Dr Honglin Dong
Contact details
About
Overview
Dr Dong is a senior lecturer in Nutrition and the programme director of MSc Applied Nutrition at the School of Health and Medical Sciences, City St George’s, University of London. She has a medicine degree (BSc) in China (Southeast University, first class), an MSc degree in Human Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Aberdeen in 2007, and PhD in Human Nutrition at the University of Reading in 2008. She worked as a Postdoc Research Associate in Reading for 4 years before taking a lectureship in Human Nutrition at Coventry University in April 2015 and started her career at City St George’s in October 2021.
Memberships of professional organisations
Senior Fellow of The Higher Education Academy
Member of Nutrition Society UK
Member of American Nutrition Society
Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) of the Association for Nutrition (AfN)
Qualifications
- PhD Human Nutrition, University of Reading, United Kingdom
- MSc Human Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MSc Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, China
- BSc Medicine, Southeast University, China
Employment
- Senior Lecturer in Nutrition, City, University of London, United Kingdom, August 2023 - present
- Lecturer in Nutrition, City, University of London, United Kingdom, October 2021 - July 2023
- Lecturer in Human Nutrition, Coventry University, United Kingdom, April 2015 - September 2021
- Postdoc Research Assistant, University of Reading, United Kingdom, September 2010 - March 2015
Research
Research interest
Her research interests include randomised controlled trials or cross-sectional studies investigating the effect of dietary intervention (e.g. dietary fibre, probiotics, supplementation etc.) on immune function, appetite, weight management and cardiometabolic risks. Currently her research focuses on the influence of vitamin D supplementation on the immune function and cardiovascular risks, and how genetic variants of vitamin D influence vitamin D status in different ethnic backgrounds (e.g. Caucasians, African-Caribbeans, South Asians). She is also interested in the association of nutrition and lifestyles with bone and mental health in young adults (e.g. university students).
Research experience and skills
Her PhD project investigated the effect of probiotics on immune function. It involved intensive lab work in cell culture, ELISA and flow cytometry and a randomised control trial (RCT) with older people. Her postdoc work involved four nutritional intervention trials, investigating the effect of prebiotics and probiotics on the immune response to influenza vaccination in healthy young and old volunteers, the postprandial effect of polyphenols and fibres in orange juice on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease in male adults, the effect of different dietary fibres on satiety in healthy volunteers, and the effect of milk proteins on cardiovascular function and risk factors of heart disease. She worked independently or in a team going through all of the procedures such as study design, recruiting volunteers, conducting trials, ethics approval, data analysis and project report. She is also qualified and well-practiced in phlebotomy.
Research grant
- Principal Investigator (PI) for Barts Charity funded project titled 'Postprandial glycaemic response in different ethnic groups in East London and its association with vitamin D status', 1/7/2023-31/12/2024. £74,036
- ‘A rapid evidence assessment of UK citizen and industry understandings of sustainability’ from Food Standards Agency 01/02/22-31/03/22. £28,625. Co-I (Ref FS900221)
- ‘Causality effect of vitamin D status on immune function according to ethnicity: a linear and nonlinear Mendelian Randomisation (MR)’ from Royal Society. 2021. £10,000. Co-I (Ref RGS\R2\212197)
- Director of Studies of a PhD student, with research project titled as “Vitamin D status and COVID-19: do low vitamin D levels in at-risk groups including BAME correlate with severity of COVID-19” full studentship supported by Coventry University
- Principal Investigator (PI) for the Pump-prime Grant Scheme titled "Influence of vitamin D supplement on immune function of the healthy elderly" 2018-2019 £10,000.
PhD students
Co-supervisor
Ms Helena Jackson
Title: Improving the detection and treatment of malnutrition for people with chronic kidney disease: co-design and validation of a novel outpatient nutrition screening tool.
Funded by the NIHR Academy
Areas for PhD supervision
I am taking PhD students whose research interests fall within my expertise, either funded or self-funded.
Publications
Publications by category
Chapter
- Ali, A.A., Abd El-Megeid, A.A., Dong, H., Sarbini, S.R. and Khalil, N.A. (2026). Rare and unconventional spices and herbs. Health, Nutrition and Sustainability (pp. 373-392). Elsevier. ISBN 9780443329203.
