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Sugar Substitutes: Artificial Sweeteners And Sugar Alcohols, Carolyn Washburn, Nedra Christensen

All Current Publications

Most people enjoy the sweet taste of food. Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can provide the sweet flavor and be beneficial for people with diabetes or those choosing to avoid sugars because they contain lower calories and carbohydrates than regular sugars. These products are also beneficial in that they do not cause tooth decay.

Girls Living Healthy, Gabrielle Hewson

Theses

My Master of Fine Arts Thesis Project, entitled Girls Living Healthy, is an educational web site for girls ages 8 to 108. It is designed to inform and teach them how to make healthier nutrition and, subsequently, lifestyle choices. This project combines my passion for healthier living with my skills in, and enjoyment of, writing, illustration, and web design. Girls Living Healthy includes hand-drawn illustrations, original and applied hardcoded scripting language, resource and links, a glossary of less common terms, a quick interactive game called "Mood Swings", and the culmination of over a year's personal research and participation. My overall …

Roles Of Vitamin D And Calcium In Cancer And Diet History Of Vitamin D And Calcium In Cancer Patients And Participants Without Cancer, Gwendolyn Mcneely Howard

Theses and Dissertations

Vitamin D and calcium play major roles in our bone health in addition to roles in tissues and cells. These roles in tissues and cells are associated with some cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes of cancer patients towards their dietary intakes of vitamin D and calcium. A questionnaire was completed by 128 volunteers (mean age=53.5 years±16.6, 94 women, 34 men) from the Montgomery Cancer Clinic in Montgomery, Alabama. Cancer-reporting participants (n=59) were likely to agree more (p=0.048) to the statement, “I try to eat healthy every day” compared to non-cancer reporting participants (n=69) on a …

The Effect Of Socioeconomic Status On Local School Wellness Policy Implementation In Mississippi Public Schools, Rebecca Masters

Honors Theses

In recent years, rates of overweight and obesity have increased dramatically in America due to nutritionally poor diets and more sedentary lifestyles. Research has shown that obesity is a risk factor for numerous other conditions such as stroke, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity do not only affect the adults in our nation. Rates of overweight and obesity have also increased among American children. Approximately 17% of American children are obese, which is three times the rate of 1980 (Menifield, Doty, & Fletcher, 2008). In order to improve the overall health of America’s …

Knowledge And Understanding Of Gluten And The Gluten-Free Diet By Students At James Madison University, Jessica Grace Bissinger

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore public awareness and knowledge of gluten and the Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) with the intent to discover a difference between knowledge of gluten and related topics, and willingness to engage in the GFD fad. Methods: A Qualtrics survey was distributed to students at James Madison University. Answers to an educational quiz were used to calculate an overall score, which were divided into tertiles identified as Low Knowledge (LK), Moderate Knowledge (MK), and High Knowledge (HK). Tertiles were compared against the question, “Have you considered using a gluten-free diet?” Results: Data was analyzed …

Assessment Of Nutritional Knowledge And Eating Behaviors On The Weight And Obesity Of College Students, Britta Thielemann

General Human Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Obesity has become a major nationwide health concern. Negative eating habits and lack of proper nutrition information were highlighted as major aspects of weight gain. This study was conducted in order to understand the relationship between nutritional knowledge and eating behaviors and their impact on the weight and obesity of college students. For this study, an instrument was designed that included survey questions regarding perception of healthy and unhealthy foods, personal consumption, and demographic factors. The instrument was administered to 577 college students. The results indicated a positive relationship between the knowledge of nutrition and eating behavior and the weight …

Nutrition Knowledge Of Pre-Medical Students, Jennifer Newcome

General Human Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Nutrition knowledge has been shown to be increasingly critical in physician practice. Therefore, education has also become very critical. Medical schools have been working over the last few decades to include nutrition education in their curriculum, but due to many barriers, it is difficult to measure up to requirements. It is the purpose of this descriptive study to determine the nutrition knowledge of pre-medical students at the University of Arkansas and see if suggesting a nutrition class for these students would be beneficial. The average score was 11.2 ± 3.04 out of a possible 23. Because the literature provides reason …

The Nebraska Sandhills Food Desert: Causes, Identification, And Actions Towards A Resolution, Andrew Thierolf

Community and Regional Planning Program: Theses

Declining populations over the past several decades have created issues for residents in many rural areas. A serious concern is the emergence of “food deserts,” areas where people do not have sufficient access to nutritious foods. The Sandhills region in west-central Nebraska is a prime example of an area that is subject to the food desert phenomenon. It features a low-density rural population that creates a difficult economic environment for grocery retailers.

