Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Managing Maternal Anemia In Pregnancy: The Role Of Iron-Rich Foods And Supplementation, Carli Dibler

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Anemia during pregnancy is a large public health concern, which often leads to independent risk factors for fetal and maternal outcomes including postpartum hemorrhaging, cesarean sections, blood transfusions during and after the labor process, hysterectomies, preterm birth, and infectious diseases. Six level I-III studies were analyzed using the John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model. Findings showed that by using a combined approach of dietary intake and supplementation overall leads to better fetal and maternal outcomes compared to supplementation alone.

Re-Evaluating The Safety Of Erythritol: A Critical Review Of Emerging Evidence, Kaitlyn B. Kirchner

Honors Thesis

Erythritol, a commonly used non-nutritive sweetener, has gained popularity as a sugar alternative due to its low caloric value and minimal effect on blood glucose levels; however, emerging research has raised questions about its overall safety. This literature review critically evaluates current peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of erythritol on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Findings indicate that erythritol is generally well tolerated in the gastrointestinal tract, with fewer adverse effects than other sugar alcohols due to its rapid absorption and limited fermentation, although symptoms may be dose-dependent and influenced by co-ingestion with other carbohydrates. In contrast, evidence related to …

Prevalence Of Disordered Eating Behaviors In Junior And Senior Human Nutrition And Dietetics Students At The University Of Arkansas, Grace P. Carroum, Mallori Roberts

General Human Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Disordered eating (DE) is a prevalent concern among college students and may be particularly relevant among nutrition and dietetics students due to their academic focus on food, weight, and health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and frequency of disordered eating behaviors among junior and senior Human Nutrition and Dietetics students at the University of Arkansas using item-level responses from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS). A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected via an anonymous online survey (n = 11). Descriptive statistics were used to examine the frequency of specific behaviors. Overall, most …

Effects Of Weight Loss Medications In Combination With Psychotropic Medications, Emily A. Hoffman

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and aims: The obesity epidemic has been well-documented and weight loss medications are becoming increasingly popular. Patients with psychiatric conditions often suffer metabolic side effects from psychotropic medications and are often prescribed weight loss medications to mitigate these side effects. When treating patients on these medications concurrently, understanding their potential side effects is essential for developing an effective care plan. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), pharmacists, and mental health professionals working in mental health facilities should be aware of these potential side effects to better care for their patients.

Methods: After completing a thorough literature review, a handbook …

Food Fortification Strategies To Address Micronutrient Deficiencies In Cambodia: A Scoping Review Of Policy Implementation, Industry Capacity, And Public Health Outcomes, Sokha Yem, Sreypeov Tun, Sokunthea Kem

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge in Cambodia, with iron deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency disorders, zinc deficiency, and vitamin A deficiency disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age and children under five. Food fortification—the deliberate addition of essential micronutrients to commonly consumed foods—has been widely recognised as a cost-effective population-level intervention to address nutritional gaps. Objective: To systematically map and synthesise existing evidence on food fortification strategies in Cambodia, focusing on policy implementation, industry production capacity and compliance, regulatory enforcement, and public health outcomes. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework and …

The Effect Of Education Using The Lecture Method And Puzzle Games On The Level Of Knowledge And Attitude Toward Balanced Nutrition Among Students Of Sdn Pakintelan 01 In Gunung Pati District, Semarang City, Erlin Nurlina, Syifa Qolbiyah Nasir

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Fulfilled nutritional needs play an important role at school age. The beginning of nutritional problems occurs due to knowledge factors, so it is necessary to implement efforts to provide information about balanced nutrition. Nutrition education research using lecture and puzzle game methods was conducted at SDN Pakintelan 01 aimed at determining changes in the level of knowledge and attitudes of students regarding balanced nutrition. The type of research is Quasy Experiment and uses a pretest-post test design with control group design. The sampling technique uses stratified random sampling. The number of samples of the control group given education (lecture method) …

Fiber Content, Total Sugar, And Glycemic Index Of Jackfruit Seed And Pigeon Pea Flour Snack Bar, Dhiyaa Septi Kirana, Tesa Rafkhani