Conference papers and proceedings (19)
- Dong, H., Wong, S., Gainullina, I., Graham, A., Ussef, I. and Hirani, S.P. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with spinal cord injury at admission to hospital: a single centre study in the UK. .doi:10.1017/s002966512300023x
- Colombo, A., Xu, Y. and Dong, H. Postprandial glycaemic response to white and wholemeal bread consumption between normal weight and overweight/obese healthy adults. .doi:10.1017/s0029665123000241
- Galindo-Pineda, D., Dong, H. and Xu, Y. Comparison of postprandial glycaemic response following wholemeal bread meal consumption between healthy young adults with Asian and Caucasian ethnicities. .doi:10.1017/s0029665123003853
- Li, N., Dong, H. and Xu, Y. Comparison of postprandial glycaemic response following white bread meal consumption between healthy young Asian and white Caucasian adults. .doi:10.1017/s0029665123003841
- Dong, H., Farnaud, S. and Renshaw, D. (2022). Influence of Vitamin D Supplement on Immune Function of the Older Healthy People: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial. 13-17 June.doi:10.1093/cdn/nzac068.005
- Dong, H., Farnaud, S. and Renshaw, D. Influence of Vitamin D Supplement on Immune Function of the Older Healthy People: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial. .doi:10.1093/cdn/nzac068.005
- Dong, H., Tang, W., Premaratne, S., Tian, Q., Xu, Y., Li, E.... Zhang, W.W. IP193. Use of 3..0.T High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Carotid Artery Plaques∗. .doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2018.03.183
- Yao, L., Dong, H., Jahromi, A.H., Gu, X., Zhao, C.X., Yang, S.... Zhang, W.W. PC204. A Novel Model of Murine Chronic Limb Ischemia Using Partial Femoral Artery Ligation. .doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2015.04.328
- Yang, S., Dong, H., Yao, L., Gu, X., Zhao, C. and Zhang, W. Pathological Differences of Ischemic Stroke Caused by Cholesterol versus Clot Embolization. .
- Yao, L., Dong, H., Zhao, C., Yang, S. and Zhang, W.W. PS226. Significant Increase of Urine Fibrinogen in Mouse Model of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy. .doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2014.03.195
- Franciosi, E., Carafa, I., Maidens, C., Przemska, A., Dong, H., BinDayel, I.... Tuohy, K.M. (2013). A metagenomics view of gut microbiota structure in old age. In: 2013 EFFoST Annual Meeting: Bio-based Technologies in the Context of European Food Innovation Systems. 12-15 November, Bologna, Italy.
- Franciosi, E., Maidens, C., Przemska, A., Dong, H., BinDayel, I., Childs, C.... Tuohy, K.M. A metagenomics view of gut microbiota structure in old age. .
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Thomas, L. and Yaqoob, P. Immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus Casei Shirota in healthy older volunteers. .
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Tuohy, K.M., Thomas, L. and Yaqoob, P. Effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota on immune function. .doi:10.1017/s0029665109992199
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Tuohy, K.M. and Yaqoob, P. The effect of different probiotic strains on immune function in vitro. .doi:10.1017/s0029665110002624
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Tuohy, K.M., Thomas, L.V. and Yaqoob, P. Effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota on immune function. .doi:10.1017/s0029665110000327
- Dong, H., Liu, Y., Huang, Q., Yang, T., Ma, F., Ryu, J.... Han, Q. Verification duty policy for task-role-based workflow systems. ICMIT 2009: Mechatronics and Information Technology.doi:10.1117/12.858433
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Tuohy, K.M., Thomas, L. and Yaqoob, P. Effects Of Lactobacillus casei Shirota On Immune Function. .
