Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Chronobiology Of Meal Timing In Early-Stage Hypertension: A Controlled Feeding Pilot Study Investigating The Effects On Renal And Vascular Function, Natalie J. Bohmke, Brittany Barton, Patrice Wiecek, Paula Rodriguez-Miguelez, Dave L. Dixon, Youngdeok Kim, Salvatore Carbone, Danielle L. Kirkman

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Lifestyle intervention is critical for young adults with early-stage hypertension. A Western diet has negative effects on kidney function and blood pressure; however, time-of-day effects are understudied. We hypothesized that consumption of a Western-style meal that is misaligned with the endogenous circadian rhythm would have adverse effects on blood pressure, kidney function, and vascular function. Ten young adults with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension (means ± SD: 26 ± 8 yr, 50% female) underwent a randomized crossover, isocaloric controlled feeding intervention. Participants were allocated to receive a Western-style meal high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in the …

Exploring The Dairy Milk Matrix Beyond Isolated Nutrients—A Narrative Review, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Analise Nicholl

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The concept of the food matrix considers individual components along with how they are structured, interact, and are modified during processing. There is increasing interest around the health effects of individual nutrients versus whole foods, creating a need to better understand how the matrix may influence health outcomes. This narrative review explores the dairy milk matrix and compares health effects with those of isolated components, with additional comparisons to plant-based milk alternatives. Comparative evidence suggests that while calcium from food and supplements generally has similar effects (depending on the form of the supplemental calcium), consumption of food-based sources such as …

Communicating With The Virtual Patient: Student Perceptions Of Genai In Dietetic Training, Suzanne Doyle Dr, Aileen Kennedy Dr

Case studies: Digital Education

Background: Communication skill development is a key component of dietetic education. Traditional teaching methods such as role play and simulated consultations are effective but resource intensive. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) may provide an accessible supplementary tool for communication skills practice. This initiative aimed to explore dietetic students’ experiences of using a GenAI simulated patient consultation as a revision aid to support communication skill development.

Methods: This evaluation involved second-year BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics students undertaking the Professional Practice and Communications module. Following six face-to-face communication workshops, students completed a GenAI simulated consultation involving a 56-year-old male recently diagnosed with …

Exploring The Relationship Between Bmi Classification And Levels Of Food Noise, Edmarie Billosillo

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Rising rates of obesity in the United States necessitates an understanding of the multitude of factors that contribute to it. Recently, “food noise” has emerged as a topic of interest in this space. The current survey-based observational study aimed to understand the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and levels of food noise. The results indicate a significant association between BMI and food noise levels and a connection between a history of disordered eating and food noise levels. Additionally scores on the Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) and the Food Cravings Questionnaire - Trait – reduced (FCQ-R-r) were found to be …

Assessing The Scope Of Knowledge And Decision-Making Patterns Regarding Healthy Eating During Pregnancy In Pregnant Female Adults In Southern California, Raegan Soffel

Loma Linda University Research Reports

While recognizing the link between prenatal nutrition and maternal-fetal health, this investigator-initiated study seeks to identify pregnant women's understanding of prenatal nutrition guidelines and the influences on their dietary choices. Thirty-eight eligible women completed an online, anonymous surveying assessing the scope of knowledge and decision-making patterns of healthy eating during pregnancy. The average knowledge score among the participants was 6.05/14. There was no significant difference in the knowledge scores among pregnancy periods or among total number of pregnancies. Perceptions of nutrition guidance in prenatal care, factors influencing eating behaviors, and primary sources of nutrition information were explored. The findings may …

Comparing Perceived Ideal Protein Intake In Plant-Based Versus Meat-Based Diet Consumers, Gysel Avendano, Saya Iwanaga

Loma Linda University Research Reports

High-protein diets have gained significant popularity in both social media and public discussion and more recently, a significant rise in protein consumption has been observed. Existing research has reported differences in actual protein intake across dietary patterns, with animal-based diets generally associated with higher total protein intake compared to plant-based diets. This growing focus on protein raises important questions about perceived ideal protein intake and the factors that shape it.

