06/01/2008

American Dietetic Association Publishes Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines for Registered Dietitians on Hypertension and Diabetes

FOR RELEASE JUNE 1, 2008

Media contact: Doris Acosta, Tom Ryan
800/877-1600, ext. 4822, 4894
media@eatright.org

CHICAGO — The American Dietetic Association has published new evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for registered dietitians on treatment of hypertension and type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The guidelines are available on ADA’s online Evidence Analysis Library, which analyzes and summarizes for registered dietitians the results of the best available research and offers recommendations for RDs to follow in their treatment of clients and patients. ADA earlier published evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for registered dietitians on disorders of lipid metabolism, adult weight management, critical illness, oncology and pediatric weight management.

Hypertension Guideline
“Imperative” recommendations to help clients and patient lower blood pressure include limiting daily dietary sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams — about one teaspoon and achieving and maintaining an optimal body weight. In addition, based on analysis of the available evidence, the guidelines recommend RDs advise their clients that:

  • Individuals should consume adequate food sources of potassium as part of medical nutrition therapy because research suggests that potassium intake lower than recommended levels is associated with increased blood pressure.
  • Consumption of at least five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables per day, based on research reporting significant reductions in blood pressure after consumption of either the DASH dietary pattern or a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Consumption of protein, soluble fiber, soy foods, garlic, cocoa and chocolate and vitamin C may or may not be beneficial for the reduction of blood pressure, since their effect on blood pressure is unclear or current evidence is inconclusive.
  • Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may not be beneficial for the management of hypertension, since their consumption does not appear to lower blood pressure.

Recommendations for treatment of hypertension by registered dietitians are based on a combination of recent ADA evidence analysis and guidelines developed by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. The guideline will be accompanied by a toolkit now in development that will assist the practitioner in applying the guideline, containing materials such as the medical nutrition therapy protocol, documentation forms, outcomes management tools, client education resources and case studies.

For an executive summary of ADA’s Hypertension Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline, visit the Evidence Analysis Library.

Diabetes Guideline
The new comprehensive diabetes guideline contains a strong recommendation based on scientific evidence that adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can benefit from medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian.

“An initial series of three to four encounters each lasting from 45 to 90 minutes is recommended,” according to the guideline, with additional MNT encounters to be determined by the RD. “At least one follow-up encounter is recommended annually to reinforce lifestyle changes and to evaluate and monitor outcomes that impact the need for changes in MNT or medication. The RD should determine if additional MNT encounters are needed.”

The guideline also contains strong recommendations for nutrition assessment, intervention and monitoring and evaluation. Among the specific topics for registered dietitians to address with clients and patients are carbohydrate intake, non-nutritive sweeteners, the Glycemic Index, fiber, protein and physical activity. For an executive summary of ADA’s Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline for adults, visit www.adaevidencelibrary.com/topic.cfm?cat=3252.

All ADA evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines have been reviewed by multidisciplinary teams consisting of RDs, physicians, pharmacists, registered nurses and faculty from institutions including Harvard Medical School, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Texas, University of Tennessee and Oregon Health and Science University. For details on republishing information contained in ADA’s guidelines, visit www.adaevidencelibrary.com/content.cfm?content_code=help:faq.

Recommendations in ADA’s guidelines, as well as grades assigned to the strength of the scientific evidence used in supporting the recommendations, should not be interpreted as endorsements by the American Dietetic Association of any brand-name product or service. Consumers who want to know more about nutrition and health are encouraged to consult with a registered dietitian in their area.

The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.