Novel Lines of Research on the Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nut Consumption.

Nuts have formed part of human diets throughout the ages. In recent decades, research has shown they are key foods in dietary patterns associated with lower chronic disease risk. The current state of climate change, however, has introduced an imperative to review the impact of dietary patterns on the environment with a shift to plant-based diets.

Effects of Nut Consumption on Blood Lipids and Lipoproteins: A Comprehensive Literature Update.

In the present review, we provide a comprehensive narrative overview of the current knowledge on the effects of total and specific types of nut consumption (excluding nut oil) on blood lipids and lipoproteins. We identified a total of 19 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were available in PubMed from the inception date to November 2022. A consistent beneficial effect of most nuts, namely total nuts and tree nuts, including walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pistachios, has been reported across meta-analyses in decreasing total cholesterol (mean difference, MD, -0.

Gut health, the microbiome and dietary choices: An exploration of consumer perspectives.

Aims: To explore consumer perceptions regarding dietary behaviours related to the gut microbiome, to assist in effective translation of research to practice.

Methods: Online focus groups were conducted (adults with no formal medical or nutrition training). Semi-structured open-ended questioning explored perspectives related to gut health and dietary behaviours.

Dietitians' perspectives on the role of dietetics practice in 'gut health'.

Aims: This study aimed to explore dietitians' perspectives on the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and 'gut health' and the current and emerging role of dietetics practice in this area.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian dietitians, focused on the perspectives related to gut health management in dietetics practice.

Investigating the prevalence of nutritional abnormalities in patients prior to and following bariatric surgery.

Aims: Bariatric surgery remains an effective treatment for the condition of obesity. However it predisposes patients to nutritional deficiencies and related complications. The aim of this study was to identify nutritional abnormalities, weight loss, adherence to supplements, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in a cohort of bariatric surgical patients.

Nutrition and Health Claims: Consumer Use and Evolving Regulation.

Purpose Of Review: The value of nutrition and health claims (N&HC) depends on how consumers use them and the regulatory framework that enables them. This paper aims to explore the impact of claims on consumer behaviour and identify evolving regulatory challenges, using the Australian experience as a reference point.

Recent Findings: N&HC can influence consumer food purchasing and consumption, but how consumers interpret and act on specific claims is less well understood, and regulatory frameworks are evolving.

The therapeutic relationship between a client and dietitian: A systematic integrative review of empirical literature.

Aim: Scientific evidence underpins dietetics practice; however, evidence of how the therapeutic relationship influences outcomes is limited. This integrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic of the therapeutic relationship between clients and dietitians in the individual counselling context by summarising empirical literature into qualitative themes.

Methods: An electronic literature search of the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted in October 2018 and repeated in February 2021.

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the role of dietitians within multidisciplinary head and neck cancer teams: A qualitative multi-site study.

Aim: Evidence-based guidelines provide recommendations on how dietitians should work with patients with head and neck cancer for best outcomes. Research with healthcare professionals from head and neck cancer teams would provide insight into how these recommendations are implemented in practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how the role of the dietitian is perceived and enacted in different head and neck cancer teams from the perspective of healthcare professionals.

The views, experiences and expectations of Australian Meals on Wheels customers: A national survey.

Objective: To investigate views and expectations of Australian Meals on Wheels (MOW) customers to inform the development of National Meal Guidelines and improve current services.

Methods: A survey was designed through literature review and consultations with key stakeholders. National convenience sampling returned  337 surveys.

Development of the Australian National Meal Guidelines for home-delivered and centre-based meal programs for older adults.

Issue Addressed: This research aimed to develop and disseminate National Meal Guidelines for Australian home-delivered and centre-based meal programs.

Methods: Development was led by a project group of dietitians and a steering group of representatives from the Australian Meals on Wheels Association. The process framework included three phases: (1) Review of existing standards and guidelines and systematic literature review (SLR), (2) stakeholder consultation conducted via six workshops, across six states (N = 212) and surveys with service providers, health professionals (N = 289) and customers (N = 337) and (3) review of the draft guidelines by stakeholders.

Changes in Anthropometric Measures, Nutritional Indices and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Following One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) Compared with Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (RYGB).