The primary objective is to compare perceived ideal protein intake among Southern California adults consuming meat-based versus plant-based diets. Additionally, we explored the influence of protein-related knowledge, beliefs, values, information …

Early-Life Dietary Habits And Parental Support Among Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Christina Uribe, Kate Alvarez, Ryan Harding

Loma Linda University Research Reports

This study examined the relationship between early-life dietary habits, perceived parental support, and collegiate competition level among female soccer athletes. Current and former NCAA Division I, II, III, and junior college athletes completed an anonymous retrospective survey assessing dietary behaviors, meal patterns, parental nutrition support, and sport-related factors. Of the 112 surveys received, 81 complete responses were included in the analysis. Participants had a mean age of 23.0 ± 3.8 years. Higher levels of collegiate competition were associated with more supportive home nutrition environments during childhood and adolescence. Significant associations were identified for parental encouragement to eat full meals before …

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

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

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

Design: This is an observational cohort study.

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

Transforming The Public Plate: A Menu Of Options For Public Food Procurement That Nourishes People, Place And Planet, Leah Galvin, Emma-Kate Rose, Stephanie Godrich, Dheepa Jeyapalan, Joanna Horton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Public food procurement stands as one of the most powerful, yet chronically underutilised, policy levers available to Australian governments. Every day, publicly funded institutions – hospitals, residential aged care facilities, long day care, prisons, schools, defence facilities and community food programs – purchase and serve food to millions of Australians. These are not simply transactions. Collectively, these purchasing decisions shape production systems, supply chains, diets, livelihoods and environmental outcomes. They determine who thrives within our food system and who is left behind. Transforming the Public Plate is an Australian first. It provides the most comprehensive national picture to date of …

Association Between Protein Intake From Animal And Plant Sources And The Presence Of Frailty In Community-Dwelling Australian Women, Trent Bozanich, Jack Dalla Via, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Cassandra Smith, Elsa Dent, Anthony Villani, Robin M. Daly, Michael Tieland, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Kun Zhu, Richard L. Prince, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the cross-sectional association between total, animal and plant protein intake with the presence of a multidimensional measure of frailty in older women. Participants included 1380 community-dwelling Australian women, mean (SD) age 75.1 (2.7) years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to determine total, plant, and animal protein intake. Frailty was assessed using a frailty index across numerous health domains (scored 0–1, ≥0.25 indicating frailty). Cross-sectional associations were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. In total, 275 (19.9%) women were identified as frail. A non-linear inverse association was observed between higher intakes of total protein and the odds …

Association Of Source-Specific Nitrate Intake With Inflammation And Cardiometabolic Health: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carolyn J. English, Catherine P. Bondonno, Liezhou Zhong, Anna Lohning, Nicola P. Bondonno, Dianne P. Reidlinger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to explore whether health effects of dietary nitrate depend on its source, by investigating associations between plant and animal-sourced dietary nitrate groups with markers of inflammation and CVD risk factors. Among 100 non-smoking adults (mean age 49 ± 13 years, 31% male), dietary nitrate intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaire (n=100) and 3-day food diary (n=89), combined with nitrate food composition databases. Nitrate intake was classified into plant, naturally occurring animal and additive-permitted meat-sourced groups. Associations between source-dependent nitrate intakes and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting plasma lipids, anthropometry, and blood pressure were …

Nothing Else Matters: Why Relationships May Be Key To Establishing Healthy Eating Behaviours In Young Children, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Kathryn G. Di Candilo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food is more than its nutritional components. It brings people together, and connects us to family, culture, and heritage. The development of eating habits and relationships with food begins in infancy and continues across the lifespan. Echoing the theme of Metallica’s 72 Seasons, which was being toured in Australia when this work was presented, experiences during the early years may shape later patterns of behaviour and identity. This can include mindsets around food and eating. This review aims to explore how early life parent/caregiver feeding practices may impact this development of children’s eating behaviours. A respectful and responsive approach to …

