Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Evolution And Strengths Of School Lunch Programs In The United States And Japan, Sarah Ritterling

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

School lunches around the world perform a vital role in children’s nutritional needs and overall health. These nutritional programs provide a chance for children to learn how to create a balanced meal and about the production and serving of food. However, many countries, including the United States and Japan, have taken different approaches to meet these goals, influenced by the needs of children and communities over time. The United States provides support, funding, and nutritional standards through the National School Lunch Program. Japan promotes the Basic Act of Shokuiku (food and nutrition education) within society and outlines goals for schools …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

Priming For Practice: A Teaching Strategy, Jennifer Tomesko, Diane L. Rigassio Radler

Journal of Dietetic Education

Authors present a brief educational teaching strategy.

Use Of Simulation In Dietetic Internships: A Qualitative Exploration Of Program Director Attitudes And Motivations, Theresa B. O'Reilly, Amy J. Nwora, Megan Whelan, Mary-Pat Maciolek

Journal of Dietetic Education

The use of simulation holds promise for the future of dietetics education for its use as an alternative for up to 30% of the 1,000 supervised practice hours for the training of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Even more so, simulation is a teaching tool. When done well, simulation can challenge students in a safe environment where they can receive constructive feedback from expert guides and meaningfully reflect on their learning. The purpose of this study was to interview dietetic internship (DI) program directors on their attitudes and motivations on the use of simulation in their programs, targeting the heavily program-congested states …

Conceptual Diagrams Help Dietetic Students To Understand And Apply The Nutrition Care Process, Janica Jamieson, Bojana Kovacic, Philippa Lyons-Wall, Therese O'Sullivan

Journal of Dietetic Education

Aim: To evaluate the impact of a conceptual diagram assessment task on dietetic student knowledge of and confidence applying the Nutrition Care Process. Methods: Situated within a pragmatic research paradigm, this mixed methods study applied a survey administered before and after a conceptual diagram assessment task using the Nutrition Care Process to explore changes in student knowledge, self-reported confidence, perceptions towards the Nutrition Care Process, and student experience. Nineteen students enrolled in a first-semester unit within a Master level dietetic course completed the assessment task, which visually presented a client case sourced from the student-run clinic within the Nutrition Care …

Cover, Editor's Message, Table Of Contents, Diana Cuy Castellanos

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

Applied Research Division Research At A Glance: 2025, Shellie R. Hubbard Ma

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

The Institute of Child Nutrition Applied Research Division (ICN ARD) conducts applied research to address operational issues affecting child nutrition programs and support continuous program improvement. During the 2024–2025 reporting year, the division completed research focused on workforce development, training needs, culinary competencies, school food trends, and operational challenges in child nutrition settings.

Major projects included studies examining training needs and delivery preferences of child nutrition professionals, challenges affecting Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operations, and the development of a Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills (CKS) resource for chefs working in school nutrition programs. Findings informed the creation of …

Physical Fitness And Nutrition In Collegiate Musical Theater Programs, Alexis Ochi, Amy Morgan Ph.D, Mary-Jon Ludy Ph.D.

Honors Projects

BACKGROUND: Athleticism and physical fitness are often not the first characteristics one identifies when visualizing someone in musical theater. Watching just one performance can make it clear that dancing, acting, running, all while singing and keeping near perfect pitch requires a theater actor to be extremely fit. As well as fitness, nutrition considerations and injury prevention should also be considered due to the high physiological demand placed on these performers. Minimal research has been conducted regarding the fitness and nutritional habits of musical theater performers. PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of discussions about fitness and nutrition in collegiate musical …

Nutrition Recommendations For Patients On Weight Loss Drugs, Crystal M. Duque Rdn-Ldn, Toye Jackman

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This paper provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for dietitians counseling patients who are using GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight management. These medications are rapidly gaining popularity for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss; however, they come with unique nutritional considerations that require tailored guidance. This review outlines key aspects of GLP-1 mechanisms of action, emphasizing how these medications alter digestive processes, specifically impacting the absorption and metabolism of essential macronutrients, including proteins and dietary fibers. The paper also highlights hydration needs to support optimal health and weight loss outcomes in patients on GLP-1 therapies. Additionally, …

