Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Food Insecurity On Llu Campus And The Awareness Of Resources Available, Laura Aldama, Holly Lai-Eschen, Hannah Nua

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) on college campuses in the United States was 41% in 2018. However, most studies focus on undergraduate students on public college campuses. Food insecurity has been shown to lead to poor sleep, higher BMI, worse academic outcomes, poor mental health, less physical activity, and the consumption of less fruits and vegetables than their food secure peers.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among students at LLU (a private and predominately graduate university) and their awareness of local food resources.

Methods …

Food Selection And Consumption During The Covid-19 Pandemic/Quarantine, Shawnyse Debaun, Pui Tan Lau

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created an unexpected outbreak that led to a pandemic and the fear of scarcity regarding food. Due to those who shopped in panic, grocery stores began to limit the number of specific items purchased per family. The COVID-19 is a novel disease that has changed society by wearing face-coverings when out in public, temporarily closing indoor dining at restaurants, and converting schools online. The over-purchase of toilet paper and water caused many grocery and department stores to exhaust their inventory. This situation may have instilled fear of scarcity and leave to the over-purchase …

Investigating The Rationale Of Registered Dietitians In Selection Of Predictive Equations For Estimation Of Resting Metabolic Rate, Anastasija Avdeyeva,, Yi-Ying Lin

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a critical component of appropriate nutrition plans for Registered Dietitians (RDs) in clinical and outpatient care. Many RMR equations can address some variances. The “clinical judgement” is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to decide the best RMR equation. With the discernment of the RD in mind, it was pertinent to delve into the thought-process behind why dietitians used specific energy formulas over other choices.

Objective: To determine which RMR formulas were chosen when calculating caloric needs for patients and assess any trends in rationale for RDs when selecting specific predictive …

The Effect Of Diet On The Variation Of Blood And Urine Heavy Metal Biomarkers Among National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes) Subjects: A Secondary Data Analysis, Devineé Lingo, Alyssa Perri

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Heavy metals are non-essential elements that provide no biological benefit to the human body. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are toxic to humans even in trace amounts. Humans are exposed to various heavy metals through ingestion of contaminated food and water supplies. Heavy metals can accumulate in body organs and displace essential minerals leading to detrimental health effects such as neurological, endocrine, and immune dysfunction, that can result in long-term damage.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to examine the effect of diet on the variation of blood and urine lead, …

The Effectiveness Of A Preoperative Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Program On Postoperative Outcomes In Bariatric Patients: A Secondary Data Analysis, Jasmine Westerdahl, Samantha Peebles

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and largely preventable chronic disease. There are many interventional methods that can be used in treating obesity, such as diet and lifestyle interventions. Surgical intervention is also an effective treatment option that is utilized for those that are severely obese. Bariatric surgery helps to achieve weight loss, as well as reduce the risk and/or manage comorbidities. In the U.S., many insurance companies and certain bariatric centers require patients to lose weight prior to surgery. The explanation for preoperative weight loss stems from its potential correlation with reduction in surgical complications, improved adherence to stringent …

The Effectiveness Of A Four-Week Parent Nutrition Education Series In Creating Knowledge And Behavioral Changes, Glencill Taylor, Sally B. Millon

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Recent research has indicated that the diets of many US children are not meeting established dietary recommendations. Parent-based nutrition education has been identified as an option to influence children in adopting healthful dietary practices. This study sought to explore how an online school-supported nutrition program for parents and guardians can address this need.

Objective: To determine if a four-week school supported online parent nutrition education program created knowledge and/or potential behavioral change for participants.

Design: The study was originally designed as a qualitative research study intended to include up to 100 participants. As a result of …

Snapshot Of Select Cancer Patient’S Dietary Intakes Prior To Chemotherapy And Alignment To Dietary Guidelines For Americans Recommendations, Claire Chappuis, Annabel Hong, Sandra Ochoa

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background. Nutrition is a relevant concern for patients with cancer, as malnutrition has been associated with poor outcomes in cancer treatment. The period after a cancer diagnosis and prior to chemotherapy represents a window of opportunity to assess dietary intake and optimize nutritional status before side effects of cancer treatment occur.