- Dong, H., Pineda, D.G., Li, N. and Xu, Y. Investigation of the Postprandial Glycaemic Response to White Bread and Wholemeal Bread Consumption among Healthy Young Adults. European Nutrition Conference.doi:10.3390/proceedings2023091194
Journal articles (37)
- Ognjenovic, S. and Dong, H. (2026). A comparative analysis of primary school meal nutrition across the low- and high-poverty boroughs of Inner London. BMC Nutrition, 12(1). doi:10.1186/s40795-026-01280-w
- Wong, S., Dong, H., Hirani, S.P., Gainullina, I. and Graham, A. (2026). Characteristics and cardiometabolic profiles in patients with spinal cord injury in the UK. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine pp. 1-11. doi:10.1080/10790268.2026.2619807
- Dong, H., Reynolds, C., Islam, S., Sarkar, S. and Turner, S. (2025). Postprandial glycemic response in different ethnic groups in East London and its association with vitamin D status: Study protocol for an acute randomized crossover trial. Nutrition and Health, 31(4), pp. 1307-1313. doi:10.1177/02601060251356528
- Dong, H., Xu, Y., Pineda, D.M.G. and Li, N. (2025). Postprandial glycaemic response to white vs granary wholemeal bread in Chinese and Caucasian adults. Academia Nutrition and Dietetics, 2(3). doi:10.20935/acadnutr7898
- Dong, H. and Jin, Y. (2023). Editorial: Rising stars in nutrition and inflammation. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1197351
- Wong, S., Dong, H., Hirani, S.P., Gainullina, I., Ussef, I. and Graham, A. (2023). Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with spinal cord injury at admission: a single-centred study in the UK. Journal of Nutritional Science, 12. doi:10.1017/jns.2023.12
- Dong, H., Asmolovaite, V., Farnaud, S. and Renshaw, D. (2022). Influence of vitamin D supplementation on immune function of healthy aging people: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1005786
- Dong, H., Asmolovaite, V., Marseal, N. and Mearbon, M. (2022). Vitamin D status and dietary intake in young university students in the UK. Nutrition & Food Science, 52(4), pp. 616-626. doi:10.1108/nfs-07-2021-0201
- Enani, S., Przemska-Kosicka, A., Childs, C.E., Maidens, C., Dong, H., Conterno, L.... Yaqoob, P. (2018). Impact of ageing and a synbiotic on the immune response to seasonal influenza vaccination; a randomised controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 37(2), pp. 443-451. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.01.011
- Przemska-Kosicka, A., Childs, C.E., Maidens, C., Dong, H., Todd, S., Gosney, M.A.... Yaqoob, P. (2018). Age-Related Changes in the Natural Killer Cell Response to Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Are Not Influenced by a Synbiotic: a Randomised Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Immunology, 9. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00591
- Rendeiro, C., Dong, H., Saunders, C., Harkness, L., Blaze, M., Hou, Y.... Spencer, J.P.E. (2016). Flavanone-rich citrus beverages counteract the transient decline in postprandial endothelial function in humans: a randomised, controlled, double-masked, cross-over intervention study. British Journal of Nutrition, 116(12), pp. 1999-2010. doi:10.1017/s0007114516004219
- Dong, H., Sargent, L.J., Chatzidiakou, Y., Saunders, C., Harkness, L., Bordenave, N.... Lovegrove, J.A. (2016). Orange pomace fibre increases a composite scoring of subjective ratings of hunger and fullness in healthy adults. Appetite, 107, pp. 478-485. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.08.118
- Przemska-Kosicka, A., Childs, C.E., Enani, S., Maidens, C., Dong, H., Dayel, I.B.... Yaqoob, P. (2016). Effect of a synbiotic on the response to seasonal influenza vaccination is strongly influenced by degree of immunosenescence. Immunity & Ageing, 13(1). doi:10.1186/s12979-016-0061-4
- Dong, H., Rendeiro, C., Kristek, A., Sargent, L.J., Saunders, C., Harkness, L.... Lovegrove, J.A. (2016). Addition of Orange Pomace to Orange Juice Attenuates the Increases in Peak Glucose and Insulin Concentrations after Sequential Meal Ingestion in Men with Elevated Cardiometabolic Risk. The Journal of Nutrition, 146(6), pp. 1197-1203. doi:10.3945/jn.115.226001
- Zhang, Y., Dong, H., Xu, Y., Shi, R., Gu, J., Lang, H.... Zhang, W.W. (2015). External Ultrasound for Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Treatment. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 34(3), pp. 451-459. doi:10.7863/ultra.34.3.451
