Nutrition Science to Take Center Stage in Seattle No abstract available

NUTRITION Gazette No abstract available

NEWSbreaks No abstract available

Nutritionist Guide to Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests and Precision Nutrition Analogous to precision medicine, precision nutrition aims to tailor nutritional recommendations based on personal needs to optimize health. The field of nutritional genomics, which refers to the bidirectional interplay between dietary nutrients and the genome, is providing some of the necessary scientific evidence for precision nutrition. However, the extent of the clinical utility of nutritional genomics largely depends on the mode of disease/trait inheritance and remains unclear for prevalent, complex diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Because genomic technology is now readily accessible through affordable personal DNA tests, it is now critical for nutritionists to establish a basic understanding in nutritional genomics to evaluate the validity of genetics-related “health claims” being provided by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies. In this review, we provide examples of successful nutritional genomics studies, review current limitations, provide guidelines to evaluate health claims, and lastly discuss possible avenues and future outlooks for precision nutrition.

Magnesium Requirements in Children: Recommendations for Reevaluation and Comparison With Current Evidence for Adults Magnesium (Mg), a cofactor in 300 enzymes, is essential for energy transfer and adequate vitamin D status and plays an important structural role with 60% of bodily reserves residing in bone. The Food and Nutrition Board recommendations for dietary intake of Mg, the Dietary Reference Intakes, have not been updated since 1997. Current recommendations for children were set based on an intake producing positive Mg balance. Population-based studies showed that the average intakes in children are suboptimal relative to the current recommendation. Newer evidence suggests Mg requirement should be related to body size. Other potential modifying factors of Mg requirements include calcium and sodium intake and chronic disease state. Future research is needed to refine public health recommendations for Mg and to establish the new Dietary Reference Intakes category of Chronic Disease Risk Reduction level for Mg, especially for children.

Nutritional Considerations for Wrestlers Wrestling is a combat sport with weight-based categorizations. These athletes commonly attempt to reduce their body weight to qualify for lower-weight classes. Wrestlers often subject themselves to periods of low energy intake and high energy expenditure, exposing them to a prolonged energy deficit. Therefore, nutritional considerations for these athletes are complex. This review will enlighten sports professionals, and those working closely with wrestlers, about the nature of the sport. In addition, we offer some guidance for wrestlers to consider.

Pasta’s History and Role in Healthful Diets Over the years, pasta has gained an unearned reputation as a contributor to health issues, such as weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The sustained popularity of low-carbohydrate diets has further propagated the belief that eating pasta is bad for health, but the evidence is insufficient to support these perceptions. Pasta has a long culinary history as one of the major components of the Mediterranean diet, which has been proven through years of research to be a healthy dietary pattern. Most dry pasta in the United States is enriched with iron, riboflavin, thiamine, and folic acid. A 2-oz serving of dry pasta (about 1 cup, cooked) supplies the equivalent of roughly 100 μg of folic acid, or 25% of the Daily Value, making it an excellent source of the B vitamin, and it is a good source of iron, providing about 10% of the Daily Value. Pasta’s unique profile as a low-cost, convenient, versatile, and nutritious food with a long shelf-life establishes an important role for pasta in meeting the nutrient needs of not only the United States, but globally as well.

Food Allergy in Irish Children: The Role of the Registered Dietitian in Maximizing Food Variety, Nutritional Status, and the Social Enjoyment of Food Food allergy, most notably to cow’s milk, egg, peanut, and tree nut, affects a significant number of young children and their families. Getting a timely accurate diagnosis can be difficult, and this is often accompanied by unjustified and multiple food eliminations, which can increase the risk of faltering growth, nutrient deficiencies, and delayed development of eating and feeding skills. Quality of life for all family members is frequently very negatively affected. Registered dietitians can help to ensure that nutrition for typical growth and development is maximized. As part of an allergy team they have a role to play in managing and compensating food elimination and providing education and support in identifying and managing risk.

Polymorphisms in Genes Coding for Folate-Related Enzymes and Colorectal Cancer This review examined the association between folate and risk of colorectal cancer and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 4 genes coding for folate metabolism–related enzymes may be involved. Individuals with single-nucleotide polymorphisms in these key enzymes in the folate pathways may need different amounts of dietary folate to prevent colorectal cancer.

The White House Conference of 1969: 50th Anniversary No abstract available