Objective. The objective of this study is to assess the dietary habits of patients with cancer prior to chemotherapy and compare their intake against the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations.

Design. This cross-sectional study collected data on select participants using a validated dietary intake questionnaire, …

Do Physicians Perceive The Roles Of Nutritionists And Registered Dietitian Nutritionists As Different?, William Ramirez, Megan Williams

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Dietitians are still divided on whether to use the credential Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The option for dietitians to utilize RDN gained support in a 2013 joint committee meeting. The ambiguity between the terms dietitian and nutritionist leave many individuals unable to discern between the two. The opportunity for dietitians to treat greater quantities of patients is influenced by physicians’ understanding of dietitians’ roles and the public's understanding of services they provide.

Objective: To determine how the terms dietitian and nutritionist are understood and referred to in the healthcare setting and whether RD …

The Association Between Nutrition-Focused Instagram Accounts And Nutrition Knowledge And Food Choices In Instagram Users, Briana Bender, Cenida Gomez-Flores

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Instagram is a fairly unregulated social media platform that is reported as having over 250 million daily users. As this social network is frequently used to seek out health-related information, misleading nutrition information could potentially have a detrimental effect on the public’s health. Thus, it may be beneficial for nutrition and dietetic practitioners to be present on Instagram to offer credible nutrition information to the many Instagram users.

Objective: To examine the effects that nutrition-focused Instagram accounts have on nutrition knowledge and food choices of Instagram users.

Design: A cross-sectional random sample of Instagram users completed …

Nutrition Beliefs And Practices Among Generation Z, Cassandra Mason, Amber Wagstaff

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Life expectancy is decreasing, and childhood obesity is increasing. Limited research has been conducted on the nutrition beliefs and practices of Generation Z and the potential discrepancies between the two.

Objective: Assess the nutrition beliefs and whether these beliefs translate into practices among the 18-24 age group of Generation Z.

Design: Anonymous survey (nutrition belief-based and practice-based) provided via QR code accessible through Facebook, E-mails and text message.

Participants: There were 74 participants recruited through Facebook, E-mail, flyer and word of mouth. Individuals 18-24 years of age were included in the study. Those majoring in …

How Well Do The Eating Habits Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists' In The United States Align With Their Teaching Patterns?, Kathleen Anderson, Shannon Hurley, Levi Maeschen

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a resource available and designed for professionals to help people make healthy choices to avoid chronic disease. Exploration of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) core health values may improve the profession’s ability to address gaps in understanding health beliefs and behaviors.

Objective: To determine whether the teaching patterns of RDNs align with their individual eating habits through a self-selected survey.

Design: Quantitative study design.

Participants/Setting: An email was sent to approximately 5,000 RDNs through the Commission of Dietetic Registration registry and 425 responded. The anonymous survey consisted of two major domains: …

The Effects, Perceptions, And Attitudes Of Previously Sedentary Individuals Starting An Exercise Program, Arlene Moreno, Megan Rasmussen

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Many Americans do not eat healthfully or exercise, which is associated with higher risk of disease. Nutrition and exercise awareness have increased, but people experience barriers preventing lifestyle change. Limited research has been completed on the impact of nutrition education on dietary intake.

Objective: Examine whether starting an exercise program with or without nutrition education can influence dietary choices in previously sedentary individuals, and to determine their perceptions and attitudes.