- You, J., Dong, H., Mann, E.R., Knight, S.C. and Yaqoob, P. (2014). Probiotic modulation of dendritic cell function is influenced by ageing. Immunobiology, 219(2), pp. 138-148. doi:10.1016/j.imbio.2013.08.012
- Enani, S.M., Childs, C.E., Przemska, A., Maidens, C., Dong, H., Rowland, I.... Yaqoob, P. (2014). Effects of a novel probiotic, Bifidobacterium longum bv. infantis CCUG 52486 with prebiotic on the B-cell response to influenza vaccination. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 73(OCE1). doi:10.1017/s0029665114000238
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Thomas, L.V. and Yaqoob, P. (2013). Immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota in healthy older volunteers. European Journal of Nutrition, 52(8), pp. 1853-1863. doi:10.1007/s00394-012-0487-1
- You, J., Dong, H., Mann, E.R., Knight, S.C. and Yaqoob, P. (2013). Ageing impairs the T cell response to dendritic cells. Immunobiology, 218(8), pp. 1077-1084. doi:10.1016/j.imbio.2013.02.002
- Przemska, A., Maidens, C., Childs, C., Dong, H., Tuohy, K., Rowland, I.... Yaqoob, P. (2013). Effects of Bifidobacteriumlongumbv.infantisCCUG 52486 combined with glucooligosaccharideon immune cell populations in healthy young and older subjects receiving an influenza vaccination. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 72(OCE1). doi:10.1017/s0029665113000104
- Franciosi, E., Carafa, I., Maidens, C., Przemska, A., Dong, H., Bin Dayel, I.... Tuohy, K.M. (2013). Metagenomics view of gut microbiota structure in old and young age by 454-pyrosequencing. (Viola, R. , Trans.) In: 2013 ENGIHR conference: the intestinal microbiota and gut health: contribution of the diet, bacterial metabolites, host interactions and impact on health and disease, Valencia pp. 60-62
- Childs, C.E., Przemska, A., Maidens, C., Dong, H., Dayel, I.B., Fekete, A.A.... Yaqoob, P. (2013). Bifidobacterium longum bv. infantis CCUG 52486 combined with gluco-oligosaccharide significantly reduces the duration of self-reported cold and flu-like symptoms among healthy older adults after seasonal influenza vaccination. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 72(OCE1). doi:10.1017/s0029665113000128
- You, J., Dong, H., Mann, E.R., Knight, S.C. and Yaqoob, P. (2013). Probiotic modulation of dendritic cell function is influenced by ageing. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 72(OCE4). doi:10.1017/s0029665113002899
- Przemska, A., Maidens, C., Childs, C., Dong, H., Tuohy, K., Rowland, I.... Yaqoob, P. (2013). Effects of Bifidobacteriumlongum bv. Infantis CCUG 52486 combined with glucooligosaccharide on immune cell populations in healthy young and older subjects receiving an influenza vaccination. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 72(OCE1). doi:10.1017/s0029665113000451
- Dong, H., Jin, X., Hu, J., Li, H., He, X., Liu, X.... Bao, G. (2012). High γ-Radiation Sensitivity Is Associated with Increased Gastric Cancer Risk in a Chinese Han Population: A Case-Control Analysis. PLoS ONE, 7(8), pp. e43625-e43625. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0043625
- Dong, H., Rowland, I. and Yaqoob, P. (2012). Comparative effects of six probiotic strains on immune functionin vitro. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(3), pp. 459-470. doi:10.1017/s0007114511005824
- Pérez-Cano, F.J., Dong, H. and Yaqoob, P. (2010). In vitro immunomodulatory activity of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 and Lactobacillus salivarius CECT5713: two probiotic strains isolated from human breast milk. Immunobiology, 215(12), pp. 996-1004. doi:10.1016/j.imbio.2010.01.004
- Dong, H., Rowland, I., Tuohy, K.M., Thomas, L.V. and Yaqoob, P. (2010). Selective effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota on T cell activation, natural killer cell activity and cytokine production. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 161(2), pp. 378-388. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04173.x
- Zhou, J., Li, H., Zhang, J., Quan, L. and Dong, H. (2002). Expression and Distributive Feature of P53, C-met and C-erbB-2 Oncoproteins in Carcinomas of Stomach. Practical Preventive Medicine, 9(5), pp. 449-451
- Dong, H. (2001). Intestinal permeability test and its clinical significance. World Chinese Journal of Digestology, 8(5), pp. 562-563
