Nutrition Commons^™

Featured Faculty Mentor/Student Team, Lauren Rogers, Danielle Reeves

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Examining Widely Held Propositions On Human Dietary Protein Needs And Benefits: A Critical Review Of The Science That Shapes Both The Data And Our Understanding Of An Essential Macronutrient, Mitchell M Kanter, Sally Aaron, Steven N Austad, Andrew W Brown, Nicholas A Burd, Wayne W Campbell, Mark Cope, Teresa A Davis, John W Erdman, Miguel Freitas, Kristen Hicks-Roof, Samuel Klein, Wantanee Kriengsinyos, Dudley W Lamming, Donald K Layman, Heather J Leidy, Kevin C Maki, Richard D Mattes, Shalene Mcneill, Daniel R Moore, Stefan M Pasiakos, Stuart M Phillips, David Raubenheimer, Wendy Reinhardt, Nancy R Rodriguez, Stephen Simpson, Hans H Stein, Luc J C Van Loon, Connie M Weaver, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The essentiality of protein in the human diet is unequivocal. Yet researchers, clinicians, and lay people often believe numerous propositions about dietary protein despite insufficient supporting or refuting data in some instances. To address this disconnect, and to "pressure-test" current beliefs about dietary protein, the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington convened a workshop in February 2025 titled "Human Dietary Protein Needs and Benefits: A Critical Assessment of Postulated Propositions." More than 20 international experts discussed (1) methodologic issues affecting data acquisition and interpretation; (2) "optimal" dietary protein intakes and effects on muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle protein accretion, …

Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Relationships Between Abdominal Fat Depots And Cardiometabolic Risk In A Sample Of Mexican Adolescents, Luis Ortíz-Hernández, Erica G Soltero, Miguel Camejo, Jesús Valdes

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: The relationship between abdominal fat depots and cardiometabolic risk among youth is inconclusive due to the cross-sectional nature of existing studies and limitations in assessment methods. In this study, we examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) with cardiometabolic risk indicators among Mexican adolescents.

Methods: Participants (n = 169 at baseline and 134 at follow-up) were assessed for diastolic or systolic blood pressure (DBP or SBP), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, glucose, and insulin. VAT and SAT were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Measures …

Management And Nutrition Factors That Impact Broiler Breeder Fertility, Jeanna Wilson

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This article addresses the recent decline in broiler breeder hatchability.  Both managerial and nutritional solutions for mitigating the decline in hatchability are discussed.

Rethinking Macro And Micro Mineral Formulation In Modern Broilers, K. M. Venter, A. Herbst, P. W. Plumstead

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings discuss factors that affects calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper availability in poultry diets. Furthermore, the role of phytate and phytase on availability of the nutrients and their dietary requirements is investigated.

Renal And Gastrointestinal Disturbances That Cause Wet Manure And Litter In Poultry: Non-Nutritional And Nutritional Interventions To Prevent And Control The Issues, Fausto Solís

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings represent a broad overview of wet litter causes and management.  Both the impact on bird health and fertilizer management are discussed.  In addition to nutritional factors that impact litter quality, these proceedings address poultry health from disease implications of wet litter.

A Practical Approach To Sustainability In The Poultry Industry, Franco Mussini

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This work highlights poultry industry advances in production, nutrition, and processing with less environmental impact. Specific sections address exogenous enzyme application on mineral nutrition and protein and feed-grade amino acid nutrition.  Finally, conclusions on precision feeding opportunities in the broiler industry and meat production comparison with other animal production industries are discussed.

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Dietitian-Led Nutrition Care Across The Cellular Therapy Continuum Supports Weight And Strength Recovery, Ashley Pagano Ms, Rdn, Ldn, Samantha Okerson Rdn, Erin Levine Rd, Cso, Ldn, Deanna Yerg Ms, Rdn, Ldn

Clinical Nutrition Service

No abstract provided.

High-Osmolality Medication Exposure And Length Of Stay In Icu Patients With Rectal Tubes, Kimberly Cephas Ms, Rdn, Ldn, Rachel Geosits Ms, Rdn, Cnsc, Ldn, Matthew Fair Pharmd, Hope Kincaid Mph, Cph, Alison Sutter Mph

Clinical Nutrition Service

No abstract provided.

The Treatment Of Obesity In The Context Of The Obesity Paradox In Patients With Heart Failure: A Narrative Review, Pamela L. Alebna, Sarah Martey, Anurag Mehta, Carl J. Lavie, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Purpose of review

While excess adiposity is a known risk factor for incident heart failure ( HF), once the condition is established, observational data suggest that increased body mass index (BMI) may confer a survival advantage. This paradox has emphasized the underlying roles of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and body composition, particularly lean mass (LM), in influencing clinical outcomes.

Recent findings

In this review, we explore the multifaceted nature of the obesity paradox in HF, with a focus on emerging anti-obesity incretin-mimetic therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists. These agents …

Bridging The Gap Between Function-Based And Iddsi Standards In Dysphagia Care, Chien-Hui Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

No abstract provided.