Advancing Programmatic Assessment In Dietetics Through A Multi-Institutional Community Of Practice, Gemma Jenkins, Claire Palermo, Therese A. O'Sullivan, Alexander M. Clark, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Programmatic assessment has gained momentum in health professions education for its potential to address challenges in competency-based education. Yet, little is known about how to create the cultural and systemic changes needed for sector-wide enactment. This study used realist evaluation to develop and refine theory about how, why, and in what contexts a community of practice for Australian and New Zealand dietetic educators contributed to advancing programmatic assessment in dietetics higher education. Programme theory highlights the influence of committed, cross-institutional members, supported by an experienced and inclusive facilitator, on both the functioning and outcomes of the community of practice. Within …

The Gut Microbiome Mediates The Association Between A Flavonoid-Rich Diet And Masld In A Population-Level Analysis, William Bell, Amy Jennings, Nicola P. Bondonno, Andre Franke, Corinna Bang, Marcus Both, Jan Kassubek, Hans Peter Müller, Jan Borggrefe, Wolfgang Lieb, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: A growing body of evidence suggests diets rich in flavonoids may protect against metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) development and progression. As the gut microbiome is important in the biotransformation of flavonoids to their constituent bioactive metabolites, studies on the potential mediating role of the gut microbiome in the association between dietary flavonoid intakes and MASLD are warranted but lacking. Thus, this study aims to examine the associations between a diet rich in flavonoids and MASLD, and assess the potential mediating role of the gut microbiome. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis (n = 531), using the FlavoDiet score …

Tea And Coffee Intakes, Copd, Adult Asthma, And Lung Function In The Uk Biobank, Nicola P. Bondonno, Pratik Pokharel, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Alysha S. Thompson, Amy Jennings, Kevin Murray, Howraman Meteran, Jonathan Hodgson, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Previous studies suggest non-linear associations between tea and coffee intake and respiratory health, with lower risks at low-to-moderate intakes but higher, unexplored risks at high intakes. This study aims to investigate associations between tea and coffee intake and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adult-onset asthma. Methods: Among 366 869 participants of the UK Biobank, intakes of tea and coffee were derived from both a food frequency questionnaire and from repeated 24 hour diet assessments. Cross-sectional associations with measures of lung function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC] and …

Higher Legume And Cruciferous Vegetable Intakes Are Associated With Lower Cardiometabolic Risk In Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study, Neal Mcnamara, C. Blekkenhorst, Trevor Mori, Lawrence J. Beilin, Therese A. O'Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and aims: Evidence suggests not all vegetables are the same for cardiometabolic health. Intake of specific vegetable groups exhibit significantly stronger associations with improved cardiometabolic health outcomes in adult populations. Few studies have investigated these relationships in young adults. This study aimed to investigate the relative contributions of specific vegetable groups to cardiometabolic risk in a cohort of young adults. Methods and results: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in participants from the Western Australia-based Raine Study (n = 638) at the 22-year follow-up. Using a food frequency questionnaire, vegetables were grouped into allium, cruciferous, green leafy, legumes, and yellow-orange-red. …

Creatine Monohydrate For Lean Mass, Strength, And Bone Density In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Siavash Naddafha, Jose Antonio, Richard B. Kreider, Jeffrey R. Stout

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Menopause is accompanied by accelerated losses in muscle mass and strength and declining bone density. Whether creatine monohydrate benefits postmenopausal women are uncertain. Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining creatine supplementation, with or without resistance training (RT), in postmenopausal women. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000 to August 2025, supplemented by trial registries and reference-list screening. Eligible studies included postmenopausal women aged ≥40–45 years, intervention durations ≥6 weeks for primary analyses, and outcomes including DXA-derived lean mass, one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, bone mineral density, physical function, and safety. Dual …

Maternal Prebiotic Supplementation Modifies Associations Between Intrapartum Antibiotics And Infant Allergy, Summer V.M. Walker, Thomas R. Sullivan, Rachelle A, Pretorius, Nina D'Vaz, Johnny Lo, Johan Garssen, Jeffrey A. Keelan, Desiree Silva, Susan L. Prescott, Claus T. Christophersen, Debra J. Palmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Prebiotics promote growth of beneficial gut bacteria, whereas antibiotics can disrupt the microbial balance, reduce diversity, and potentially cause gut dysbiosis. This investigation aimed to determine whether antibiotic use before, during, or after birth altered the risk of infant allergic disease outcomes within a maternal prebiotic dietary supplementation trial. Methods: Maternal participants were allocated to consume daily prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides) or placebo (maltodextrin) powder from 18 to 20 weeks' gestation until 6 months postnatal. All infants had a family history of allergic disease. Maternal and infant antibiotic use was prospectively collected monthly throughout the trial intervention period, and …

