Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

The Effects Of Acute Dietary Nitrate Supplementation On The Inspiratory Muscle Metaboreflex In Young Healthy Adults, Sabrina Ehrenfort, Riley Dienna, Ben Kerns, Hannah Lyons, Rachel Phillips

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Increased work of breathing (Wb) triggers the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex, which elevates systemic blood pressure in response to diaphragmatic fatigue. To counteract this, dietary nitrate could act as a source of nitric oxide, which is known to improve muscle power and efficiency (Jones et al., 2018). This study examines the hypothesis that acute nitrate supplementation would attenuate this response. Utilizing the KH2 device from PowerBreathe, 20 healthy participants (mean age: 21.1 ± 2.5 years; range: 18–30 years) underwent a resistive breathing task (RBT) for a total of three minutes at 60% of their maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). All 20 participants …

Comparative Evaluation Of Iris And Traditional Feeding Tube Placement Methods: A Review Of The Literature, Justin Le Oms-Ii, Nishant Patel Oms-Iii, Amy Glasofer Phd, Drnp, Rn, Emilio Mazza Md, Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred in patients with functional gastrointestinal tracts. Traditional feeding tube placement methods are time-consuming, radiation-dependent, and prone to misplacement. IRIS and electromagnetic (EM)-guided systems enable real-time bedside placement, though comparative data remain limited.

Methods

A qualitative literature review was conducted using PubMed (2004–2024) to identify studies evaluating IRIS technology compared with EM-guided and traditional placement methods. Outcomes of interest included procedural success, safety, complication rates, efficiency, and cost considerations across ICU and ward populations.

Results

IRIS demonstrated success rates ranging from 75–91.7%, with higher success observed in ICU and sedated patients. EM-guided placement showed consistent …

Assessing Risk Of Modern Energy Product Consumption Among Adolescents And Young Adults, Darshak Rana, Jeffery C. Powers

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Caffeine consumption among adolescents and young adults has increased significantly with the popularity of energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and high-caffeine beverages. Excessive intake is associated with cardiovascular risk, yet awareness of safe limits remains low. This study evaluated caffeine use patterns, knowledge of guidelines, and self-reported cardiovascular effects among youth.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to individuals aged 15–25 years (n=27) in clinical settings. Respondents reported frequency of caffeine intake, product types consumed, knowledge of recommended daily limits, and cardiovascular symptoms experienced while caffeinated.

Results: Most participants (70%) consumed caffeine regularly, with coffee, soda, and energy drinks as …

Vitamin K And The Vaccine Cascade: Pediatric Patterns In Southern Nj, Kianna Bruzzo, Clare Stephens, Nicole Streeks-Wooden

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Intramuscular (IM) vitamin K is recommended at birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in intracranial hemorrhage or death. Prior research suggests a relationship between refusal of vitamin K prophylaxis at birth and subsequent vaccination patterns, with refusal potentially extending to other neonatal preventive services. In New Jersey, vaccination trends from 2017–2025 demonstrate a decline in the proportion of pre-kindergarten children meeting school vaccination requirements. This study aims to explore whether vitamin K administration at birth is associated with subsequent vaccination patterns in South Jersey.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was …

A Retrospective Comparison Of Dobhoff Nasogastric Feeding Tubes To Iris Feeding Tubes, Nishant Patel Oms-Iii, Justin Le Oms-Ii, Amy Glasofer Phd, Drnp, Rn, Emilio Mazza Md, Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Postpyloric feeding is essential in critically ill patients. Traditional Dobhoff tube (DHT) placement, often performed blindly, is widely used due to low cost but carries risks of misplacement and reliance on radiographic confirmation. In contrast, Kangaroo™ IRIS (camera-guided) technology enables real-time visualization during placement, potentially improving accuracy and workflow, though at higher cost.

Hypothesis

IRIS-guided placement provides comparable safety and success to DHT, with similar procedural efficacy without increasing complications.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the electronic medical records from multiple Virtua Health hospitals (01/01/13, through 01/31/25), including 200 patients undergoing nasogastric tube placement with DHT …

Weight Loss Strategy Disparities Among Anti-Obesity Medication-Eligible Us Adults: A Cross-Sectional Nhanes Analysis, Harshal Parmar, Akhila Archakam, Hitesh Gowda, Leonard Powell

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Nearly half of US adults meet FDA criteria for anti-obesity pharmacotherapy (AOM), yet utilization remains low. Recent GLP-1RAs prescribing has intensified focus on access disparities, but how weight loss strategy selection varies by social determinants among AOM-eligible adults is poorly understood.

Hypothesis: Weight loss strategy selection among AOM-eligible adults varies by race/ethnicity and food security status, with food insecure populations likely to use maladaptive strategies.

