Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

An Exploratory Study: The Presence Of Imposter Syndrome In New Graduate Allied Health Professionals And Its Relationship To Location Of Practice, Samantha J. Barber, Carol A. Flavell Dr, Moira Smith Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study …

A Functional Nutrition Literature Review For Brain Fog And Adhd-Like Symptoms In Adults, Natalie Elisani Aldahondo-Matos

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and problems with executive functioning, are increasingly recognized in adults. Although medication is commonly used to manage ADHD, there is growing interest in whether nutrition may also play a role in supporting brain function and attention. Several nutrients involved in brain health including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, and choline  have been suggested as potential contributors to cognitive performance and attention. However, the research examining the connection between diet and ADHD symptoms is still limited and sometimes shows mixed results.

The purpose of this project was …

The Effect Of A Low-Glycemic Index Diet On Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Among University-Aged Women, Angelika A. Gonzalez, Annalise M. Sankar, Noelle D. Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction. Dietary modifications targeting glycemic response have emerged as a nonpharmacologic approach for PCOS management. However, long-term randomized controlled trials targeting young adult populations remain limited.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term effects of adherence to a low-glycemic index diet on the frequency and severity of PCOS symptoms among female college students ages 18-22. This 12-month randomized controlled trial will recruit participants meeting the Rotterdam criteria from university health clinics. Participants will be randomly …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

Health Professional Students' Experiences With Gender-Identity Inclusive Content In The Classroom And Supervised Clinical Learning, Perry Xinyi Zhang, Aria Grabowski, Olivia S. Anderson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Gender-identity diverse populations have unique healthcare needs, but they experience stigmatization leading to negative health outcomes. Healthcare professionals have reported obstacles to delivering affirming care to gender-identity diverse patients due to limited training. We assessed how health profession students encounter gender-identity content and how students’ perceived preparedness to provide care for gender-identity diverse populations. Methods: A survey distributed to students enrolled in health professional programs at a large mid-western university included close-ended questions about exposure to gender-identity diverse curricular content in didactic and supervised clinical settings and perceived preparedness to work with gender-identity diverse populations. Open-ended questions asked what …

A Literature-Informed Nutrition Patient Communication Toolkit For Hashimoto’S Thyroiditis, Kieren Ritter

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This project is intended to help bridge the gap in nutrition education and treatment for the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Current research was synthesized and converted into a communication tool for adults diagnosed with HT. The toolkit was based on 33 articles, from three databases, that passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis. The education toolkit was intended to be practical and valuable for below a high school reading level. The aforementioned articles reviewed the effects of dietary changes on HT with vitamin D, selenium, gluten removal, dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and Autoimmune Protocol, and …

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 …

The Impact Of Energy Intake And Macronutrient Distribution On Recovery Rates In Young Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Hadley Day, Rebecca Lyons, Taylor Vas

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is characterized by irregular or absent menstrual cycles due to disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Young women ages 18-25 are particularly vulnerable to FHA, which can have long-term consequences on bone health, fertility, and overall well-being. While meeting energy needs is essential for recovery, the question arises of whether different macronutrient distributions within an energy-sufficient diet influence the recovery rate. This study aims to evaluate the impact of varying macronutrient compositions on the recovery of young women with FHA. The study will be conducted using a randomized controlled trial design to examine whether diets with …

Education About Eds: How Can Colleges Reduce The Risk And Prevalence Of Eating Disorders In Ncaa Female Athletes?, Meghan J. Mcnabb, Alexandra Jakubiak

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Female collegiate athletes are currently recognized as a high-risk group for developing eating disorders due to performance pressures and unrealistic body standards. Limited studies have analyzed the impact of tailored educational and behavioral interventions on the prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This proposed research will be conducted at Nova Southeastern University to explore how colleges can decrease the cases of eating disorders among female athletes using a multi-component educational intervention. Participants will be screened through the EAT-26 assessment tool and initial BMI measures will be recorded to establish a baseline for …

Strategies For Optimizing Female Athlete Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach To Mitigate Stress Fractures And Minimize Missed Participation In Collegiate Sports, Natalie B. Allen, Melissa R. Penkalski, Shannon M. Hauschildt, Kristin A. Paloncy-Patel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: If not recognized early, low energy availability, along with overtraining, may result in stress fractures and significant time lost from sports participation for athletes at any level. Objective/Aim: The multidisciplinary collegiate medical team plays a key role in early identification of Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Density in Sport (RED-S). To help with early identification, which may in turn lead to fewer stress fractures and less time missed from sports participation, this study’s objective was to implement the use of the 2014 Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (FACTRA) and test early identification. The first …

Functional Foods In Society, Annie Lin, Carolyn Jackson

Faculty Books and Book Chapters

This booklet captures highlights from our Functional Foods in Society in-person activities, where NSU Graduate Nutrition students explore food as medicine through hands-on learning.

