AM 2014, 'Relationship between erythrocyte omega-3 content and obesity is gender dependent', Nutrients, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 1850-1860. Open access 13 26 3
2014	Morris, J, Grimmer, KA, Gilmore, L, Perera, C, Waddington, G, Kyle, G, Ashman, B & Murphy, K 2014, 'Principles to guide sustainable implementation of extended-scope-of-practice physiotherapy workforce redesign initiatives in Australia: stakeholder perspectives, barriers, supports, and incentives', Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, vol. 7, pp. 249-258. Open access 16
2014	Murphy, KJ, Parker, B, Dyer, KA, Davis, CR, Coates, AM, Buckley, JD & Howe, PR 2014, 'A comparison of regular consumption of fresh lean pork, beef and chicken on body composition : a randomized cross-over trial', Nutrients, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 682-696. Open access 6 11 28
2013	Crichton, GE, Bryan, J & Murphy, KJ 2013, 'Dietary antioxidants, cognitive function and dementia : a systematic review', Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 279-292. 101 88 42
2013	Crichton, GE, Bryan, J, Hodgson, JM & Murphy, KJ 2013, 'Mediterranean diet adherence and self-reported psychological functioning in an Australian sample', Appetite, vol. 70, pp. 53-59. 49 45 1
2013	Murphy, KJ, Crichton, GE, Dyer, KA, Coates, AM, Pettman, TL, Milte, C, Thorp, AA, Berry, NM, Buckley, JD, Noakes, M & Howe, PR 2013, 'Dairy foods and dairy protein consumption is inversely related to markers of adiposity in obese men and women', Nutrients, vol. 5, no. 11, pp. 4665-4684. Open access 17 25 58
2012	Crichton, GE, Elias, MF, Buckley, JD, Murphy, KJ, Bryan, J & Frisardi, V 2012, 'Metabolic syndrome, cognitive performance, and dementia', Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 30, Supplement 1, pp. S77-S87. Open access 40 42
2012	Crichton, GE, Howe, PR, Buckley, JD, Coates, AM & Murphy, KJ 2012, 'Dairy consumption and cardiometabolic health : outcomes of a 12-month crossover trial', Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 9, article no. 19. Open access 43 56 1
2012	Crichton, GE, Howe, PR, Buckley, JD, Coates, AM, Murphy, KJ & Bryan, J 2012, 'Long-term dietary intervention trials : critical issues and challenges', Trials, vol. 13, article no. 111, pp. 1-10. Open access 15 41 1
2012	Crichton, GE, Murphy, KJ, Howe, P, Buckley, JD & Bryan, J 2012, 'Dairy consumption and working memory performance in overweight and obese adults', Appetite, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 34-40. 17 20
2012	Murphy, KJ, Thomson, RL, Coates, AM, Buckley, JD & Howe, PR 2012, 'Effects of eating fresh lean pork on cardiometabolic health parameters', Nutrients, vol. 4, no. 7, pp. 711-723. Open access 16 24 30
2011	Berry, NM, Robinson, MJ, Bryan, J, Buckley, JD, Murphy, KJ & Howe, PR 2011, 'Acute effects of an avena sativa herb extract on responses to the Stroop Color-Word test', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 17, no. 7, pp. 635-637. Open access 11 12
2011	Gilmore, LG, Morris, JH, Murphy, K, Grimmer-Somers, K & Kumar, S 2011, 'Skills escalator in allied health: a time for reflection and refocus', Journal of Healthcare Leadership, vol. 3, pp. 53-58. Open access
2010	Crichton, GE, Bryan, J, Buckley, JD & Murphy, KJ 2010, 'Dairy consumption and metabolic syndrome : a systematic review of findings and methodological issues', Obesity Reviews, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 190-201. Open access 70 65
2010	Crichton, GE, Bryan, J, Murphy, KJ & Buckley, J 2010, 'Review of dairy consumption and cognitive performance in adults: findings and methodological issues', Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 352-361. Open access 53 48
2010	Crichton, GE, Murphy, KJ & Bryan, J 2010, 'Dairy intake and cognitive health in middle-aged South Australians', Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 19, no. 2 , pp. 161-171. 47 40
2009	Buckley, JD, Burgess, S, Murphy, KJ & Howe, PR 2009, 'DHA-rich fish oil lowers heart rate during submaximal exercise in elite Australian Rules footballers', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 503-507. 40 55
2008	Mukaro, VRS, Costabile, M, Murphy, KJ, Hii, C, Howe, P & Ferrante, A 2008, 'Leukocyte numbers and function in subjects eating n-3 enriched foods: selective depression of natural killer cell levels', Arthritis Research and Therapy, vol. 10, no. 3, article no. R57, pp. 1-11. Open access 14 22
2008	Murphy, KJ, Saint, D & Howe, P 2008, 'Lack of Effect of Sugar Cane and Sunflower Seed Policosanols on Plasma Cholesterol in Rabbits', Journal of the American College of Nutrition, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 476-484. 5 4