Methods: Survey-weighted cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2017–March 2020. AOM eligibility: BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with cardiometabolic comorbidity. Among adults reporting past-year weight loss attempts (n=2,100; weighted N=59.5 million), 19 self-reported strategies were compared …

What Are The Correlations Between The Severity Of A Woman's Major Menopausal Symptoms And Their Eating Habits?, Kiely Hoyt, Philip Collins, Do

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND

Menopause is a naturally occurring process during a woman’s life that is associated with a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.  Although hormone based therapies are available, they are not always effective or appropriate for all women.  As a result, there is growing interest in diet as a potential non-pharmacologic method to manage symptoms, though current evidence is limited.

HYPOTHESIS

Dietary habits are associated with menopause symptom severity, with certain dietary patterns potentially influencing symptom burden.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through social media. A total of 129 menopausal …

The Impact Of Diet Modification And Physical Exercise On Chronic Htn Outcomes Compared To Typical Prescription Treatment Regimen, Artem Duda, Aishwarya Muppoor, Ahson Haider, Meshva Patel, Katherine Xie, Faiqa Ali

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hypertension remains a leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting over one billion individuals worldwide. While pharmacologic therapy remains the standard of care, growing evidence supports the role of lifestyle modification as an effective strategy for hypertension control. This literature review evaluates the effectiveness of dietary interventions and physical exercise versus standard antihypertensive medication regimens in adults with chronic hypertension. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase (2015–2025) identified 5,178 citations, with 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses meeting inclusion criteria. Across studies, structured exercise and dietary interventions consistently reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 3–12 …

A Quasi-Experimental Study To Examine The Food Bucks Rx Program For Food Insecure Patients With Chronic Conditions In A Hospital Outpatient Setting, Nicole A. Vaughn, Robert E. Post, Charlampos Papachristou, Maikel Mansour, April Schetler, Gwen Ockenlaender, Julia Koprak, Elise Mitchell, Benjamin Topiel, Melanie Ernest, Nadine Nugent, Carmen Byker Shanks

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective: Primary purpose of this study was to determine the potential impact of FBRx versus standard of care (SoC) on dietary intake and health outcomes. Design: Quasi-experimental 2-group design, with pre- and post- data using the EHR to capture biometrics, food insecurity, and dietary behavior from participants over the intervention. Setting: Hospital-based food pantry program connected community resources Participants: 587 enrolled participants, 304 in intervention group and 283 in SoC group. Inclusion criteria: screened positive for food insecurity and at least 1 documented chronic condition.  Intervention: FBRx participants received $30 per month in produce vouchers for …

Pilot Study: Consistency Matters: Session Frequency And Body Weight Loss Outcomes In Outpatient Nutrition Care, Christopher D. Boss

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The current study examines the association between number of counseling sessions and weight change over a 14 month period in overweight and obese adults as seen by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in an outpatient, insurance-based, telehealth, private practice setting. The  aim of this research is to contribute evidence on frequency of care recommendations to help guide policy. It is hypothesized that the most effective weight-loss outcomes can be achieved when counseling is delivered consistently and frequently. The impact of this study has potential to support the expansion and coverage of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist services to address a population with rising …

Magnesium Intake And Periodontal Health In Adults, Dana Faghih, Man Hung, Amir Mohajeri

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Probiotics And The Low-Fodmap Diet On Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Charlotte A. Renfrow, Carsyn Wharton, Jordan Overstreet, Jordyn Munch

Student Scholar Symposium

The Effects of Probiotics and the Low-FODMAP Diet on Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Keywords: gut microbiome, probiotics, low FODMAP, IBS

Assessing Malnutrition In A Clinical Setting Using Hand Grip Strength, Rachel King, Annie Sternbergh

Student Scholar Symposium

Student Scholars Symposium

Effect Of Sugar Alternatives In Dairy Free Coconut Milk Based Ice Cream On Sensory Characteristics And Acceptability, Maggie Hegg, Remi Petty, Jay Joie Edwards

Student Scholar Symposium

Student scholars symposium

The Correlation Of Fat Mass And Hourly Energy Balance In Male And Female Collegiate Basketball Players, Lily Rogers, Avery Mckinney

Student Scholar Symposium

Student Scholars Symposium

Using Technology To Boost Grocery Shopping Skills In Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Angela Richardson, Kim Pierson, Elise Shewmaker

Student Scholar Symposium

Student Scholars Symposium

The Effects Of Added Xanthan Gum On The Acceptability Of Gluten-Free Shortcake, Samuel Garrett, Seth Beach, Maiya Zepeda

Student Scholar Symposium

The Effects of Added Xanthan Gum on the Acceptability of Gluten-Free Shortcake

Introduction: The incidence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity has increased, driving demand for gluten-free (GF) baked goods. However, replicating the texture and structure provided by gluten remains a challenge. Xanthan gum, a common additive in GF baking, may improve texture and overall product acceptability. This study evaluates whether adding xanthan gum to a homemade GF flour blend improves the quality of GF shortcake.