This paper looks at multiple aspects of the food desert issue in the region. It begins by reviewing literature to determine the definition of the term “food desert” …

The Degree Of Peer Influences On Children's Food Choices At Summer Camp, Erin O'Neill

All Theses

Research has shown that peers influence each other in social situations. With childhood obesity becoming more prevalent in society, studying the influence peers have on their friends eating behaviors is important. National campaigns and laws have been promoted for the changing of food standards in schools but not recreation programs. Through direct observations of the foods children choose while amongst friends, the degree to which peers influence other children during a mealtime setting at camp is analyzed. When conducting research to test whether peers influenced children's food choices, noting the societal reasons and atmospheres in which children choose meals with …

The “Green Eating” Project: A Pilot Intervention To Promote Sustainable And Healthy Eating In College Students, Kelleigh E. Eastman

Senior Honors Projects

The “Green Eating” Project: A Pilot Intervention to Promote Sustainable and Healthy Eating in College Students

Kelleigh Eastman

Sponsor: Geoffrey Greene, Nutrition and Dietetics

A topic of interest that is growing in the general population is the idea of being sustainable, or “green”, and there is a rising awareness in sustainable practices involving food and the environment. Some of the “green” eating behaviors identified through my research included eating a plant-based (i.e. vegetarian or semi-vegetarian) diet, eating locally grown foods, eating organically grown foods, and eating foods that are labeled fair-trade. Frequently, these “green” eating behaviors are healthful eating behaviors …

Effect Of Chlorogenic Acid And Neochlorogenic Acid On Human Colon Cancer Cells, Taylor Thurow

Food Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Prune consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer, yet there has been confusion as to which chemical component(s) of the prune are responsible for its anticarcinogenic properties. Previous studies have evaluated chlorogenic acid as a chemotherapeutic agent, however only a limited amount of studies have investigated neochlorogenic acid, the predominant phenolic compound found in the prune. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects that chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid have as anticarcinogenics on the human adenocarcinoma, Caco-2 cell line. The anti-colon cancer effects or chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid were analyzed by experiments …

Nutrition Knowledge And Attitudes Among Clemson University Freshmen, Jonathan Unsworth

All Theses

This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of collegiate freshmen regarding nutrition principles and nutritional guidelines. Participants in this study were 73 first semester students at Clemson University. A questionnaire on nutrition knowledge and attitudes was distributed during the fall semester of 2010. The participants self-reported both height and weight.
The mean score on the knowledge questions was 12.25 points (SD= 2.73), or 49% correct responses. The mean score of the attitude questions was 5.92 points (SD= 1.50), or 65.7% correct responses. There was no significant difference in averages in knowledge and attitudes by gender, (P= .138) …

European Union Food Law Update, Emilie Majster

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Nutrition is increasingly important in both the European Union (EU) and in global food-related policy making. Governments, which up until recently have focused on regulating food products based on a food safety perspective, are now turning to regulate from a nutritional aspect.

The Effects Of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, Docosahexaenoic Acid And 5-Fluorouracil On Human Breast Cancer Cells, Liv Astri Engelsen

All Master's Theses

It is well documented that vitamin D and DHA have antiproliferative effects on a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. Studies have shown that a combination approach to cancer treatment is more effective than any one treatment administered alone. In this study, human mammary epithelial cells from the MCF-7 cell line were treated with 25 μM DHA, 1 μM calcitriol, and 15 μM 5-Fluorourocil alone and in multiple combinations for 72 hours. Both DHA and 5-Fluorouracil slowed growth significantly (p < 0.05). In contrast, vitamin D did not inhibit cell growth at 1 μM. The combination of vitamin D and DHA inhibited cell growth slightly more than DHA alone. Interestingly, DHA was just as effective as 5-Fluorouracil at inhibiting cell growth. These results suggest that DHA may be just as efficacious as 5-Fluorouracil in slowing breast cancer progression and therefore may suggest a dietary approach to breast cancer treatment with low toxicity.