Design: Mixed methods study gathering quantitative data through a food frequency questionnaire, InBody test, and demographics/exercise activity survey. Qualitative data was gathered through focus groups. Participants …

The Effect Of Dietary Nitrate And Anthocyanins On Anaerobic Exercise Performance, Yun Chieh Huang, Aurora Sanchez, Paul Tsai

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Previously, beetroot and tart cherry supplementations have been investigated for their effects on exercise performance and recovery separately. Beetroot containing nitrate has been used to improve blood flow to enhance exercise tolerance. Tart cherry extract containing anthocyanins has been shown to lower inflammation and improve recovery time in exercise performance.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible synergistic effect of nitrate and anthocyanins on exercise performance in healthy individuals.

Design: This was a double-blind, randomized crossover study with a duration of twenty-nine days. Inclusion criteria included healthy individuals, able to exercise on …

The Effect Of Food And Sleep Tracking On Quality Of Life, Souad Aboufadel, Sara Piecukonis

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Abstract Background: Various factors such as sleep quality and amount and food intake can have an impact on quality of life in terms of the amount of stress or fatigue that an individual experiences as an outcome. Food tracking has been commonly used as a tool for weight loss. Yet, current research has been looking at other possible advantages related to food tracking.

Objective: To examine the effects of food and sleep tracking on health-related quality of life with respects to sleep quality and quantity, stress, and fatigue, in adults aged 18 years or older.

Methods: Participants …

Awareness Of The Recent Change In The Nutrition Label, Olivia Meza, Michael Moh, Molly Camarena

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: The Nutrition Facts panel as it is recognized today was developed by Dr. David Kessler in 1994 during his tenure as the commissioner of the FDA. A new label was announced on May 20, 2016 to increase awareness about food content, clarify the amount of food in a package, and to present information that has been recently and scientifically updated. Several studies have researched the food label and the association between knowledge and dietary intake. However, these studies examined the 1994 version of the label and results fell short of desired outcomes. Since the announcement of the new …

The Effects Of Mindful Eating Education On Increasing Satiety Signals, Audrey Bamford, Evelyn Gonzalez, Sneha Lalla

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Mindful eating is a practice that incorporates focusing on thoughts, emotions and sensations within the body when consuming food. Satiety is defined as a state of fullness where there is no longer an intake of food. Mindful eating techniques could help college students identify their hunger and satiety signals and respond to those cues over environmental or psychosocial cues that could lead to over-eating. Giving mindful eating education has the possibility to help people recognize their satiety signals and stop eating sooner.

Objective: To examine the effects of mindful eating education on increasing satiety signals.

Design: …

The Effects Of 8 Oz Of Fresh Vs. Commercial Orange Juice On Blood Pressure In Normotensive Males Aged 18-59, Cheng Yi Wong, Izac Dinio

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Oranges have been known to possess numerous health benefits for humans as they are rich in vitamin C, A, and potassium. Citrus fruits contain a substance known as “citrus sinensis juice” which boosts immune function and aids in wound healing. Sinensis juice can also reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Objective: To determine the effects of drinking eight ounces of fresh vs. commercial orange juice on blood pressure in healthy normotensive males ages 18-59 years.

Design: Randomized, single-blinded, crossover study.

Participants: Healthy males aged 18-59 years, willing to keep the same lifestyle, …

General Nutrition Knowledge Among High School Students, Annique Cornejo

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Obesity now affects 1-in-5 children and adolescents in the United States. As of 2018, the prevalence of obesity has reached 18.5% and affects about 13.7 million children. Obese children are at increased risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Since health habits are commonly established during the formative years, it is imperative that good food choices and basic knowledge about nutrition be taught at an early age. This study examined whether students had received sufficient teaching about nutrition, particularly as it relates …

How Do The Exercise Practices Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Affect Their Exercise Recommendations To Their Patients/Clients?, Ledy Ann Cordero, Kristen Muzio, Ian Karundeng

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are experts in food and nutrition serving to advance the profession and nation's health. As the population becomes increasingly aware of how nutrition and exercise can positively impact one's quality of life and prevent many chronic diseases, they may seek guidance from nutrition and exercise professionals for assistance in developing their personal health strategies.