Methods: A control shortcake made with all-purpose flour was compared to three GF versions: 1) commercial GF flour, 2) homemade GF flour blend (white …

Comparing Student-Athletes’ Macronutrient Intake To Recommendations For Pre-Workout Fuel, Amelia Valdez, Macy Holloway, Hannah Settle

Student Scholar Symposium

Adequate macronutrient intake of carbohydrates, fats, and protein is essential for sustaining energy, enhancing muscle recovery, and preventing injuries in athletes. Many student-athletes do not have access to a registered dietitian, which often leads them to rely on unverified nutrition sources that recommend habits non-conducive to optimal performance and recovery. Research shows that student-athletes who have access to a dietitian are more likely to meet the pre-workout macronutrient needs recommended by the Sports Nutrition Care Manual (SNCM). This pilot study analyzed the difference between student-athletes’ pre-workout macronutrient consumption and the pre-workout macronutrient intakes recommended by the SNCM before their first …

Examining The Relationship Between Nutritional Access And Childhood Obesity In Low-Resource South Jersey Communities, Anastasiya Matveyenko, Saul Madrid-Flores, Arleen Fortuna, Kirsten Marie Carlberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is defined as a child considered to have obesity when their body mass index falls in the top 5% compared to other children of the same age and gender. Unhealthy eating habits formed during childhood have been associated with diseases such as obesity and diabetes. We aim to examine the relationship between childhood obesity and barriers to optimal nutrition in our local South Jersey community.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review through Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed utilizing the key terms, “low socioeconomic status (SES),” “Childhood obesity in NJ,” “Nutritional Intervention,” and “Health Risks.”

RESULTS: Our study …

Probiotics In Clinical Practice: Mechanisms, Applications, And Evidence-Based-Use, Christopher Dimatteo

Capstone Showcase

Probiotics, are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed in the right amounts, have gained attention as potential therapies for a range of conditions. This article examines the current understanding of probiotics, focusing on how they work, the conditions they might help manage, and the challenges that come with probiotic use. Research shows that probiotics can support gut health by balancing the microbiome, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and influencing the immune system. They have shown promise in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and some inflammatory disorders. However, their effectiveness depends on the specific strain used, and …

Honey: A Natural Recipe For The Management Of Pancreatic Cancer, Aun A. Bangash, Muhammad A. Bangash, Georgina Villanueva, Haider Ahsan, Shiza Khan, Rida Shareef, Mudassier Ahmad, Dae J. Kim, Sahir S. Alvi, Bilal B. Hafeez

Research Colloquium

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is the fourth deadliest cancer worldwide and expected to become the second deadliest cancer by 2030. In the USA, the National Cancer Institute put forth a grim prediction stating that there will be 64,050 new cases in 2023 alone and about 50,000 of these patients will die. The first line treatment for pancreatic cancer is Folfrinox, a three-drug regimen consisting of 5-Fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. The second line treatment is gemcitabine combined with paclitaxel. Only 19% of patients who are prescribed the former regimen survive past 18 months of treatment while just 6% of patients survive …

Relationship Between Gut Microbiota And Dementia, Saad Ahmed, Zack Harris, Russell David Levi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This paper explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota, dietary habits, and dementia, focusing particularly on Alzheimer's disease (AD). Growing evidence suggests a significant link between the composition of gut bacteria, dietary choices, and susceptibility to dementia. Notably, individuals with dementia demonstrate a noticeable reduction in gut bacteria diversity, highlighting the crucial role of a balanced microbiome in maintaining cognitive health. Conversely, dietary preferences characterized by excessive consumption of processed foods and sugars are associated with an increased risk of dementia, emphasizing the critical influence of diet on shaping gut microbiota and subsequent neurocognitive outcomes. Importantly, dietary interventions featuring a …

The Impact Of Stress During Adolescence And The Prevalence Of Pediatric Obesity, Olatunbosun Olakunri, Venkat Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obesity is a chronic condition that can be attributed to myriad factors including socioeconomic status, biological risk factors, and various environmental factors. These factors can be considered stress factors, and exposure to various levels of stress can impact the development of stress within the pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between the environmental, mental, social, physical, and psychological stress adolescents are exposed to and how they contribute to the prevalence of pediatric obesity throughout the United States. Understanding these risk factors can help us as a community and most importantly as clinicians develop better …

The Effect Of Medically Tailored Meal Program Length On Malnutrition Risk, Kaitlyn Ann Bartholomew, Jule Anne Henstenburg, Adrian Glass Crafford

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: The Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA) provides medically tailored meals (MTMs) to individuals in the Philadelphia area with nutritional risk and chronic illness (cancers, renal disease, heart disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS). Registered dietitians prescribe 3 or 6 months of MTMs depending on risk severity. This study investigates the impact of MTM prescription length on malnutrition risk.