Inside, you'll find simple, nourishing dishes and activities using ingredients like anti-inflammatory spices, phytonutrients, quality proteins, and healthy fats.

We hope this inspires you to bring more intention, joy, and nourishment into your everyday meals!

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 …

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: …

The Flourishing Gut Cookbook, Mackenzie C. Stanley, Brittany Lopez-Itingen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Herbs and spices have been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years, and yet these therapeutic approaches used to heal from within are foreign to many Americans. We have decided to create a cookbook utilizing 5 evidence-based gut-healing herbs and spices in hopes to provide tangible recipes to promote gut health. The cookbook will also provide an educational opportunity that will speak to the benefits of each herb or spice in the recipe. Background We have decided to pursue a cookbook as a result of our love of cooking and interest in herbal medicine. We want to learn more …

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 …

Effect Of The Mediterranean Diet On Type 2 Diabetes In Teens/Young Adults, Megan Herrera, Taylor Folwark, Christine Marti-Milward, Madison Benjamin

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition affecting roughly 422 million people worldwide. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when there are elevated blood sugar levels for long periods of time which could lead to damage within the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and nervous system. T2D occurs due to the body’s resistance to insulin or insufficient production of insulin. T2D is prevalent among adults, but as time continues, a larger number of teens/young adults are being diagnosed with this condition. As research advances, there is evidence that indicates pharmacological treatments can be used to positively affect T2D. …

Prescribing Flavor: Proposal For A Longitudinal Culinary Medicine Curriculum In A Family Medicine Residency Program, Mario F. Jacome Jr

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Culinary medicine is gaining recognition as an essential component of healthcare, aiming to integrate food and nutrition into medical practice for managing chronic diseases. However, there is a significant gap in nutrition education within medical schools and residency programs, leaving healthcare professionals ill-equipped to address patients' dietary concerns. This proposal presents a comprehensive longitudinal curriculum blueprint for culinary medicine tailored to family medicine residents. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative cooking opportunities, and practical counseling techniques to empower residents in addressing nutrition-related diseases effectively. Through a structured approach and innovative educational strategies, this initiative aims to enhance resident proficiency and …

The Effects Of Herbal Products In Cartilage Healing And Reducing The Progression Of Osteoarthritis, Mariya Baig, Mir Saleem

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) includes symptom management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and acetaminophen. However, these drugs pose health risks for long-term use, such as contraindications and gastrointestinal/cardiovascular issues. This systematic review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the impact of the herbal products, turmeric and ginger, in cartilage healing and reducing the progression of OA. It was found that turmeric and ginger can aid in symptom management for OA and promote cartilage regeneration, with turmeric extract yielding greater evidence-based results. Turmeric reduces the amount of pain and stiffness experienced from OA and can restore cartilage by subduing …

Using Motivational Interviewing To Increase Confidence In Nutritional Counseling Among Dental Hygienists: A Pilot Study, Heather M. Anderson, Sarah Jackson, Lisa Bilich, Craig Hunt, Elizabeth Tipton

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Dental hygienists have the unique opportunity to educate patients on connections between nutrition and oral health. Dental hygiene students are introduced to these concepts but struggle to gain confidence to share this knowledge with patients. This pilot study looked at an educational module on motivational interviewing (MI) and an assessment and counseling tool to build student confidence with nutritional counseling. Methods: Dental hygiene students participated in an educational module to review MI and introduce a nutritional risk assessment and counseling tool. Prior to the module, participants completed a pretest about confidence levels regarding MI and nutritional counseling. After three …

Dietetic Student Involvement In A Sports Nutrition Education Program For University Athletes, Taylor Paeth, Diana Cuy Castellanos, Rebecca Gonter-Dray, Karyn Catrine

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a sports nutrition counseling experiential learning opportunity on self-efficacy and nutrition counseling skills in the undergraduate dietetic students and dietary goal adherence in collegiate athlete clients after receiving the student-led nutrition counseling intervention. Methods: This mixed methods design, using a thematic analysis and pre- and post-testing, was implemented at a mid-sized university in the Midwestern United States. There were fifteen undergraduate dietetic students and nine collegiate athletes. Results: Counseling confidence in the dietetic students improved significantly from session one to session three (p < 0.001). Conclusions and Implications: Similar …

Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Relationship Between Adherence To The Mediterranean Diet And Mental Wellness, Gabrielle A. Jasmin

