Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Tanglewood Trail Walking And Voucher Program, Kelci Marie Mchugh

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Rural Appalachian populations have greater rates of obesity and chronic diseases attributed to lesser consumption of fruits and vegetables (F/V) and physical inactivity. Barriers to F/V consumption and physical activity include poor access and affordability. To help overcome these barriers, a community-initiated walking and farmers market F/V voucher program was implemented.

Participants were encouraged to walk (1.2 miles roundtrip) to the local farmers market to redeem a $10 voucher which could only be spent on F/V. The 16-week program (June – Sept) included 121 participants. Data was analyzed by creating two groups, low-engagers and high-engagers that differed significantly in the …

Using The Ketogenic Diet As An Adjuvant To Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review, Melanie L. Risola

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Evidence shows that a conventional western diet may contribute to the proliferation of cancer cells, affecting their prognosis. The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy and safety of using the ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to traditional cancer therapy. The systematic literature search was performed in October 2018 on two search engines: EBSCOhost (Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Web of Science using the following key terms: ketogenic diet, high fat & low-carbohydrate diet, Atkins diet, cancer or neoplasms+. The search limitations …

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 …

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: …

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 …

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 …

The Impact Of School Nutrition Education And Physical Education Programs On Weight Status Of Obese Children Aged 5-12 Years, Lamia Alotaibi

Masters Theses

Epidemiological studies indicate that 12.5 million children and adolescents are considered obese (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Obesity is on the rise globally, and while it affects both children and adults, early measures can be taken to reduce the number of children who are obese, and therefore, come into adulthood at a higher risk for obesity-related diseases, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. There are many studies in which programs are implemented and tested for effectiveness; therefore, a systematic review of these studies that examine which factors play into overall obesity prevention and health improvements among …

At Risk Alcohol Consumption With Smoking By National Background: Results From The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos, Frank C. Bandiera, Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, Folefac Atem, Raul Caetano, Denise C. Vidot, Marc D. Gellman, Elena L. Navas-Nacher, Jianwen Cai, Gregory Talavera, Neil Schneiderman, Robert Kaplan

United States Food and Drug Administration: Publications

Introduction: Tobacco smoking and binge or excess drinking are unhealthy behaviors that frequently co-occur. Studies of Hispanics/Latinos have mostly been of Mexican Americans although there are substantial differences in smoking and drinking by heritage background. Associated with co-use by 5 subpopulations.

Methods: Cross-sectional data of 16,412 Hispanics/Latinos from Miami, the Bronx, Chicago and San Diego collected between 2008 and 2011 as part of the HCHS/SOL were analyzed. Smoking and alcohol consumption and demographic data were measured by self-report. Prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption and co-use were reported. Logistic regression models examined the odds of co-use of smoking and binge …

Comparing Methods For Clinical Investigator Site Inspection Selection: A Comparison Of Site Selection Methods Of Investigators In Clinical Trials, Nicholas Hein, Elena Rantou, Paul Schuette

United States Food and Drug Administration: Publications

Background During the past two decades, the number and complexity of clinical trials have risen dramatically increasing the difficulty of choosing sites for inspection. FDA’s resources are limited and so sites should be chosen with care.

Purpose To determine if data mining techniques and/or unsupervised statistical monitoring can assist with the process of identifying potential clinical sites for inspection.

Methods Five summary-level clinical site datasets from four new drug applications (NDA) and one biologics license application (BLA), where the FDA had performed or had planned site inspections, were used. The num- ber of sites inspected and the results of the …

The Effects Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (Epa) And Docosahexaenoic Acid (Dha) On Brown Adipogenesis In Stem Cell Culture, Darynne A. Dahlem, Yan Huang

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are major maternal dietary supplements due to their positive benefits on neurological tissue growth during the first 12 weeks of gestation. Previous studies show that EPA and DHA inhibit muscle formation but promote adipogenesis. However, no research has addressed the question whether high intake of EPA and DHA affects brown fat development during gestation. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of EPA and DHA supplement on brown adipogenesis and potential pathways related to mitochondrial biosynthesis using fibroblasts as in vitro model. Using Oil-Red-O staining …