- Dong, H., Yang, J., Wu, D. and Xu, G. (2001). Protective effects of glutamine on small intestinal structure and tryptophan absorption in rats administrated with fluorouracil. Basic and Clinical Medicine, 21(4), pp. 374-377
- Dong, H., Yang, J., Wu, D. and Xu, G. (2001). EFFECTS OF FLUOROURACIL ON SMALL INTESTINE IN RATS. China Journal of Modern Medicine, 11(4), pp. 38-39
- Zhou, J., Si, Z., Liang, H., Cai, J., Shan, B., Yang, J.... Dong, H. (2001). Effect of OK-432 Combination with IL-2 on Inhibiting Lew is Lung Cancer Growth and Expression of P21 in C57BL/6 mice. . Practical Preventive Medicine, 8(2), pp. 83-85
- Zhou, J., Si, Z., Liang, H., Cai, J., Shan, B., Yang, J.... Dong, H. (2000). Inhibition Effects of OK-432 Combined with IL-2 on Lewis Lung Cancer Growth and c-fos Protein Expression in C57 BL/6 mice. Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment, 27(6), pp. 436-438. doi:10.3971/j.issn.1000-8578.1206
- Dong, H., Yang, J. and Wu, D. (2000). Effects of Taurine on small Intestinal Structure and Absorption in Rats Administrated with Fluorouracil. New Medicine, 10(3), pp. 118-120
- Dong, H., Cai, J. and Wu, D. (1999). The effects of whole-body γ-irradiation on rat small intestinal absorption. Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology, 15(6), pp. 559-562
- Dong, H., Yang, J., Shan, B., Cai, J., Liang, H., Xu, G.... Wu, D. (1999). Effects of glutamine on the structure of small intestine and dietary changes in rats induced by fluorouracil. Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology, 15(5), pp. 446-447
Report
- Reynolds, C., Moore, S., Denton, P., Jones, R., Abdy Collins, C., Droulers, C.... Sarkar, S. A rapid evidence assessment of UK citizen and industry understandings of sustainability. Food Standards Agency.
Other
- Rendeiro, C., Dong, H., Saunders, C., Harkness, L., Blaze, M., Hou, Y.... Spencer, J.P.E.(2017). Flavanone-rich citrus beverages counteract the transient decline in postprandial endothelial function in humans: a randomised, controlled, double-masked, cross-over intervention study — CORRIGENDUM.
Professional activities
Editorial activity (5)
- I am the editor of the theme topic of 'Dietary Fibre and Type 2 Diabetes'., Guest Editor for a special issue of the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, November 2025 - present.
- I have been the Associate Editor of the journal, Frontiers in Nutrition, section Nutritional Immunology, since November 2024. I have edited 14 manuscripts up to May 2025 (7 have been published)., Associate Editor for Frontiers in Immunology, section Nutritional Immunology, November 2024 - present.
- I am the editor of the theme topic of 'Vitamin D and diet-related diseases'., Guest Editor for a special issue of the journal Nutrients., May 2023 - December 2024.
- I have reviewed more than 10 manuscripts for the above two journals in the past two years., Reviewer of Frontiers in Nutrition and Nutrients (two journals), May 2023 - present.
- I am the guest editor of the special issue of 'Rising Stars in Nutrition and Inflammation' for the journal Frontiers in Nutrition., Guest Editor for a special issue of the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, February 2022 - April 2023.
Events/conferences (4)
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14th EUROPEAN NUTRITION CONFERENCE FENS 2023. (Conference) Belgrade, Serbia (2023).
Paper: Investigation of postprandial glycaemic response to white bread and wholemeal bread consumption among healthy young adults
Author: Honglin Dong
Co-authors: Diana Galindo Pineda, Ni Li, Yizhi Xu -
Nutrition Society Winter Conference. (Conference) London (2023).
Paper: Postprandial glycaemic response to white and wholemeal bread consumption between normal weight and overweight/obese healthy adults
Author: Abbie Colombo
Co-authors: Yizhi Xu, Honglin Dong -
Nutrition Society Winter Conference. (Conference) London (2023).
Paper: 'Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with spinal cord injury at admission: a single centred study in the UK
Author: Dong, H. and Wong, S. (co-first authors)
Co-authors: Gainullina, I., Graham, A., Ussef, I. and Hirani, S. P. -
Nutrition Conference 2022 (American Society for Nutrition Annual Conference). (Conference) Online (2022). Invited speaker.
Paper: 'Influence of Vitamin D Supplement on Immune Function of the Older Healthy People: A Pilot Randomised Control Trial
Author: Dong, H.
Co-authors: Farnaud, S. and Renshaw, D.