Chronic complications observed in patients with long-chain 3-hydroxyacylCoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) or trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency may be mediated by the accumulation of 3-hydroxy fatty acids or 3-hydroxyacylcarnitines. To understand variation in metabolite accumulation, their concentrations were measured by tandem mass spectrometry before and after a mixed meal and moderate intensity exercise. Subjects who were homozygous or heterozygous for the common mutation (c.1528G>C) in the TFP alpha subunit (LCHAD deficiency) had significantly higher 3-hydroxyacylcarnitines than subjects with TFP deficiency. Feeding a mixed meal significantly suppressed and exercise significantly increased plasma 3-hydroxyacylcarnitines concentrations.

With an increase in the prevalence of overweight being seen as early as infancy, it is essential that the factors which account for early excess weight gain be identified. In this study, maternal and infant characteristics were examined to determine their relation to the frequency of infants being fed. A cohort of 67 low-educated Mexican mothers who formula-fed their infants were recruited at a WIC Center and home-visited when their infants were 6-months-old. Mothers were surveyed with regard to their feeding attitudes and perception of their infant's temperament, and kept a 24-hour diary of their infant's behavior. Nearly 30% of the 6-month-old infants were at or above the 85(th) percentile of weight-for length. A regression analysis revealed only one factor, the number of infant crying episodes, as predictive of infant feeding (Beta = .246, p<.07), with the correlation even stronger (r =.35 (p<.01). As crying appeared to elicit feeding among these mothers, pediatricians, nurses, and WIC educators should consider discussing alternate strategies for quieting infants with the mothers they counsel.

Depression is a widespread disorder that affects more than 120 million people worldwide. The unsatisfactory clinical efficacy and adverse effects of antidepressant medication have prompted the search for novel treatments. Micronutrient deficiencies may play a role in the development of depression, and recent research studies have explored the use of micronutrient supplementation as an adjunct to the pharmacotherapy of this psychiatric illness. This article provides a review of the empirical evidence linking zinc and magnesium deficiency and depression, discusses possible mechanisms of action in the psychopathology and therapy of depression, and explores the nursing and registered dietitian implications of these findings.

The development and progression of left ventricular hypertrophy is a consequence of multiple comorbid conditions associated with end-stage renal disease and large variations in interdialytic weight gains. The literature suggests that dietary sodium restriction alone significantly reduces interdialytic weight gains. A total of 124 hemodialysis participants in an ongoing randomized control trial participated in the validation in which psychometric properties of a self-efficacy survey were a secondary analysis. We evaluated the internal consistency, construct validity, and convergent validity of the instrument. The overall Cronbach α was 0.93. Three factors extracted explain 67.8% of the variance of the white and African American participants. The Self-Efficacy Survey has adequate internal consistency and construct and convergent validity. Future research is needed to evaluate the stability and discriminant validity of the instrument.

Little is known about potential protective factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), referred to as COVID-19. Suboptimal vitamin D status is a risk factor for immune dysfunction, respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and viral infections. Supplementation of vitamin D (2000-4000 IU) has decreased incidence and complications from RTIs, respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia and may be beneficial in high-risk populations. Given the possible link between low vitamin D status and RTIs, such as COVID-19, this review examined whether vitamin D supplementation can be supported as a nutritional strategy for reducing risk of infection, complications, and mortality from COVID-19 and found that the relationship between vitamin D and RTIs warrants further exploration.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of lifestyle (farming vs nonfarming), age, season, and percent body fat on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Serum 25-OHD concentrations were lower in winter than in summer and in older than in younger individuals. Dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with greater serum 25-OHD concentrations. A significant inverse relationship between PTH and 25-OHD was observed in older but not younger individuals. Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density was inversely associated with serum PTH, but not 25-OHD concentrations. Modern farm practices do not necessitate excessive sunlight exposure and that may help explain the lack of differences between farming and nonfarming populations.

Medical nutrition therapy may have a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the spread of misinformation, the present review organizes and summarizes nutrition recommendations regarding COVID-19, serving as a reference guide for health professionals. Nineteen official recommendations were included of international, US, Asian, European, Canadian, and Australian origin on (i) lactation, (ii) nutrition during quarantine, (iii) nutrition in high-risk groups, (iv) nutrition for recovery at home, and (v) nutrition in hospital. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and the role of hydration and the adoption of a healthy diet during quarantine are emphasized. Older people and/or people with comorbidities should be checked for malnutrition and follow a healthy diet. For patients recovering at home, hydration, protein, and energy intake should be ensured. For hospitalized patients, early feeding with a priority on enteral route is recommended.

Previous literature has shown that hemodialysis patients have impaired dietary intakes on dialysis days (DDs), which may contribute to malnutrition and poor outcomes. In this study, we examined dietary intakes of 140 hemodialysis patients based on 3 nonconsecutive days food records (collected on 1 DD and 2 non-DDs). Patients had lower energy intake and other key nutrient intake on DDs; however, upon adjusting for energy intake, nutrient differences were no longer significant. None of the patient characteristics examined were associated with impaired intakes on DDs ( > .05).

This study examined dietetics students' perceptions of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on academics and mental and physical health. Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey in February to March 2021 from undergraduate dietetics students across the United States. Among the 526 students who participated, during the fall 2020 semester, 87% experienced increased stress, 64% reported mental health concerns, and 32% reported disordered eating. Sixty-two percent agreed their program met educational needs; however, 62% also agreed COVID-19 negatively impacted the quality of education and 49% agreed to learning less than normal. Pandemic impacts are critical to consider as students enter dietetic internships and start careers.

The gut microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of kidney disease. However, little is known about the gut microbiota in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We assessed the gut microbiota and its relationship with clinical variables in ten HD patients. We found that the -to- ratio was positively associated with traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, was positively associated with carbohydrate intake and negatively associated with arterial stiffness. Finally, endotoxemia was inversely associated with butyrate producers. Future studies should assess if targeting the gut microbiota result in a lower burden for cardiovascular disease in HD patients.

The American Dietetic Association and the American Dental Association share a common interest in improving the health and quality of life of the population. Dental visits present an opportunity to identify nutrition-related issues for both the pediatric and adult population. Traditionally, dental and nutrition students have had little opportunity to learn and work together since little time was spent on nutrition in the dental curriculum. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a new collaborative training experience for dietetic interns and pediatric dentistry residents. The oral health rotation for dietetic interns also has several objectives, including experience interacting with a culturally diverse population and participating in community nutrition education (Head Start). In its first 18 months, the collaborative program has been viewed as a success by the pediatric dentistry faculty and residents and the nutrition faculty and interns.

Adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may experience enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance. They often require mechanical ventilation and other specialized management including prone positioning. There is a controversy as to whether patients fed in prone position experience more EN intolerance than when they are in supine position. This narrative review synthesizes the literature published between 2001 and 2021 in adults with ARDS who are fed EN while in the prone position to determine safety and tolerance. A case of an adult patient with Down syndrome who developed ARDS due to COVID-19 and required EN while in prone position is presented.