Factors That Influence Maternal Feeding Decisions For Toddlers: Extending The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Elizabeth Lucas Combs

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Establishing healthy eating behaviors is vital in the early years to help combat the development of obesity and other chronic diseases. Mothers play an invaluable role in shaping their children's eating habits through controlling what and when children eat as well as the overall food environment, which is why a better understanding of what influences mothers’ decisions about these behaviors is important.

The purpose of the dissertation was to gain a better understanding of what impacts maternal feeding decisions regarding toddler nutrition behaviors. This was a two-phased mixed methods study. The aim of the initial study was to explore, using …

The Impact Of A Fruit And Vegetable Farmers' Market Voucher Prescription Program On A Low-Income Rural Population, Kevin Anthony Richie

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Objective: Measures the impact of the Farmers’ Market Voucher program on weight, body mass index, waist circumference, during the 2016 summer on a rural, low-income population residing in Appalachian Kentucky.

Background: Rural communities often have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) which contributes to low levels of consumption. FV are calorie poor, nutrient dense and are inversely associated with inflammation markers, obesity, hypertension, and high blood glucose levels. Appalachian rural communities have a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, strokes, and death by heart attack when compared to the U.S. Farmers’ markets

Methods: Pre-experimental intervention design examining FV consumption …

A Comparison Of Body Composition Estimates Between The Norland Dxa, The Idxa, And The Bodpod® In Overweight To Obese Adults, Jalyn Mason

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Body composition measures include fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (%BF), which are markers of health status and disease risk. Accurate body composition assessment is needed to evaluate an individual’s health and the efficacy of treatment strategies. Objective: Compare body composition estimates obtained from the Norland DXA, BodPod®, and iDXA before and after a 12-week exercise intervention. Subjects/setting: Overweight to obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m²) sedentary men and women (n=30) aged 18 to 40 years were recruited from central KY. Main outcome measure: Agreement in FM, FFM, and %BF between Norland DXA, iDXA, …

Comparison Of The Kentucky Nutrition Education Program Healthy Eating Index Pre- And Post- Test Data For 2012-2013, Corey Joe Shepherd

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Nutrition education has become a topic of significant concern in today’s society. An area prominent in the interest of nutrition is the battle against food security. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is helping to improve its participants’ food security by providing nutrition education. Kentucky SNAP-Ed participants were asked to complete a survey and a 24-hour food recall to evaluate their knowledge in the following areas: Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, food resource management and nutrition practices. Each participant completed an average of 7-12 nutrition education lessons throughout the year. To graduate from the program participants …

Promotion Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake Through Recipe Card Distribution And Sampling At Farmers’ Markets Throughout Kentucky, Umaima Sidra Afsheen Syeda

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports indicate that 8% and 6.3% of Kentuckians consume enough fruits and vegetables, respectively. The Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud (PIUKP) project is a recipe-development project that aims to boost produce consumption by incorporating local fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to implement promotional strategies using PIUKP recipes at farmers’ markets and determine their effects on consumers’ intent of purchasing and preparing the produce. The study was conducted at nine farmers’ markets across Kentucky (n=300) in collaboration with Cooperative Extension agents/assistants.

