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Research Briefs

Learn about new and emerging research in nutrition, dietetics and health.

Latest Updates

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.

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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.

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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.

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NFPE in Hospitalized Patients

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.

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Systematic Review on MNT for Hypertension

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.

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An Ecological Approach to Nutrition Assessment

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.

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Academy Position Paper on MNT for Adult Obesity

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.

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Global Food and Nutrition Security Research and Proceedings Report

The Academy convened a Global Food and Nutrition Security Research Task Force that hosted a two-day virtual roundtable to leverage existing information and expertise in food and nutrition security and identify the need for future evidence. Discussions focused on research gaps, potential entry points for nutrition and dietetics practitioners, and important equity considerations in food and nutrition security research.

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Food as Medicine RDN Survey

Previous evidence has demonstrated that food as medicine interventions led by RDNs, such as medically tailored meal or food programs, prescription programs, personalized nutrition education, path-to-purchase marketing and incentive programs, can improve nutrition and health outcomes.

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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.

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MNT for Dyslipidemia Review

A recently published narrative review summarizes current research on the effectiveness of MNT provided by RDNs compared to usual care in the management of adult dyslipidemia.

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Diabetes Registry Study Outcomes

The article “Documentation of the evidence-diagnosis link predicts nutrition diagnosis resolution in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' diabetes mellitus registry study: A secondary analysis of Nutrition Care Process outcomes,” was published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

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Updated Adult Weight Management Guideline

Recommendations in this guideline highlight the importance of considering complex contributors to overweight and obesity and individualizing interventions to client-centered goals based on specific needs and preferences and shared decision making.

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Join the Academy

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!