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Indonesia is the 7th leading cause of death. Diets high in sugar and glycemic index, and low in fiber are known to trigger hyperglycemia. Snack bars high in fiber and low in glycemic index are known to reduce blood glucose levels. This research aims to determine a snack bar formulation made from jackfruit seed and pigeon pea flour and analyze fiber content, total sugar, and glycemic index value. This study used a completely randomized design analyzing three different proportions of jackfruit seed and pigeon pea flour, namely F1 (30%:70%), F2 (40%:60%), and F3 (50%:50%) with two …

The Relationship Between Consumption Frequency And Energy Intake Of Ultra-Processed Food And Obesity Based On Body Fat Percentage Among Fph Ui Students In 2025, Sarah Keisya Budiargo, Triyanti Triyanti, Asih Setiarini, Dieta Nurrika

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is the accumulation of excessive body fat and increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases. Obesity prevalence among FPH UI students based on health examination data in 2022-2024 has reached 13.6%, exceeding the public health concern threshold and requiring more accurate measurement than Body Mass Index. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption frequency and energy intake with obesity incidence based on body fat percentage among 147 FPH UI students in 2025. This cross-sectional study utilized the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) based on NOVA classification to assess UPF intake. Body fat percentage was …

The Relationship Between Obesity Among Children And Adolescents With Dietary Intake And Physical Activity: A Scoping Review, Devi Dwi Yolani, Tania Okta Wardhani, Rani Aqilah Ni’Matul Maula, Almira Sitasari, Tri Siswati

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Childhood and adolescent obesity remain a significant public health issue worldwide. This review summarizes research on the relationship among obesity, physical activity, and diet. This study aims to investigate the relationship between children's and adolescents' obesity, their physical activity levels, and diet. A scoping review was conducted by assessing 81 research journal articles from 2014 to 2023 from electronic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy used Boolean operators as follows: (“child*” OR “adolescent”) AND (“obesity”) AND (“diet” OR “food intake”) AND (“physical activity”), selected based on the inclusion criteria of children and adolescents aged 1-18 years …

Integrating Nutrition Education To Improve The Effectiveness And Sustainability Of Makan Bergizi Gratis Programs, Akifa Laila Rusyda, Dewi Firda Sari, Ida Fransiska Pandiangan, Putri Mulifajar Gintings

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program represents Indonesia's strategic effort to strengthen human capital by addressing malnutrition among school-aged. However, evidence suggests that school feeding alone is insufficient without structured nutrition education to promote sustained behavioral change. The present study examines opportunities and feasibility for embedding nutrition education within MBG implementation. Two-stage design was performed, including curriculum content reviews and qualitative case study design. A systematic curriculum content analysis was conducted across the school-based curriculum (KTSP) (2006), K-13 curriculum (2013 – 2017), and the Merdeka curriculum (2022 - present), using predefined nutrition competencies and behavioral domains as analytical frameworks. Purposive …

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 …

Analyzing 24-Hour Diet Recalls To Assess Dietary Changes Among Children Who Complete Oral Food Challenges (Ofcs), Hannah Plank, Wan Shen, Heesoon Lee

Honors Projects

Pediatric food allergies are a growing public health concern in America due to their potential association with long-term nutritional impacts and reduced quality of life in those affected. Oral food challenges (OFCs) are considered the gold standard for clinical food allergy diagnosis, but few studies have examined if passing or failing an OFC affects overall diet quality in infants. This clinical observational study examined differences in diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), among 39 children aged 0–6 years who participated in OFCs at ProMedica Allergy and Immunology Clinic in Perrysburg, Ohio. Parents and caregivers reported daily dietary …

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 …

Beetroot Juice And Vitamin C Co-Supplementation Enhances Anaerobic Performance And Reduces Post-Exercise Glycemia In Wrestlers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial, Maedeh Nojoumi, Ali Jafari, Alireza Hosseini Kakhiki, Ali Jafarzadeh Esfehani, Hossein Rafiei, Chad Kerksick, Oluwatoyosi Owoeye, Reza Rezvani