Prepregnancy Diet Quality Index And Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Ummayhany Bharmal, George Saade, Philip Greenland, Brenda J. Smith, Andrea C. Kozai, Stephanie A. Fisher, Lauren Theilen, William Grobman, Noel Bairey Merz, Uma Reddy, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Introduction

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity.¹ Preconception diet quality is associated with APO risk,² but prior pregnancy-related indices had notable limitations.³ We developed the Prepregnancy Dietary Quality Index (PreP-DQI) to assess its association with APOs and cardiometabolic health.

Methods

This cohort study used data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (NuMoM2b) and the NuMoM2b-Heart Health Study (NuMoM2b-HHS),⁴,⁵ excluding individuals who delivered before 23 weeks of gestation, had fetal anomalies, missing dietary data, or had implausible caloric intake (below 1st percentile or above 99th percentile). All participants in the original studies …

Microplastics, Nanoplastics, And Obesity: Current Evidence And Biological Mechanisms, Maram Albandak, Sanam Rabeeah, Ahmad Mahdi Zahidi, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Obesity is a rapidly growing global health concern. The pathogenesis is complex and cannot be fully explained by lifestyle factors alone. The increasing attention towards this concern has finally been directed towards environmental contributors which may influence metabolic regulation. Microplastics and nano-plastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that have recently been detected in food, drinking water, air, and human biological samples, raising concerns about their potential role in metabolic disorders, including obesity. Chronic exposure to MNPs may interfere with metabolic homeostasis through multiple biological pathways. Emerging evidence, including both experimental and animal studies, reports alterations in lipid metabolism, body weight, …

Healthy Diet For Every Child, Every Ability: Inclusive Nutrition For Healthier Futures, Ayesha Zahid Khan, Mehwish Farooq, Kausar Waqar

Books

• ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder
• BCC: Behavior Change Communication
• CP: Cerebral Palsy DS: Down Syndrome 
• NDD: Neurodevelopmental Disorder
• OT: Occupational Therapist
• PDGN: Pakistan Dietary Guidelines for Better Nutrition
• SLT: Speech and Language Therapist TGC
• Typically Growing Children 
• WHO: World Health Organization

Examining The Factor Structure And Subgroup Invariance Of The Deliberate Denial Of Disordered Eating Behaviors Scale, Lindsay Howard, Sage Hawn, Kayla D. Pitchford, Riley Mcgrath, Aubri Farniok, Arturo Sesma, Kristin E. Heron

Psychology Faculty Publications

The denial, concealment, or omission of disordered eating behaviors has received limited attention in the eating disorder literature, partly due to the lack of reliable and valid measures. This study re-examined the factor structure of the Denial of Disordered Eating Behaviors Scale (DDEBS-12) and tested measurement invariance across gender identity, racial identity, and levels of disordered eating in a non-clinical undergraduate sample (N = 3285). Confirmatory factor analyses did not support the original unidimensional structure. Instead, a seven-item model assessing denial of dietary restriction demonstrated the best fit and was renamed the DDEBS-restriction. The revised scale showed good internal consistency …

Vitamin D Status During Pregnancy Modulates The Effect Of Pre-Pregnancy Obesity On Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk: A Birth Cohort Study, Ali H. Ziyab, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Reem Al-Sabah, Majeda S. Hammoud, Saeed Akhtar

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objective:

To determine whether gestational vitamin D status modulates the effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk while stratifying by maternal age.

Design:

Birth cohort.

Setting:

A major maternity hospital in Kuwait.

Participants:

Pregnant women in their second/third trimester of gestation were enrolled. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) was categorized as under/normal weight (< 25.0), overweight (25.0 to < 30.0), and obesity (≥30.0). Gestational 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were categorized as deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) or insufficiency/sufficiency (≥50 nmol/L). GDM status was ascertained according to international guidelines. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results:

Data from 957 pregnant women were analyzed, with GDM affecting 166 (17.4%) pregnancies. Pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational vitamin D deficiency was ascertained in 275 (28.7%) and 533 (55.7%) pregnant women, respectively. The association between pre-pregnancy obesity and GDM risk differed according …

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 27 2026, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Patient Characteristics, Growth Indices, And Treatment Outcomes Among Children With Feeding Difficulties, Amelia Kearney

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Pediatric feeding difficulties is an umbrella term that is used to describe children with a variety of problematic feeding behaviors and/or mealtime impairments that can impact age-appropriate food consumption, growth and the caregiver-child relationship. There is a lack of research from nutrition professionals regarding the nutrient intake, diet quality and growth outcomes among patients with pediatric feeding difficulties. Furthermore, changes in nutrient intakes during intensive outpatient treatment have not been formally assessed. PURPOSE: The purpose of Manuscript 1 was to describe the demographic profile, medical history, and baseline mealtime behaviors, usual diet, and diet quality of patients with feeding difficulties …

Homoplasy Of Maxillary Orthognathism In Derived Homo, Jared Jordan

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

The evolution of the orthognathic condition in the genus Homo represents a monumental transition toward the facial morphology of modern humans from that of earlier hominins, but the phylogenetic positioning of this transformation remains poorly understood. This study investigated temporal trends in maxillary and mandibular prognathism in the genus Homo, and whether maxillary and mandibular shortening in East Asian H. erectus and later East Asian Middle Pleistocene Homo (e.g., Homo longi) represent independent derivations of orthognathic morphology, thereby making orthognathism a homoplasy in the genus Homo. Using a sample of roughly 109 cranial and mandibular specimens spanning …