The consumers’ impression of the sample was positively …

Pilot Study Of Text Message Nudges As A Way To Improve Weight Loss Outcomes, Madison Copher

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Weight loss programs for women are on the rise, including both face to face and online programs. However, current research is limited on the process measures and content which produce adherence and the largest outcomes. With obesity on the rise in the United States, it is important to understand out health coaches can strengthen their programs to better support the obese population in their weight loss journey. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and test the acceptability of text message nudges among women participating in an online weight loss program; determine how dose may be associated with …

The Utilization Of Technology As An Approach To Improve Meal Planning And Dietary Intake, Alexa Lauren Kuziel

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The prevalence of obesity is rising in the United States and one factor that contributes to it is the lack of cooking at home and planning out meals. Since text messaging is now a main avenue of communication, it could be used to motivate people to plan out their meals and cook at home instead of consuming fast food. Current research on how weekly nudges might relate to peoples’ goals about meal preparation and dietary intake is very limited. The purpose of this study was to examine if sending weekly nudges, focusing on specific dietary goals, improves meal planning and …

A Web-Based Dietary Intervention In Early Pregnancy And Neonatal Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Rachel Ak Kennedy, C.M.E. Reynolds, Shona Cawley, E. O'Malley, D.M. Mccartney, M.J. Turner

Articles

Background Maternal nutrition is a determinant of pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the potential of online nutrition resources to modify behaviour. This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether access to a customized evidence-based nutrition website in pregnancy improved neonatal outcomes.

Methods Women < 18 weeks gestation were recruited at their convenience. The control group received standard care. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received access to an evidence-based nutrition website, customized to the preferences of pregnant women.

Results Of the 250 women, there were no differences in characteristics between the two groups. Of the women, 91.0% reported they make a conscious effort currently to eat a healthy diet. However, only 19.6% met dietary requirements for calcium, 13.2% for iron, 2.7% for folate and 2.3% for iodine. The most popular website section was pregnancy …

A Time-Friendly, Feasible Measure Of Nutrition Knowledge In Type 1 Diabetes: The Electronic Nutrition And Carbohydrate Counting Quiz (Encq)., Arwen M. Marker, Amy E. Noser, Nicole Knecht, Mark A. Clements, Susana R. Patton

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Greater knowledge about nutrition and carbohydrate counting are associated with improved glycemic control and quality of life in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, limited assessments of nutrition and carbohydrate knowledge have been developed, and existing measures can be time-consuming, overly broad, or not conducive to routine clinical use. To fill this gap, we developed and examined the feasibility of administering the electronic Nutrition and Carbohydrate Counting Quiz (eNCQ).

METHOD: Ninety-two caregivers and 70 youth with T1D (mean age 12.5 years; mean time since diagnosis 5 years; English speaking) completed the 19-item eNCQ via tablet during a routine …

The Capacity Of The Fecal Microbiota From Malawian Infants To Ferment Resistant Starch, Yanan Wang, Elissa K. Mortimer, Kondwani G. H. Katundu, Noel Kalanga, Lex E. X. Leong, Geetha L. Gopalsamy, Claus T. Christophersen, Alyson C. Richard, Aravind Shivasami, Guy C. J. Abell, Graeme P. Young, Geraint B. Rogers

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), weaning is associated with environmentally acquired and inflammation-associated enteric disorders. Dietary intake of high amylose maize starch (HAMS) can promote commensal fermentative bacteria and drive the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). By stabilizing commensal gut microbiology, and stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites, HAMS supplementation might therefore influence enteric health. However, the extent to which the gut microbiota of LMIC infants are capable of fermenting HAMS is unclear. We assessed the capacity of the fecal microbiota from pre-weaning and weaning Malawian infants to ferment HAMS and produce SCFAs using an in vitro …

Comparison Of Liberica And Arabica Coffee: Chlorogenic Acid, Caffeine, Total Phenolic And Dpph Radical Scavenging Activity, Aidilla Mubarak, Kevin D. Croft, Catherine P. Bondonno, Nurul Sakinah Din

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Information on the composition of chlorogenic acid, caffeine and antioxidant activity of Coffea liberica is scarce, albeit the importance of this species in some parts of the world. This study assessed the composition of chlorogenic acid, total phenolic, caffeine and free radical scavenging activity in green and roasted C. liberica in comparison to C. arabica. The compositions of these compounds were also investigated in C. liberica at different roasting degree. We found a comparable amount of chlorogenic acid in green C. liberica and C. arabica. However, roasted C. arabica had a significantly higher chlorogenic acid content than roasted C. liberica …