Purpose: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity with new procedures emerging. However, despite comparable weight loss and improvements in metabolic outcomes, research on nutritional and gastrointestinal symptoms remains limited. Here we compare clinical data on weight, nutritional disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms of patients before and following one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric Bypass (RYGB).

Collaborative, interprofessional nutritional care within head and neck cancer teams: an international multi-site qualitative study.

Evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) recommend that nutritional care is delivered by an interprofessional team inclusive of dietitians, doctors, nurses, and speech pathologists. Barriers to collaboration exist within interprofessional teams. However, research on this is currently lacking in the HNC setting, particularly with regard to the provision of nutritional care.

How is the client-dietitian relationship embedded in the professional education of dietitians? An analysis of curriculum documentation and program coordinators' perspectives in Australia.

Aim: How dietitians are trained to develop relationships with clients is not clearly articulated despite its importance being well-documented. This study aimed to describe how this relationship is expressed and addressed in curriculum documents of Australian dietetics education programs, and to explore program coordinators' perspectives of this description and how relationship development is actually taught.

Methods: Data extracted from subject outlines included subject descriptions, learning outcomes, assessments, readings and the mode of delivery (eg, lectures).

Gut microbiome responses to dietary intake of grain-based fibers with the potential to modulate markers of metabolic disease: a systematic literature review.

Context: Cereal fiber modulates the gut microbiome and benefits metabolic health. The potential link between these effects is of interest.0.

Identifying Usual Food Choice Combinations With Walnuts: Analysis of a 2005-2015 Clinical Trial Cohort of Overweight and Obese Adults.

Consumption of nuts has been associated with a range of favorable health outcomes. Evidence is now emerging to suggest that walnuts may also play an important role in supporting the consumption of a healthy dietary pattern. However, limited studies have explored how walnuts are eaten at different meal occasions.

Using the Delphi process to identify priorities for Dietetic research in Australia 2020-2030.

Aim: This research aimed to use a consensus process to develop a framework and definition for nutrition and dietetic research, and to identify dietetic research priorities for Australia for the period 2020 to 2030.

Methods: A three-round Delphi process was selected to enable dietitians with demonstrated research expertise to contribute to the national priority development. All Fellows of the Dietitians Association of Australia, Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitians and research leaders were invited to participate (n = 84).

Validity and Reliability of a Field Hockey-Specific Dribbling Speed Test.

Tapsell, LC, Binnie, MJ, Lay, BS, Dawson, BT, and Goods, PSR. Validity and reliability of a field hockey-specific dribbling speed test. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1720-1725, 2022-The present study aimed to design a valid and reliable test for field hockey players that concurrently assesses the skill of dribbling and sport-specific agility.

Exploring dietary changes in an interdisciplinary intervention trial: Application of a dietary guidelines food composition database.

Background: Consumption of food groups aligning with dietary guidelines is advised for obesity management and was used in a recent lifestyle intervention trial, the Health Track study. We have conducted a number of dietary pattern analyses on this trial but, with recent access to the new Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) food composition database, we can now assess ADG adherence, with the advantage of categorising mixed dishes. The present study aimed to compare changes over time in consumption of ADG food groups.

Nutritional Care of Patients Admitted to Hospital for Alcohol Withdrawal: A 5-Year Retrospective Audit.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and the nutritional approaches implemented with patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records for patients admitted to a tertiary hospital for alcohol withdrawal was completed over a 5-year period 2013-2017. Data on nutrition-related assessment and management were extracted and descriptively analysed.

Effect of walnut consumption on markers of blood glucose control: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease increasing in global prevalence. Although habitual consumption of walnuts is associated with reduced risk of CVD, there is inconsistent evidence for the impact of walnut consumption on markers of glycaemic control. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of walnut consumption on markers of blood glucose control.

Nut consumption in a representative survey of Australians: a secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

Objective: Nut consumption is associated with a range of health benefits. The current study aimed to examine nut consumption in the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) and to investigate associations between nut intake, nutrient intake and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements.

Design: Secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 NNPAS.

The Relationship Between Bariatric Surgery and Diet Quality: a Systematic Review.

Background: Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. These procedures change the gastrointestinal system with the aim of reducing dietary intake. Improving diet quality is essential in maintaining nutritional health and achieving long-term benefits from the surgery.