Tall Orders: A Comparison Of Resident Food Behaviours By Dwelling Type And Apartment Characteristics In Australia, Joelie Mandzufas, Siobhan Hickling, Kevin Murray, Sarah Foster, Gina S.A. Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To accommodate population growth, Australian cities are becoming denser, with more Australians living in apartments. However, there is little understanding of whether this shift towards apartment living raises any potential short- and long-term implications for dietary health. Using an Australian nationally representative household survey, this cross-sectional study compared meal-purchasing frequency and fruit and vegetable intake by dwelling type, apartment block height, and number of bedrooms in the apartment. Adjusted mean differences were derived from linear regressions, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Apartment residents purchased 0.72 more meals out each week than house residents (p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.599,0.831]) and consumed 0.10 fewer daily serves of vegetables (p = 0.002, 95% CI [0.038,0.163]). Among apartment residents, those in high-rise blocks purchased 0.80 more meals out each week than low-rise residents (p = 0.012, 95% CI [0.250,1.348]), and residents of one-bedroom or studio apartments ate 0.25 fewer serves of fruit per day than residents in apartments with at least three bedrooms (p = 0.003, 95% CI [0.038,0.163]). These findings provide important evidence to inform policy and targeted interventions that promote healthy food behaviours in apartment-living populations.

Diet And Physical Activity Behaviours Among People With Insomnia Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey To Understand Treatment Needs And Acceptability, Jacy Hyland, Moira Junge, Joseph J. Scott, David Cunnington, Mia A. Schaumberg, Mathew J. Summers, Timothy Baird, Claire M. Ellender, Caitlin Fehily, Emma Axelsson, Sara Winter, Jenny Bowman, Hattie H. Wright, Christopher D. Askew, Alexandra P. Metse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: High adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular moderate-intensity physical activity (≥5 days/week, ≥30 minutes/day) reduce the risk of insomnia symptom onset and maintenance, yet engagement in these behaviours among adults with insomnia symptoms and the acceptability of lifestyle support are not well understood.

Methods: Objectives: (1) characterise diet and physical activity behaviours among people with insomnia symptoms, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity guidelines (moderate-intensity physical activity on ≥5days/week for ≥30 minutes/day), as well as the regularity of these behaviours; (2) explore clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with these behaviours; and (3) investigate the acceptability …

An Analysis Of Fodmap Intake And Common Dietary Sources In The Irish Population, Sophie Ree, Farzana H. Ieha, Breige Mcnulty, Janette Walton, Suzanne L. Doyle

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Background/Objectives: Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs) are a group of short chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals, particularly in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). First-line treatment of IBS is a low FODMAP diet. However, little is known regarding FODMAP intake and the commonly consumed high FODMAP foods in the Irish population. This study aimed to investigate the FODMAP content of foods commonly consumed in the Irish diet.

Subjects/Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of the 2011 National Adult Nutrition Survey (n=1500 adults, 4-day …

Pattern Of Ultra Processed Food (Upf) Consumption And Mental Wellbeing Of Medical Undergraduates Of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India – A Cross Sectional Study, Nithin C, Sumedha K, Murugan V

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract:

Background: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and development of individuals. In recent years, the rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, especially among young adults, has been linked to various health issues, including mental health concerns. This study aims to assess the pattern of UPF consumption and its impact on the mental well-being of medical undergraduates in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 medical undergraduates aged 18 years and above enrolled in three tertiary care teaching hospitals. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which included demographic details, lifestyle factors, a UPF …

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 …

Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L) Flavonoids Are Hydrolyzed During Digestion And Their Bioaccessibility Is Under Stronger Genetic Control Than Raw Material Content, Michael P Dzakovich, Alvin L Tak, Elaine A Le, Rachel P Dang, Benjamin W Redan, Geoffrey A Dubrow

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Spinach (