Faculty Scholarship

Background

Wrestling, characterized by high-intensity intermittent efforts, demands exceptional anaerobic power and recovery capacity. Nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BRJ), supplemented with vitamin C, has emerged as a potential ergogenic aid through increased nitric oxide bioavailability. However, limited data exists regarding its acute effects on anaerobic performance in combat sport athletes. This study investigated the acute effects of BRJ supplemented with vitamin C on upper- and lower-body anaerobic test performance and selected biochemical markers in collegiate wrestlers.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 28 collegiate male wrestlers (18–24 years) consumed a single 250-ml BRJ drink (8.4 mmol nitrate + 90 …

Mixed Methods Evaluation Of A Shipped Medically Tailored Meal Pilot Intervention, Shelly Palmer, Laura E. Balis, Amy L. Yaroch

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Medically tailored meal (MTM) programs generally demonstrate meaningful health outcomes for patients. There is a need to evaluate novel MTM delivery methods to understand participant and organizational-level impacts. The objectives of this study were to assess a shipped MTM pilot intervention, including 1) initial and ongoing client reach, 2) effects on clients’ health and behaviors, and 3) staff members’ perceptions of factors that influence intervention maintenance.

Methods: Based on the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, the mixed methods design included quantitative data collected from participants and qualitative data collected from MTM provider staff. The pilot took place …

Eating For Healthy Eyes: The Role Of Nutrition In Ocular Health, Brianna Stroh

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The central research question of this thesis asks: How does nutrition influence ocular health overall and the impact of nutrition on the development or progression of common eye diseases? Building upon existing research in optometry/ophthalmology, nutrition science, and public health, this project examines the physiological mechanisms linking diet to eye health and evaluates how specific nutrients and dietary patterns contribute to disease prevention and visual function. This thesis employs a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the relationship between nutrition and ocular disease. Key areas of focus include the role of oxidative stress in eye disease development, the protective …

The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption On Cancer Development, Bailey G. Ottmann

Emerging Writers

The dramatic rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption worldwide has sparked growing concerns about its impact on cancer development and human health. UPFs contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, dyes, and toxic compounds formed during cooking and processing. This study investigates the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer through a review of primary and secondary sources, alongside an observational survey conducted among 15 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and nursing educators. Survey findings indicate that 53% of participants observed higher cancer prevalence in patients consuming large amounts of UPFs, with colorectal cancer most frequently reported. The …

Impressions Of An Electrolyte Beverage Among Individuals Participating In Collegiate Sports, S. Andrew Cage, Alexander P. Jacobsen, Jessie Gibson, Eric Bobel, Rebecca Peebles, Derek Lege, M.Ed., Cscs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to describe the appeal of an electrolyte hydration beverage for individuals participating in collegiate athletics. A secondary purpose of this project was to describe the acute impact of the examined beverage on the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: A total 100 individuals participating in collegiate athletics were enrolled in this study (age = 21 ± 2 years, Male = 51, Female = 49). Each participant was provided a packet of electrolyte drink mix (EverLyte^® sticks, Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., Muscatine, IA). Participants were instructed to combine the drink mix with a bottle of …

Supporting Latine Older Adults’ Nutrition And Physical Health Goals In Counseling, Zachary Mcniece, Jacqueline Bergman

Adultspan Journal

Latine older adults face disproportionate risk of chronic nutrition-related conditions and food insecurity, which can exacerbate or contribute to mental health-related concerns. Cultural stigma toward mental illness can result in Latine clients, especially older adults, somatizing symptoms and focusing on physical health goals in counseling. Despite these intersecting needs, counselors often overlook their clients' physical health goals due to limited training and the assumption that medical providers alone should address these needs. This article advocates for the integration of basic, culturally responsive nutrition information into counseling practice to support client well-being while remaining within the scope of practice. We offer …

Nutritional Care For Adults With Obesity Treated With Glp-1and Dual Gip/Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Review Of Evidence, Gaps, And Clinical Implications, Carolina Mcguane

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Abstract

Background:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GIP/GLP-1 RAs) have revolutionized obesity management, producing unprecedented weight loss outcomes. Their widespread use has outpaced research on nutritional implications, adverse events, and evidence-based guidance for dietitians. Given the central role of nutrition practitioners in supporting adults with obesity, understanding the mechanisms, risks, and nutrition-related outcomes of GLP-1 therapies is critical.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles on the topic of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) use and nutrition-related …