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a well-known healthy dietary pattern that continues to be recommended by literature due to its benefits of preventing chronic diseases and enhancing the overall health of the general public. With an abundance of literature focusing on the physical health benefits of MD, this study aimed to assess whether there is an association between adherence to MD and mental wellness, specifically levels of depression and anxiety. A random sample of 100 participants consented to complete an online survey to assess their adherence to MD and levels of depression and anxiety through the validated questionnaires of 14-item …

Food Insecurity And Infant Feeding Methods Among Mothers With Infants In Children's Hospital, Sara Brobeck

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Abstract

Introduction: Although breastfeeding is more sustainable and affordable compared to infant formula, mothers who are food insecure are shown to breastfeed less and turn to formula more. This paradox may result from beliefs surrounding diet and breastfeeding. For example, evidence shows that mothers may believe that the quality of their breastmilk may be negatively affected by insufficient diet and stress which is caused by food insecurity.

Objective: The objective was to find an association between food insecurity and method of infant feeding (breastfeeding or combination of breastmilk and formula).

Methods: Food insecurity surveys were administered to 31 mothers in …

The Experiences Of Iranian Nurses In Critical Events And Natural Disasters: A Qualitative Study, Ali Hasanpour Dehkordi, Shahriar Salehi Tali, Reza Ganeigheshlagh

The Qualitative Report

Medical staff and healthcare providers are always involved in earthquakes; therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experience of nurses in dealing with critical events and natural disasters. A qualitative study was conducted by semi-structured interviews with 12 medical staff. Data were analyzed by qualitative analysis hermeneutic approach. Four categories were developed as follows: “confusion,” “coercion,” “psychological disturbance,” and “wasting of resources.” The categories led to the development of the main theme of “miss management.” Earthquakes are considered serious challenges for nurses and health professionals involved in such disasters. It will culminate in dire consequences including physical, …

Emergency Preparedness In Dietetics During A Pandemic: Lessons Learned From An Icu Dietitian During Covid-19, Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia, Michelle D. Mena

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The incidence, prevalence, and chaos of the Covid-19 disease sequelae is an adverse event akin to a natural disaster or wartime creating a high degree of uncertainty and vulnerability for health care providers. This is an account of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist’s (RDN) experience on the frontlines during an epidemic providing care to patients with Covid-19. The purpose of the series of discussions was to create a live account of a frontline RDN’s experience during the pandemic to develop recommendations for emergency preparedness in dietetics during Covid-19. Methods: Since the Covid-19 pandemic is causing significant hardship, loss of life, …

Using Experiential Learning To Enhance Student Outcomes In A Didactic Program In Dietetics Foodservice Management Course, Michael T. Holik, Scott Heinerichs, Jena Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe student perceptions of their learning following experiential learning (EL) activities in a foodservice management course. Nutrition and dietetics education programs have a range of competencies students must learn and demonstrate throughout their curriculum. Learning styles differ amongst students and research has demonstrated they prefer to engage in EL (direct experience) activities to develop their knowledge. Foodservice management is one area of the curriculum that teaches students the basic functions of management; planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and staffing related to food, materials, facilities, and human resources. While this can be taught didactically, …

How Can We Change Gut Microbiota For Healthy Lives?, Elizaveta Shmakova

Scientific Communication News

No abstract provided.

It Is Time For The Field Of Dietetics To Invest In The Future Of Our Profession., Melody M. Wolford

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

No abstract provided.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Investigating Uk Female Experiences Of Psychosocial Adjustment Following Bariatric Surgery, Mark J. Maxwell

The Qualitative Report

The psychosocial impact of bariatric surgery has not been studied as diligently as the physical impact, particularly within the first 6 months following surgery. The aim of the present study was to explore psychosocial adjustment in UK bariatric candidates within this time-scale. Six female participants were purposively recruited to complete a semi-structured interview, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse their experiences. Four super-ordinate themes emerged from the interview data which were: (1) "It was me but it wasn’t me": pre-surgery identity, (2) "I don’t see myself as this fat blob of a person anymore": transforming identity, (3) "No …

“It’S The Story”: Online Animated Simulation Of Cultural Competence Of Poverty -- A Pilot Study, Kimberly E. Johnson, Melissa Fleck, Thomas Pantazes

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In this pilot study, researchers explore an online animated simulation as an educational tool for emerging health professionals to promote cultural competence of poverty, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.Methods: Researchers recruited participants in the allied health sciences for focus groups to explore the effectiveness of an online animation in promoting cultural competence of poverty, food insecurity, and public assistance programs. Participants were asked about their experience with the educational tool and changes in cultural competence regarding poverty, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Participants also responded to five survey questions about their experience …