Objective: To determine the exercise practices of RDNs across the United States and how their perceptions and habits of their exercise practices may affect their exercise recommendations to their patients and/or clients.

Design: This mixed methods study gathered …

Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Modulates Gamma Wave Frequencies In Vigorously Active Individuals, Sasha Silver, Ranea Al-Tikriti, Nicole Jin

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Visualization and the demand to increase cognitive function to improve performance is an area of growing interest in athletes and physically active individuals. Gamma (25-45 Hz) waves, the fastest of the brainwave frequencies, are optimal for cognitive function.

Objective: Determine if savoring and ingestion of dark chocolate (70% cacao) can modulate gamma wave frequencies between visualization at a state of rest and a state of exercise performance in vigorously active individuals.

Participants/setting: The study recruited 10 vigorously active individuals from Loma Linda University. Participants’ mean age was 23.7± 2.2 years. Vigorous activity was defined by the Centers for Disease …

Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Obesity In Southern California Adults, Tatiana Keay, Tonya Larson, Claudinne Herrera

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background

Over one third of the adult population in the U.S. are obese placing them at higher risk for morbidity or mortality.

Objective

To determine if lack of nutrition knowledge has a positive impact on eating behaviors using obesity status as an indicator.

Design

Participants completed the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), Anonymous Demographic Questionnaire (ADQ), and anthropometric measurements were taken during a one-time meeting lasting about one hour.

Participants/Setting

Data collection was completed on 334 participants between the ages of 18-55 years in a southern California community sample.

Intervention

Anthropometric measurements were collected by the research team and consisted …

The Effectiveness Of Smoflipid On Liver Function In Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure Related Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease (Pnald), Chelsey Kitazawa, Kara Bates, Shannon Lew

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Abstract

Background:Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a treatment that supplies one's nutrition and hydration needs intravenously. Intravenous soybean lipid emulsions have been associated with Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease (PNALD), due to its high phytosterol content and high n-6:n-3 ratio and its propensity to mitigate inflammatory eicosanoid pathways. Composed of soybean oil, medium chain fatty acids, olive oil, and fish oil, Smoflipid may ameliorate PNALD and mitigate anti-inflammatory eicosanoid pathways.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of Smoflipid on improving liver function and bilirubin levels on home PN-dependent children with intestinal failure related PNALD.

Design: A prospective electronic medical record review …

Effects Of Ginger Supplementation On Inflammation In Individuals, Sara Kashlan, Brenda Rodriguez, Monique Vuong

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background. Ginger is a widely used ingredient in Southeast Asian countries and has gained increasing popularity in the Western diet due to its purported health benefits. Ginger has high antioxidant power because of its rich phytochemistry profile that contributes to its anti- inflammatory properties. While there have been animal studies, the research of ginger’s effects in humans is limited.

Objective. We sought to understand ginger’s effects on commonly assayed inflammatory biomarkers—C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF- α)—in individuals with varying levels of physical activity. We propose that ginger may lower levels of these biomarkers …

Job Satisfaction Among Registered Dietitians In Various Settings In The United States, Jaime Martin, Marysol Zaragoza

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Abstract

Background. Registered Dietitians (RD) are employed in various practice settings, yet little is known regarding their job satisfaction. Not all states have RD licensure, perhaps influencing levels of job satisfaction.

Objective. The purpose of this graduate student research study was to analyze job satisfaction among RDs and identify influential factors in order to better equip policy- and strategy- makers.

Design. The study consisted of an anonymous online survey completed through the Qualtrics® website and an optional interview completed by email, phone, in-person, or through Zoom. RDs were recruited using flyers, word of mouth, email, and the Commission on Dietetic …

Serving Fruits And Vegetables In Kid-Friendly Shapes Increased Fruit And Vegetable Consumption In Preschool Children Aged 2-5 Years, Magdalena Cojocaru, Sarah Millard, Sara Stevenson

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background. With childhood obesity rising, and taste preferences being influenced at an early age, it’s more important now than ever to encourage children to eat right.