Sources Of Information That Introduced Undergraduate Students To Their Allied Health Major, Erin Vanderbunt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Selecting a college major can be overwhelming for undergraduate students. The factors influencing major selection not only impact student success and degree completion time but also affect university recruitment and retention strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the most influential sources of information that first introduced undergraduate students to their current major of nutrition, public health, or speech pathology and sought to determine if any differences existed between the academic majors or by the demographic variables of gender or racial/ethnic backgrounds. Methods: A total of 121 undergraduate students from a regional, midwest institution participated in …

Two Lives, Shruti Trehan Mbbs

Journal of Wellness

A busy oncologist makes a decision to leave her busy, thriving, community practice in the Mid-West and moves to a Veterans Affairs hospital in South Florida in the quest for a better work-life balance.

Assessing The Feasibility Of Implementing A Hands-On Diabetes Course Curriculum In Community Settings, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Carrie Durward

Transforming Communities

Diabetes remains a significant health concern in the United States, with millions affected and at risk. Despite the known benefits of diabetes education programs, barriers such as accessibility and engagement persist. To address these challenges, Utah State University Extension developed the Diabetes Cook Along (DCA) program and conducted a study to determine the feasibility of implementing these classes in community settings. The DCA curriculum is based on national standards and emphasizes changes in dietary and lifestyle components critical for diabetes management. Data collection included pre- and post-surveys, along with qualitative feedback. Overall participation in the classes and satisfaction of participants …

Five A Day, The Rainbow Way: A Nutrition Education Toolkit For Elementary School Aged Children, Sasha Menard

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Learning Outcome: Develop a nutrition educational toolkit based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) for obesity prevention among elementary school-aged children by improving determinants of fruit and vegetable intake.

Background: Poor consumption of fruits and vegetables is a major contributing factor to childhood obesity, increasing the risk for chronic diseases later in life. There is a need for multicomponent nutrition educational tools to influence children to improve their eating behavior by increasing their awareness and self-efficacy. The current project describes the development of a 3-component toolkit for improving participants’ knowledge and values related to fruit and vegetable intake among 6-11-year-olds.

Methods: …

Enriching The Pcos Lifestyle, Callie Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting approximately 4 – 20% of women worldwide. It is associated with insulin resistance, fertility problems, and an increased susceptibility to chronic conditions through multiple inflammatory pathways. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for disordered eating. The Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased inflammation and risk of chronic conditions, and intuitive eating principles are associated with decreased disordered eating patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week nutrition education workshop incorporating information and skills related to both the Mediterranean lifestyle and intuitive eating principles can improve …

Nutrition And Dietetics Educators’ Experiences Using Systems Thinking In Teaching, Erin E. Bergquist, Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, Scott Smalley, Christina G. Campbell, Awoke Dollisso, Shuyang Qu

Journal of Dietetic Education

Objective: Describe educator experiences teaching systems thinking in nutrition and dietetics education. Design: Qualitative, semi-structured, online interviews. Setting: Educators teaching in accredited nutrition and dietetics programs. Participants: Purposive sample of thirteen Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (92% female, 77% with > 6 years teaching experience) from each U.S. census region and accredited program type. Phenomenon of Interest: Educators described experiences teaching systems thinking in accredited programs, including benefits. Analysis: Transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative grounded theory iterative coding. Excel was used for data organization and thematic coding analysis. Results: Educators described four themes when teaching systems thinking: (1) a holistic approach to …

Student Exposure To Andhii Improves Confidence With Applying The Nutrition Care Process, Casey Colin, Tad Campbell, Michel Harris, Avalon Mustafa, Lindsay Woodcock

Journal of Dietetic Education

The objective of this study was to explore if using ANDHII improves NCP confidence and documentation quality. This quasi-experimental trial was conducted with n = 43 undergraduate dietetic students. NCP confidence was measured before and after a traditional case study, and after an ANDHII case study. Documentation quality was measured using a validated quality audit tool. Confidence increased from time 1 to time 2 (p = 0.008), and from time 2 to time 3 (p = 0.003). Documentation quality was higher for the ANDHII documentation compared to the non-ANDHII documentation (p < 0.001) but lower when compared to the traditional ADIME (p = 0.03). Familiarizing students with ANDHII improved NCP confidence. Opportunities exist to improve ANDHII functionality and positively impact documentation quality.

