October

October 2002 Highlights from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Below are summaries of several nutrition research articles published in the October 2002 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and reactions to the studies from ADA spokespeople. For more information, or to receive a faxed copy of a JADA article, please call Bridget McManamon 800/877-1600, ext. 4769; or e-mail bmcmana@eatright.org.

Healthy eating, healthy heart

There is more evidence that what you eat can help reduce coronary heart disease. Researchers from Tufts University conducted a study to determine if home-delivered, heart-healthy meals and snacks combined with nutrition education from a registered dietitian would improve healthy eating, quality of life and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease. Researchers evaluated a small sample of older Americans for eight weeks and found significant improvements in quality of life and quality of diet. Weight, waist and hip measurements, body mass index and LDL cholesterol levels were all reduced.

"Many people have difficulty selecting appropriate foods at home and when dining out," said Phoenix-based registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Tammy Baker. "Providing prepared, convenient, low-fat meals and snacks along with consultations from a dietetics professional may help people with coronary heart disease follow a heart-healthy eating plan more easily."

Position of the American Dietetic Association:
Nutrition and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy outcome

To help reduce the risk of birth defects and chronic disease in children, women need to maintain good nutritional status before, during and after pregnancy.

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that women of childbearing potential should maintain good nutritional status through a lifestyle that optimizes maternal health and reduces the risk of birth defects, suboptimal fetal development and chronic health problems in their children. The key components of a health-promoting lifestyle during pregnancy include appropriate weight gain; consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Food Guide Pyramid; appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation; avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances; and safe food-handling. In particular for medical nutrition therapy, pregnant women with inappropriate weight gain, hyperemesis, poor dietary patterns, phenylketonuria, certain chronic health problems or a history of substance abuse should be referred to a qualified dietetics professional.

"Pregnancy provides a window of opportunity to educate women about the benefits of a good diet and a healthy lifestyle," said Boston-based registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Heidi Reichenberger. "Dietetics professionals should work with schools, health-care providers and other agencies to educate adolescents and women about the importance of proper nutrition throughout their childbearing years."

Position of the American Dietetic Association:
Nutrition services in managed care

Medical nutrition therapy refers to the comprehensive nutrition services provided by registered dietitians as part of an overall health-care team. Medical nutrition therapy has been proven effective in treating and controlling diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and other life-threatening, chronic conditions. Patients who receive these services require fewer hospitalizations and medications and have reduced incidence of complications.

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that medical nutrition therapy is an essential component of disease management and health care provided by managed care organizations, and that such care must be provided by qualified nutrition professionals.

"Medical nutrition therapy is critical to managing a variety of chronic diseases and it is cost-effective," said Cleveland-based registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Cindy Moore. "Dietetics professionals must emphasize the importance of MNT and other cost-effective forms of preventive care so managed care organizations will be able to address any concerns and improve the health of the population."