Science and Evidence-Based Nutrition Information You Can Trust
Our mission at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is to support and elevate the profession of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs), while also improving the nutritional status for all.
Misinformation about nutrition is widespread and it’s more important than ever to rely on science and evidence-based expertise. The Academy is committed to taking on the uncredentialed and unqualified individuals giving nutrition advice by opening more doors for Academy members to be heard by decision-makers and consumers. We are proud to amplify the voices of credentialed practitioners and help ensure that evidence-based nutrition and health science shapes public health policy debates, media narratives and consumer choices.
This hub is your go-to source for credible, research-backed insights that help dispel misinformation and ensure nutrition policies and recommendations are rooted in science.
Stay up to date on trending topics in the field and explore the potential effects of emerging research in nutrition.
The Science on Soy
Soy seems to have an equal number of fans and enemies. Should we go out of our way to eat more soy or avoid it? Unlike some hot-button food trends, there is a lot of research on soy, allowing food and nutrition professionals to offer evidence-based answers to questions and concerns about soy-based foods and beverages.
Considered one of the most contagious infectious diseases, the release of a measles vaccine in 1963 led to significantly fewer cases in the United States. However, recent outbreaks have raised the question of if there are nutrition interventions that can be used to treat or prevent it.
The What, Why and How of Becoming a Dietitian Expert Witness
Serving as an expert witness is not mandatory and, if contacted by an attorney, an individual may decline. However, there are several reasons someone may choose to serve as an expert witness.
Examining the Nova Food Classification System and the Healthfulness of Ultra-Processed Foods
Nova is the name for the system developed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. The Nova system has four groups of processed foods, with group 1 being the least processed and group 4 being the most processed.
Updated Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs
On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Services published a final rule on child nutrition programs which aligns more closely with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and will go into effect on July 1, 2024. These updates include limitations on added sugars and sodium in school meals.
Colorectal Cancer: Understanding Risks, Screening Guidelines and Lifestyle Recommendations
Any cancer that starts in the colon or rectum is considered colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer and the second highest cancer-related cause of death in the U.S., based on 2023 estimates.
Nutrition may be an important modifiable risk factor in the strategy to prevent or delay the onset of dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Learn about the MIND diet and its potential health benefits.
According to data collected in 2021 by the CDC, almost 6% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a food allergy, and the percentage increases with age. Although concerns still exist regarding the incidence of food allergies being on the rise, more promising research has been published in recent years focusing on their prevention.
Interest in the glycemic index has increased over the years, as has the number of claims regarding its effectiveness, yet research evaluating its potential role in the prevention or treatment of certain health conditions is still evolving. Learn more, including how RDNs can translate the science when speaking to patients or clients.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the country and has been the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This article details the different types of lung cancer, risk factors, dietary strategies and the role of registered dietitian nutritionists in treatment as part of the health care team.
If you publicly post about products or recommend services on your blog, podcast or social media platform, make sure you are familiar with — and are following — the rules of engagement.
A Glimpse Into Alpha-gal Syndrome, also known as “Red Meat Allergy”
Detected within the last two decades, Alpha-gal Syndrome is a series of allergic reactions to the Alpha-gal carbohydrate present in non-primate mammalian meat and derivative products, such as dairy, gelatin and collagen. Learn more about this condition, which is believed to be transmitted to humans by ticks.
Waste Deep: The State of Food Loss and Waste — and Ways to Fix It
Food waste and food loss are global problems that affect the future and well-being of the environment and all people. While the problem is substantial, there is a lot we can do to help solve it.
The Academy is actively engaged in diverse research endeavors aimed at improving health outcomes and informing evidence-based practices. The Academy conducts research through its Evidence Analysis Center, Nutrition Research Network and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Health Informatics Infrastructure platform, in addition to collaborative projects with practitioners and facilities around the country and world.
MNT Benefits Patients with Protein-Energy Malnutrition: More Research Needed
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by the Evidence Analysis Center to evaluate the effect of MNT provided by dietitians on nutrition status and key health outcomes compared to no MNT for patients with protein-energy malnutrition.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has released a new position paper called “Vegetarian Dietary Patterns for Adults: A Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,” which provides an excellent review of the latest research on vegetarian and vegan diets.
T1DM (Pediatrics) Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and adolescents in the U.S., with a notable rise over the past two decades. The Academy recently published new guidelines for RDNs offering medical nutrition therapy to children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 with T1DM.
Academy Resources Empower Members to Provide Evidence-Based Care
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the foundation of nutrition and dietetics care. As a member benefit, the Academy offers tools and resources to incorporate EBP into members' work to improve practice, as well as client and patient outcomes.
RDNs Play Crucial Role in Nutrition Research Communication and Dissemination
Recently published online in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the paper "Communicating Nutrition and Dietetics Research: A Crucial Step to Advancing Evidence-Based Practice" provides recommendations and considerations for how all RDNs, even those not affiliated with the research, can and should participate in communication and dissemination of nutrition research.