Impact Of Covid-19 On Coordinated Programs In Dietetics, Eric West, Tiffany Sterling, Joanna Cupp, Sara Tamsukhin

Journal of Dietetic Education

The purpose of this study was to analyze tactics employed by coordinated programs in dietetics during COVID-19 and share best practices in the event that another crisis disrupts the intended learning plan and curriculum. The study was conducted via a survey that consisted of 14 questions, not including consent, that pertained to their specific program, whether COVID disrupted their supervised practice experiences, and if so, how they overcame the challenge. Participants receiving the survey consisted of dietetic coordinated program directors and the clinical coordinators of the respective program if applicable. The survey was sent to 60 total participants with 21 …

Perceptions Of Assessment Processes, Enhanced Competency Integration, And Practice Preparation Among Future Education Model Graduate Program Alumni, Katherine Wiley, Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia, Laura Byham-Gray, Jennifer Tomesko

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Competency-based assessment (CBE) focuses on applying knowledge and skills to progress from novice to expert in clinical areas. The Future Education Model Graduate Program (FEMGP) incorporates CBE to meet enhanced competencies for nutrition and dietetics. Objective: This study explored FEMGP graduates’ perceptions of assessment methods and practices and perceptions of enhanced competency (EC) integration and preparedness for entry-level practice. Methods: This was a basic descriptive qualitative study. Ninety-eight graduates from one FEMGP in the northeastern US were recruited via email to participate in one of 13 virtual focus groups from April-June of 2023. Directed content analysis was conducted with …

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Knowledge, Confidence, And Experiences With Treating Trafficked Individuals: A Call For Interprofessional Continuing Education, Christen C. Cooper, Lydia Mcroberts

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Victims of human trafficking (HT) frequently face malnutrition, dehydration, low food security, and infections. When identified, victims of HT are normally treated with interprofessional team (IPT) care that often excludes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Although RDNs are trained to treat these conditions, they may lack knowledge, confidence, and skills, for working with this population, as well as the opportunities to work on such IPTs. To date, no study has explored RDNs’ knowledge of or work with individuals who are trafficked. Objective: To explore RDNs’: HT knowledge, confidence in the ability to work with victims of HT, and barriers to …

Learning At Diabetes Camp: Experiential And Interprofessional Opportunities For Dietetics Students, Mallory Mount, Mary Kathryn Gould

Journal of Dietetic Education

Diabetes camp is helpful in providing hands-on learning experiences and interprofessional learning opportunities through immersive experiences. Currently, there is little research comparing the changes in knowledge and perception during experiential learning in dietetics students at a residential diabetes camp. This longitudinal qualitative case study explored the knowledge, perceptions, confidence, and empathy gained by four dietetics students during experiential learning at the camp. Qualitative research methods (interviews, observations, "photovoice," journals, and focus groups) were used to explore and understand participants’ experiences of hands-on involvement with type one diabetes, and what they learned at camp that cannot be learned in a classroom. …

Emphasizing Interprofessional Education Through A Virtual Case Study In A Medical Nutrition Therapy Course, Natalie B. Allen, Traci A. Garrison, Wendy R. Jackson, Bonnie K. Slavych

Journal of Dietetic Education

This observational research presents multi-year findings of a project using an online case study implemented in an undergraduate Medical Nutrition Therapy class that fostered interprofessional collaboration among students from various healthcare disciplines. The case study focused on a fictional patient with an ischemic stroke and all work was virtual. Students from various allied healthcare fields were represented: dietetics and nutrition, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work. Both undergraduate and graduate students participated in developing a virtual care plan for the patient, with an emphasis on helping students explain their role to the team, while simultaneously learning how to collaborate …

Interprofessional Education In Dietetics Programs: Student And Director Perspectives, Mckenna Voorhees, Heidi J. Wengreen, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Katie N. Kraus

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) supports optimal healthcare outcomes; accordingly, dietetic program accreditation standards require interprofessional-related education (IPE). Objective: To explore IPE implementation and evaluation of IPE in dietetics curricula, and how these relate to director confidence in students and student satisfaction. Main Outcome Measures: IPE approaches (lectures, assignments, direct experience, case studies/facilitated multidisciplinary interactions), Timing of IPE (years 1, 2, 3, 4, other), director confidence (10-level scale), student IPE satisfaction (7-level scale) Statistical Analyses Performed: The strength and direction of correlation between number of IPE methods with director confidence/student satisfaction, and time spent on IPE with director confidence were …

Editors' Message, Sara Tamsukhin, Christine Meissner

Journal of Dietetic Education

In this issue of the Journal of Dietetic Education, we share a special section for interprofessional education (IPE). The articles highlight potential avenues for interprofessional education in dietetics programs and continuing education for dietetics professionals. Each article offers insight into the landscape of dietetic education and the need for IPE. Dietetic students learn from IPE experiences in their programs. However, additional IPE occurs through outside experiences and throughout a dietitian’s career.