Feeding Female Growing Rats Different Sources Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Affects Lung Fatty Acid Composition And Gene Expression, Maria L. Dalzot

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Justification: The lungs are constantly exposed to oxidative stress and inflammation which increase the risk of lung damage. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), found in different dietary sources, regulate the expression of various genes involved in eicosanoid production and oxidative stability.;Objective: to determine whether providing different sources of n-3 PUFAs will affect the fatty acid composition, inflammation and oxidation in the lungs of growing rats.;Methods: Growing (age 28 d) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (n=10/group) to diets consisting of either corn oil (CO) or n-3 PUFA rich flaxseed (FO), krill (KO), salmon (SO) or tuna (TO) oil for 8 …

Integration Of Nutrition Education Classes Into English As Second Language Classes For Refugees, Sarah Gunnell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Each year approximately 73,000 refugees are resettled into the United States because it is unsafe for them to return to their country of origin. Resettlement agencies help refugees learn about their new environment and provide assistance with housing, food, English classes, and job skills training. The goal of resettlement programs is to help refugees become self-sufficient as quickly as possible.

Recently resettled refugees face many challenges that make it difficult to eat healthy food. Transportation, English skills, and conflicting work hours are some of the barriers to receiving nutrition education. This research evaluated the integration of nutrition lessons into English …

Parent Nutrition Education And The Influence On Family Lifestyle Behavior Changes, Kelsey Rich

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah State University in the collaboration with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) proposes to develop and implement a program to help families develop healthy eating habits and lifestyle behaviors. Recently, childhood overweight and obesity has reached epidemic proportions. The diseases associated with adult obesity are now being seen in the pediatric population; therefore, there is a call for preventative efforts. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in combination with an active lifestyle discourages the presence of obesity. Currently, most childhood obesity prevention efforts have taken place in the school setting and have only had short term …

Preschool Nutrition Education And Influences On Food Neophobia, Kelsey Eller

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Food neophobia, the fear of new foods, has been identified as a significant barrier to the intake of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables in young children. Food neophobia can hinder dietary quality as well as dietary variety by limiting the development of food preferences. It has also been suggested that neophobia is linked to the development of childhood obesity, and due to the escalating epidemic of childhood obesity that is known to be associated with serious health complications, interventions that target food neophobia in preschool aged children may be successful in improving healthy eating habits and potentially reversing the …

The Effectiveness Of An Adapted Snap-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education) Curriculum For Adults With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities, Amanda Panting

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Rates of overweight and obese adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the United States are high and associated with increased risk of chronic diseases. Many of these adults are trying to become more independent in the community and live in group homes where care is managed by a paid employee. Group home managers assist clients with daily living such as shopping and meal preparation and play an important role in their care. Nutrition and healthy behavior choices are important to help keep this population independent and decrease risks of excess weight and related diseases. Many group home managers and …

Development Of Nutrition Education Modules For Dietetic Undergraduate Students To Increase Counseling Skills, Jenna Tulane Stephens

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Objectives:
(1) To research effective methods for creating computer-assisted instruction for development of counseling skills
(2) Incorporate acquired knowledge into nutrition counseling modules for undergraduate dietetic students to provide increased practice working with real life situations

Intervention: Five modules were created for undergraduate students to better develop their nutrition counseling skills. The modules give students a way to practice counseling theories, methods, and techniques while working with virtual patients in a controlled environment. Research was conducted to assist development of the modules both technically and with content.

Implementation: Modules will be implemented into courses at Utah State University and students …

Improving Nutrition In Toddlers And Preschool Children With Cystic Fibrosis: Behavioral Parent Training Intervention, Shannon Estelle Hourigan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single-case study was to pilot a developmentally sensitive adaptation of an evidence-based intervention aimed at improving nutrition in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Children with CF must adhere to a high-calorie diet to prevent malnutrition and maintain health. Toddler and preschool age children present a unique feeding challenge to parents as they begin to exert independence and exhibit a variety of challenging behaviors. Parents trying to adhere to CF nutrition guidelines often use ineffective strategies that inadvertently encourage children not to eat. This six-week group parent-training intervention combined nutrition and behavior elements to provide parents with …

School Age Children: The Effects Of Hunger, Dacia Bessler

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

A School-Based Intervention Of Adolescent Obesity Prevention In At-Risk Youth, Leah M. Potecha