Objective. To find whether shaping fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) into kid-friendly designs would increase consumption in preschool aged children.

Design. The four week long observational study took place at Loma Linda Children Academy in two stages during their normal lunch time hour. Baseline data was recorded during the first two weeks, and a month later intervention data was collected during the last two weeks. The menus served remained exactly the same …

The Acute Effects Of Beetroot Powder And Arginine Supplementation On Blood Pressure In Normotensive Adults, Lauryn Mundt, Stephanie Risaliti, Tiffany Teerawatananont

Loma Linda University Research Reports

PURPOSE. Hypertension is one of the top risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in America. Beetroot is high in nitrates that could potentially be beneficial for hypertension. Beetroot comes in many forms including juice, juice concentrate, powdered, and encapsulated. The most studied form of beetroot is beetroot juice. Our study examined the encapsulated form of beetroot powder. L-arginine supplementation has also been suggested to have a strong association with blood pressure due to the nitric oxide pathway. The purpose of this graduate student research study was to investigate the effects of beetroot powder and …

The Level Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake And Disordered Eating Attitudes, Elizabeth Cazares, Amanda Curti

Loma Linda University Research Reports

PURPOSE: The purpose of this graduate study was to determine if there is a difference in disordered eating attitudes of dietetic students and working registered dietitians based on their sufficiency or insufficiency of omega-3 fatty acid intake. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess omega-3 intake and The Eating Attitudes Test-26 was used to measure disordered eating attitudes. Additionally, the study determined if the sufficiency and insufficiency groups were balanced with respect to gender, age, and employment status. METHODS: Subjects who were members of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics were asked to participate in a two part …

The Effect Of The Addition Of Four Different Protein Isolates To A Fruit-Based Smoothie On Postprandial Blood Glucose In A Healthy Population, Linda Bastos, Sinman Fu, Sharon Tung, Da Eun Yang

Loma Linda University Research Reports

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of whey, soy, milk, or pea protein to fruit-based smoothies on postprandial blood glucose levels. METHOD. Eight subjects (1 male, 7 female, age 22.6 ±1.6 years, BMI 23.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a randomized controlled study. Subjects consumed a 625 mL (2.5 cups) smoothie that contained 30 grams of either whey, soy, milk, or pea protein. A smoothie with no added protein was used as a control. All subjects were given the same type of smoothie on each test day. Finger sticks were used to …

The Effect Of Probiotic Supplementation On Gastrointestinal Quality Of Life, Ernie Lin, Jasmine K. El Nabli, Krysten A. Mccaughey

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Purpose. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effect of Puritan’s Pride probiotic on gastrointestinal quality of life of working adults at the Loma Linda Support Services Building aged 18 to 65 years. Methods. Working adults, 18 to 65 years of age, from the Loma Linda Support Services Building were eligible to participate in the study. Subjects were excluded if they were taking antibiotics or had taken antibiotics within the previous six months. Subjects who consented were given an initial Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)12 test and a probiotic supplement for 60 days. Subjects’ body composition …

The Effects Of Oral Curcumin And Bioperine Supplementation On C - Reactive Protein In Crossfit Athletes, Bailey Franzen, Cassandra Greenawalt, Sloan Vlahos

Loma Linda University Research Reports

PURPOSE. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase inflammatory marker which circulates in blood plasma and rises in the presence of systemic inflammation. Strenuous exercise, such as that performed by CrossFit athletes, has been found to acutely raise CRP levels. Curcumin has demonstrated the ability to reduce CRP levels by blunting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines secondary to the suppression of the NF- κB pathway. Concomitant graduate research administration of bioperine with curcumin improves bioavailability by 2,000%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral curcumin and bioperine supplementation on CRP levels in CrossFit athletes. METHODS. Sixteen …