Cover And Front Matter, Sara Tamsukhin, Christine Meissner

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

Can Nutrition Education Reduce Division Iii Female Athlete's Risk Of Developing Low Energy Availability, Coby Stover

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context: Low Energy availability (LEA) is widely acknowledged as a state in which an individual does not have sufficient energy to support normal functions within the body after energy has been expended through exercise. In sports environments, athletes can exhibit LEA for a variety of reasons. These reasons range from improper food intake to effectively fuel and re-fuel their body for the energy demands of their specific sport, to eating disorders (ED) and eating disorder behaviors. Access to appropriate nutrition knowledge is also a major factor that can place athletes at risk for developing LEA. Both males and females …

Education Of The Effects Of Obesity Medications And A Stepwise Approach To Mitigate Prevalence And Encourage Lifestyle Medicine For Primary Care Physicians, Kiely M. Curran

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

My Capstone project is an Educational Manual that emphasizes a healthcare team approach to the treatment and management of obesity. The Educational Manual consists of a standardized protocol in management of obesity in patients and a document with summarized references for primary care providers; and a simplified document for patient education. There is a growing interest in the usage of obesity medications. The purpose of my Capstone project is to provide a simplified manual for the primary care provider to reference to make knowledgeable and patient-centered decisions in the prescription of obesity medications and decisions in weight-management. My methodology included …

Young Adults’ Essential Food Skills And Cooking Perceptions: A Mixed Method Study, Marcy Gaston, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Nicole Wanago

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Our purpose in this research study was to examine perceptions of food and nutrition educators (FNEs, i.e., Registered Dietitians Nutritionists and Family and Consumer Science teachers) and young adults (ages 18–25) on the status of cooking and food skills among young adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design, FNEs (n = 93) and college-attending young adults (n = 270) in the United States completed electronic surveys. The qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using a convergent mixed-methods approach. The qualitative data from open-ended survey responses collected from young adults and FNEs were analyzed using coding reliability thematic …

Outcomes Of Virtual Diabetes Cook Along Classes, April Litchford, Jenna Dyckman, Cindy Jenkins, Andrea Schmutz, Carrie Durward

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

USU Extension Diabetes Cook Along classes provide diabetes education to the public while removing barriers to participation. These classes teach relevant topics through hands-on activities to increase participants’ ability to effectively self-manage their diabetes symptoms. Evaluation results show that participants experienced high satisfaction (86%) and substantial knowledge gain (92%) after the classes.

Empty Coolers At Busy Dining Halls: Solutions To Gvsu’S Failure To Accommodate Students With Food Allergies, Elena Chiu

Honors Projects

GVSU is failing its students with food allergies by not providing the proper accommodations in Campus Dining facilities. This paper provides the experience of two students with food allergies' struggle to eat at GVSU, then takes a brief look into the Americans with Disabilities Act to show the issues and why they need to be fixed. This is followed by a comparison of GVSU's dining program and the highest ranked food allergy safety university, MSU. Using MSU's program as a framework, multiple solutions, such as creating stable meal options and displaying ingredients online, are provided to create a Campus Dining …

Public Policy And Advocacy In The Dietetics Curriculum: Challenges And Opportunities, Jessica Garay, Meghan Donnelly, Amy Herman, Kathryn Lawson, Sarah Martin, Leah Reed

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and other health professionals should be involved in advocacy efforts related to food access and health care. However, education about, and opportunities to actively participate in, public policy are often limited for dietetics students. The goal of this project was to identify how dietetics programs meet ACEND standards relating to public policy in their current and/or accredited program. Methods: An online survey was sent to dietetics faculty at U.S. higher education institutions. Survey questions focused on how programs currently meet ACEND standards for public policy or plan to meet standards in their dietetics program. Respondents were …