Limosilactobacillus Reuteri Alleviates Proinflammatory T-Cell-Mediated Liver Injury And Transcriptomic Changes In Immunocompromised Mice, Ana Fadhel Alvarez, Zheng Yin, Beanna Okeugo, Alexander Banerjee, Meng Luo, Christopher M Taylor, Salomea Giorgberidze, Vaishali Harne, Rambabu Majji, Melissa N Munroe, Ji Ho Suh, Stephen T C Wong, Kang Ho Kim, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Suhair Al Salihi, Jon Marc Rhoads, Yuying Liu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: A deficiency of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, as seen in scurfy (SF) mice or in IPEX syndrome in humans, can lead to multiorgan inflammation. Oral administration of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (DSM) 17938 prolongs survival and reduces Th1- and Th2-associated inflammation in SF mice. It remains unclear how DSM 17938-educated SF-CD4+ T cells modulate T-cell-liver communication.

Methods: To characterize CD4+ T cells from SF mice orally administered DSM 17938 (Prob-SF-CD4+ T cells) and to compare them with CD4+ T cells from SF mice (SF-CD4+ T cells), cells isolated from SF spleens were …

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances And Altered Glucose Homeostasis In Adolescents Following Bariatric Surgery, Elizabeth Costello, Brittney O Baumert, Zhenjiang Li, Vishal Midya, Shudi Pan, Justin R Ryder, Thomas H Inge, Todd M Jenkins, Stephanie Sisley, Stavra A Xanthakos, Anita Courcoulas, Douglas I Walker, Nikos Stratakis, Damaskini Valvi, Scott M Bartell, Angela L Slitt, Rohit Kohli, Sarah Rock, Michele A La Merrill, Sandrah P Eckel, Max T Aung, Rob Mcconnell, David V Conti, Lida Chatzi

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objectives: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities. Exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) before bariatric surgery may attenuate improvements in glucose metabolism and explain some of the heterogeneity in post-surgery outcomes.

Design: This is an observational cohort study.

Methods: Adolescents (n = 186) enrolled in the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery study were included. Eight-PFAS congeners were measured in plasma before surgery. Linear and logistic regressions were used to examine cross-sectional associations between log2-transformed PFAS (ng/mL) and fasting glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Linear mixed …

Engineering Broiler Efficiency Through Modern Infrastructure Design And Precision Control, Chris Travers

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings describe a modern, innovative broiler site in South Africa constructed with the following objectives in mind: Scale, Energy Efficiency, Precision Environmental Control with AI Integration, and Off-Grid Power Autonomy.

Does Phytase Change How We Feed Breeders?, Wenting Li

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Dietary evaluation of the use of exogenous phytase has received considerable attention in broilers, but not broiler breeders.  Moreover, the limited studies that have assessed phytase in broiler breeders are dated, which makes interpretation problematic because dated phytase enzymes are not as efficacious as current phytase enzymes.  The article addressed practical applications for dietary phytase in broiler breeder diets.

Current State Of U.S. Soybean Industry, Gordon Denny

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

This presentation highlights the current state of U.S. soybean production and the subsequent industrial manufacturing of oil and soybean meal.  The former has been quoted as being in “the midst of the most dramatic and significant changes in history.”  Reasons for the former are discussed.

Precision Broiler Nutrition: Bioeconomic Optimization Of Broiler Feeds With A Focus On Balanced Protein (Bp) And Metabolizable Energy (Me), Shivaram K. Rao, Rocky Latham, Phillip Smith, Hunter Walters, Malea Frank, Alejandro Corzo

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Key broiler performance indicators in live performance and yields are impacted by precision nutrition, and more specifically balanced protein and energy.  These proceedings deal with bioeconomic optimization of broiler performance using profit scenarios like income over feed costs.

Soybean Meal Quality: Key Quality Control Parameters And Current Recommended Thresholds For In Vitro Assessments, Benjamin Parsons

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

These proceedings review the anti-nutritional factors of soybean meal and its resultant quality.  Numerous in vitro assays are discussed herein.  Recommendations from data on the most robust assays to assess both under and overprocessing of soybean meal are discussed.

Prepregnancy Overweight And Obesity In Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Eelaf A. Husain, Maryam M.Y. Mohammad, Maryem A. Shamsah, Noor Salah Alali, Reem Sharaf-Alddin, Majeda S. Hammoud

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prepregnancy obesity and overweight, and to identify a set of sociodemographic factors that could guide weight management interventions for women prior to conception.

Design, Sample, and Measurements: Pregnant women (N = 989) were recruited in the Kuwait Birth Cohort Study during the period June 2017 to February 2020. Prepregnancy weight and height were self-reported, while current weight and height were measured in a standardized procedure. Data on sociodemographic factors were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted by a trained data collector. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the association between sociodemographic …