Methods: Demographic, health, and program enrollment data for clients who received ≥2 months of MTMs and completed the intake and follow-up Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) from 2020-2022 were extracted from client records and entered in REDCap. Paired t-tests and chi-square tests were used …

A Brief Overview Of Food Insecurity In Southern New Jersey, Lisa Ting Huang, Krisha Darji, Jariatou Diallo, Amin Abdul Khan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Atlantic County, located off the Jersey Shore, faces the highest level of food insecurity in New Jersey, with a rate of 11.2% as of 2021, surpassing the state's overall rate of 8.8%. This situation contributes to health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

The objective of this research is to understand and address the persistence of food insecurity in Atlantic County. Community stakeholders and local physicians were interviewed to identify barriers and disparities contributing to food insecurity.

Methods included a literature review using keywords like "food insecurity" and "southern New Jersey". Proposed interventions suggest collaboration with health centers …

Impact Of Snac On Academic Success, Maeci Armstrong, Alivia Fonnesbeck

Student Research Symposium

This study aimed to address the impact of the intervention of SNAC. Based on the results, the USU SNAC pantry has made a substantial positive impact on students’ academic performance.

The main themes of participants’ comments indicate that SNAC helped them have more energy, increased focus, and increased time spent at school. These results are consistent with other studies that discuss the impact food pantries have on students’ academic success [1].

Participants expressed gratitude for the alleviation of food insecurity stressors, allowing them to better concentrate on their studies. These findings resonate with prior research highlighting the crucial role food …

Risk Of Food Insecurity Reflects Health Status In Adult Relatives Of Prek Children – ​ Data From The Steps Snap-Ed Research Study​, Lisa M B Salinas, Karla Cortez, Brenda Rodriguez, Joseph Reyes, Moises Cisneros, Elizabeth Alanis, Zasha Romero, Lin Wang, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Roberto Treviño-Peña

Research Symposium

Background: Past research shows a correlation between household food insecurity and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes in the general U.S. population as well as metabolic syndrome-related cardiometabolic markers in Hispanic/Latino youth. Furthermore, minority status, including Hispanic/Latino identity, shows an association with low food security and diabetes. The Hunger Vital Sign (HVS) is a validated screener designed to assess risk of food insecurity within households. This study analyzes associated factors related to the screener’s 2 questions, specifically targeting PreK 4-year-old children and their household relatives. The first question assesses concern about food running out before obtaining more due to financial …

Average Household Income In Relation To Individual Dietary Consumption Of Fruits And Vegetables, Liz Burchfield, Bella Spencer

Symposium of Student Scholars

The purpose of this analysis is to review data from the USDA Economic Research Survey in a data collection regarding FoodAPS National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey. Our data include a sample size of 4,826 participating households with 279 variables describing each household. Several variables were utilized which include average collective income for households, perceptions of fruit and vegetable prices and quality, self-reporting items about perceived fruit and vegetable consumption, and financial survey responses. With these chosen variables we made initial inferences that there would be a relationship between income and fruit consumption. We predict that throughout the duration …

Eating Patterns Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus And Their Houshold First Degree Relatives. A Cross Sectional Study From Cediamet, Mariana M. Mendez, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Claudia Munguia-Cisneros

Research Symposium

During the first quarter of 2022, the hospital admissions in Mexico registered 6,575 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D), more than 61% had not received nutritional care, and in addition, 55% of the cases suffered from hypertension blood pressure and more than 14% had obesity. Clinical complications associated to a poor control of T2D were visual disability, and motor disability. It has been recognized the appearance and development of diabetes and its complications have genetic components. However, this genetic factor interacts by the presence of other environmental risk factors, such as eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. Household members can …

Food Insecurity And Dietary Restrictions, Courtney Williams, Savana Rodriguez, Tiffany Guerrero, Stephen Acheampong, Vanesa Pizutelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

According to the USDA Food Insecurity affects around 10.2 percent of the US population as of 2021. For families that have members with certain dietary restriction such as, but not limited to diabetes, hypertension, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, and food allergies, the challenge of securing food becomes an even greater burden with having to navigate food banks or discount stores that may not offer food items that meet their dietary requirements. Families with dietary restrictions often face greater food insecurity and less access to food. More research is needed to understand the challenges families with dietary restrictions face regarding food …