Alan Shenkin was educated and trained in medicine and biochemistry at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He held the post of Professor and Clinical Director of Clinical Chemistry and Metabolic Medicine in Liverpool when Dr Ranganath, who was working in the Department, took over the care of Robert Gregory and the Alkaptonuria Society was founded.

This has led to a long term interest in alkaptonuria, particularly in the biochemical aspects of the disease and its treatment. He has special interests in nutrition, and especially in the role of trace elements and vitamins in health and disease. He is currently the Honorary President of the British Nutrition Foundation.