Synthesis Of N-Heterocyclic Molecules And Their Applicability Towards Ion Sensing: Polymeric Chemosensors, Aikohi M. Ugboya

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Critical to biological and environmental processes are anions because often times their relative concentration in our body can be an indicator of one’s well-being. Therefore, highly sensitive and cost-efficient methods for ions recognition is necessary for human health. In recent times, polymeric chemosensors have become a vital tool for sensing ions because of its higher sensitivity and good mechanical properties compared to their monomeric counterparts. These sensors are designed to produce a measurable response in the presence of a targeted ion such as an electrochemical or optical signal. The unique structure and the photophysical properties of the 1,2,3-triazole core coupled …

Prevalence Of Low-Energy Availabilty Amongst Female Paralympic Athletes, Alicia Difolco

All Master's Theses

The prevalence of low-energy availability (LEA) in able-bodied female athletes has been extensively examined; however, research has yet to examine LEA in Paralympic athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the risk of LEA and related symptoms including menstrual health, hormonal profiles, and bone mineral density (BMD) in female para-athletes. Female national para-athletes (n = 9) completed 7-day food and activity logs, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Dual energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and hormonal profile blood spot testing. LEAF-Q results suggested that 78% of athletes were considered …

Effectiveness Of Nutrition Education And Fitness Tracking In A Large Corporate Healthcare Wellness Program, Jess Tyrrell

All Master's Theses

In the United States, greater than two-thirds of adults are considered overweight or obese – making the treatment and prevention of overweight/obesity a public health priority. In response, employers are recognizing that promoting and maintaining employee health is beneficial, so the implementation of corporate wellness programs is on the rise. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a ten-month multicomponent employee corporate wellness program on two health-related outcomes: weight loss and step count. The study was used to determine how active utilization of program components would affect the achievement of health-related outcomes among participants. This retrospective …

Staff Perceptions Of Healthy Eating Opportunities And Choices On A Southern University Campus, Rebecca Gwendolyn Miller

Honors Theses

Maintaining a healthy workforce can help an employer to save money in the long run, due to factors such as fewer health-related absences and higher employee productivity. Obesity, a disease with many factors, is accompanied by many comorbidities. Food and beverage choices can play a strong role in the development of obesity. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence staff eating behavior in a large university in the Southeastern United States, using a qualitative research design. Additionally, staff members provided possible solutions to improve the eating environment on the University’s main campus. Using a structured question …

Evaluation Of School Wellness Policies Implementation As Measured By The Organizational Readiness To Change Theory, Elizabeth B. Quirk

Honors Theses

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity trends have been increasing drastically for the past twenty years. School wellness policies have been put into place to help decrease overweight and obesity prevalence. Analyzing a school’s organizational readiness to change for full implementation of wellness policies could identify areas that are contributing or hindering successful implementation of federal regulation of policies and policy outcomes. METHODS: This pilot study included 21 participants, all of whom served as a school wellness coordinator, either at the district or school level in Mississippi. Each participant completed a six-part questionnaire addressing school wellness policy implementation. Survey item development was …

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 …

Measuring Nutrition Literacy Among Participants Enrolled In A Weight Management And Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Abby Perkins

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Title: Measuring Nutrition Literacy Among Participants Enrolled in a Weight Management and Chronic Disease Prevention Program

Purpose: Type II diabetes, hypertension, and overweight/obesity are three of the most common diet-related health conditions and are closely linked to negative health outcomes. Limited nutrition knowledge is associated with inadequate preventative care and poor diet quality, which may exacerbate the development of these conditions. Research suggests that targeted nutrition education increases nutrition literacy and thus is an important component of diet-related chronic disease prevention programs. Despite its importance, nutrition literacy tools are not widely available and/or routinely used in practice. Program/Participants: A total …

“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 …