The Evolving Role of RDNs in Obesity Care with Lifestyle and Medication
The paper Incretin-Based Therapies and Lifestyle Interventions: The Evolving Role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Obesity highlights the RDN's role in comprehensive obesity care, provides expert guidance and advocates for expanded access to RDN-provided MNT in addition to obesity medications, opportunities for RDNs to advise on medication management, and a leadership role for RDNs on interdisciplinary care teams.
Vegetarian Diet Associated with Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease (also known as cardiovascular disease) is the number one cause of death in the U.S. according to the CDC. Individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing heart disease by making changes to their diet.
Vegetarian Dietary Patterns Can Benefit Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Plant-based dietary patterns, including vegetarian and vegan diets, have been shown to be beneficial to human health for a variety of reasons. In a new systematic review, researchers found that vegetarian eating may help manage Type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Bridging the Gap in Malnutrition Care from Hospital to Home
Ensuring optimal nutrition during transitions from hospital to home remains a significant challenge for older adults, particularly those facing food insecurity and malnutrition. Learn about the CONNECT Study's innovative approach.
Feasibility Study Shows Impact of RDN-led Food as Medicine Programs
“Food as medicine” is a hot topic with great potential to improve the health of Americans. Registered dietitian nutritionists have the unique knowledge and skill set to champion these initiatives.
Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care or the Community
Registered dietitian nutritionists play an important role in timely identification of malnutrition and implementation of effective interventions. A new evidence-based practice guideline aims to provide RDNs with the tools they need to help protect susceptible older adults.
Predictive Validity of the AAIM Criteria: Multi-site Study
The AAIM Validation study assessed all six malnutrition indicators: subcutaneous fat loss, muscle loss, weight loss, reduced energy intake, functional status, and fluid accumulation. Findings support the predictive validity of the AAIM tool, suggesting its suitability for routine use in diagnosing malnutrition in hospitalized adults.
Published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, this study describes completion rates of Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE) by registered dietitian nutritionists in hospitalized adults and children.
Researchers wanted to know: Does MNT from a RDN could lower blood pressure, decrease cardiovascular risks and improve other health measures compared to standard care or no intervention? Learn more from this systematic review.
Vegetarian Nutrition for Disease Prevention and Management in Adults
The Evidence Analysis Library’s Vegetarian Nutrition project focuses on two aspects: disease management and disease prevention. This comprehensive analysis provides insights for nutrition and dietetics practitioners working with people who are interested in or following vegetarian or vegan diets.
Authors of a new article argue that a comprehensive nutrition assessment should go beyond just counting calories and nutrients to truly harness the power of nutrition intervention. They suggest considering internal factors such as genetics and disease, as well as external factors such as access to nutritious food, environmental conditions and exposure to toxins.
The newly released guideline summarizes the recommendations and supporting evidence, including that all individuals with celiac disease should follow a gluten-free diet that may include gluten-free oats in adults.
Published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a new Position Paper on the role of MNT behavioral interventions for adults with overweight or obesity underscores how providing interventions that facilitate improvement of dietary intake and other health behaviors can improve nutrition-related outcomes in this population.
Human Milk Nutrient Composition Data Scoping Review
The objective of this review was to summarize the state of the science on the nutrient composition of human milk in the United States and Canada published from 2017 to 2022.
Academy's Commentary on the KDOQI Guideline's Phosphorus Recommendation
A recent CKD guideline implementation study found that registered dietitian nutritionists from two national dialysis chains were almost universally using dialysis center serum phosphate goals instead of the goal recommended by the updated KDOQI guideline.
Nutrition Interventions for Malnutrition in Older Adults
Older adults are at risk for malnutrition due to a variety of factors such as physical and mental changes, isolation and limited income. Health care practitioners, particularly registered dietitian nutritionists, need evidence-based guidance to provide quality nutrition care to older adults living in long-term care and community settings.
The Academy is honored to represent the dedicated nutrition professionals who work tirelessly in communities across the country to advance public health, promote evidence-based nutrition and advocate for policies that improve access to quality care. Through your work and our initiatives, research and advocacy efforts, we are shining a spotlight on the critical role of nutrition in health care and beyond.
Together, we are ensuring that credible nutrition expertise is recognized, valued and integrated into the policies and conversations that shape the health of our nation. Learn about the Academy's efforts and how you can contribute using the links below.
The Academy's Spokesperson program has been instrumental in bringing the Academy's messages of healthful eating and nutrition to millions of Americans each year. Below are some recent media highlights of our experts in the news.
Action alerts raise awareness and bring key health and nutrition issues to the attention of policymakers. Open to both Academy members and the public, these alerts make it easy to share your views with elected officials in just a couple of minutes.
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!