External engagement & recognition

Collaborations

External engagement & recognition

Collaborations

Organisation	Country
Canberra Hospital	AUSTRALIA
CSIRO Australia (Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation)	AUSTRALIA
Edith Cowan University	AUSTRALIA
Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer	AUSTRALIA
Flinders University	AUSTRALIA
Unilever Netherlands	NETHERLANDS
Universidad de Navarra	SPAIN
Universidad de Zaragoza	SPAIN
University of Adelaide	AUSTRALIA
University of Bari	ITALY
University of Canberra	AUSTRALIA
University of Leeds	UNITED KINGDOM
University of Maine	UNITED STATES
University of Melbourne	AUSTRALIA
University of Navarra	SPAIN
University of Newcastle	AUSTRALIA
University of South Australia	AUSTRALIA
University of Western Australia	AUSTRALIA

External engagement & recognition

Engagement/recognition	Year
Honorary Treasurer Nutrition Society of Australia	2017
Member International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL)	2017
Member Dietitians Association of Australia	2017
Member Prospect Physiotherapy and Health Plus Clinic	2017
President Australasian Section American Oil Chemists Society (AAOCS)	2017
Visiting Research Fellow The University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science	2017

Teaching & student supervision

Highlights

I have supervised a number of first class honours students, clinical psychology master’s students and higher degree PhD students who have received commendations for their work and research awards including a University of South Australia Vice President and Chancellors award, Maurice de Rohan Fellowships and Runner-up in the 3-Minute Thesis Competition (2017). Many of my students have gone on to develop their own successful careers in the food industry, health industry, academia, research and dietitians.

Areas for supervision include nutrition, dietary patterns, mediterranean diet, omega-3, antioxidants, cardiometabolic health and cognition.

Teaching & student supervision

Research degree supervision

Supervisions from 2010 shown

Thesis title	Student status
Mediterranean Diet and physical activity-mediated changes in the gut microbiome, inflammation, and cognitive decline in older Australians	Current
MedWalk / ACTIVate Trial	Current
Urinary iodine concentration and dietary nutrient intake in women of reproductive age in South Australia who consume vegan/plant-based and omnivore diets	Current
An exploration of popular weight loss diets and healthy eating principles through the development and piloting of a novel ranking system	Completed
Dairy food consumption, cognitive function and cardiometabolic health	Completed
Investigating the effects of an Australianised Mediterranean diet on cognitive function among healthy older adults: a six-month randomised dietary intervention trial	Completed
Investigating the Mediterranean diet for non-Mediterranean populations: cardiovascular health and cognitive function	Completed
The effect of an Australianised traditional Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health in a population of elderly Australian men and women	Completed
The effects of low-fat diets, differing in protein and carbohydrate ratio, on glycaemic control, cardiometabolic health risk factors, food cravings, psychological wellbeing and cognitive function in adults with type 2 diabetes	Completed

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Associate Professor Karen Murphy

About me

About me

UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences

About me

Professional Associations

In the media

Experience

Qualifications

Research

Research themes

Research focus

Highlights

Projects

Outputs

Highlights

Chapters

Journal Articles

Current research & highlights

External engagement & recognition

Collaborations

Collaborations

External engagement & recognition

Honorary Treasurer

Member

Member

Member

President

Visiting Research Fellow

Teaching & student supervision

Highlights

Courses and programs

Courses I teach and/or co-ordinate

Research degree supervision

Gallery