Senior Honors Theses

Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States, affecting individuals of all ages. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to obesity due to their decrease in physical activity, as well as to the greater availability of foods void of nutritional value. Adolescents’ impressionable natures and changing bodies also contribute to their increased weights. To combat the problem of obesity, many schools have implemented obesity prevention programs. Most of these programs are based on physical education and nutrition education. However, some schools have started mentorship programs, or worked with organizations that employ mentorship programs, to prevent obesity. The Lynchburg Healthy Living program …

Influence Of The Home Environment On Preschoolers’ Dietary Intake In Middle Class Families Enrolled In A Preschool Program In Metropolitan Seattle, Jessica M. Macintyre

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Obesity in the United States has become a major health issue, affecting not only adults, but children as well. The increase among preschool children is of major concern, with 2 out of 10 children in 2008 being overweight or obese. It is important to start obesity prevention at a young age in order to avoid the development of obesity and its detrimental health conditions. Children begin to develop eating habits at a young age, and the home eating environment may have an influence on the development of eating habits.
Purpose: To assess the influence of both a positive and …

Comparison Of A Traditional And Modified Daniel Fast On Blood Lipids, Lipid Peroxidation, And Inflammation, Rick John Alleman Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Dietary modification involving the removal of animal products, protein, and processed foods results in rapid and significant improvements in multiple health markers. We compared the impact of two restriction models on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular health over a 21-day intervention. One model was a stringent vegan diet; the other was identical but included ~30g/d of additional protein in the form of meat and dairy. Compared to baseline, both models resulted in similar and significant improvements in blood lipids, as well as a reduction in inflammation. Modification of dietary intake may improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Factors Contributing To Weight Gain Among College Freshman And Beyond, Cody L. Chipp

Psychology

Background: Linked with a higher risk of life threatening illnesses, obesity in the United States has become an epidemic, with a prevalence rate of overweight and obese adults of nearly 68%. Obesity rates have accelerated over the past two decades and one crucial developmental period for weight gain is among emerging adults attending college. Using an explanatory mixed-method design, this study examined contributing factors to weight gain among college students, including eliciting university stakeholders' perceptions of supports and barriers to exercising and healthy eating among students. Method: Data collection for the quantitative phase of the study consisted of two waves, …

The Impact Of Action Schools! Bc On The Health Of Aboriginal Children And Youth Living In Rural And Remote Communities In British Columbia, Dona Tomlin, P. J. Naylor, Heather Mckay, Alexandra Zorzi, Marc Mitchell, Constadina Panagiotopoulos

Paediatrics Publications

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the short-term impact of a 7-month whole-school physical activity and healthy eating intervention (Action Schools! BC) over the 2007-2008 school year for children and youth in 3 remote First Nations villages in northwestern British Columbia. Study design: A pre-experimental pre/post design was conducted with 148 children and youth (77 males, 71 females; age 12.5±2.2 yrs). Methods: We evaluated changes in obesity (body mass index [wt/ht 2] and waist circumference z-scores: zBMI and zWC), aerobic fitness (20-m shuttle run), physical activity (PA; physical activity questionnaire and accelerometry), healthy eating (dietary recall) and …

Hss Departmental Developments Spring 2012, Department Of Health And Sport Sciences

Health and Sport Sciences Newsletter

• Nutrition Minor Added
• Intern with the Blue Jackets by Lauren Cool
• Health Education Public Health Concentration
• Updates from the Majors

Supplementing Transition Cow Rations With Prequel21 And Stratag To Improve Breeding Efficiency In Jersey Cattle During Summer Months, Brenton Wickstrom

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing transition rations with the Omega system produced by Virtus Nutrition could improve breeding efficiency in jersey cattle, with a focus on the summer months of the California central valley. Beginning in March of 2011 the rations for the close up pen, all animals 21 days and under pre-fresh, was supplemented with Prequel21 at a rate to supply each animal with .25 pounds daily. When those animals that were supplemented during the pre-fresh period began calving, the ration for the fresh pen was supplemented with the rumen bypass fatty acid StrataG …

Compounding Vs Standardized Commercial Parenteral Nutrition Product: Pros And Cons, Jane M. Gervasio

Scholarship and Professional Work – COPHS

Standardized commercial parenteral nutrition (PN) formulations have advantages and disadvantages as compared with PN formulations compounded using an automated compounding device. These advantages and disadvantages are discussed along with the supporting available research.