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Gastrostomy tube not advised for advanced dementia or other near end-of-life patients

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends withholding or withdrawing gastrostomy tubes in patients with advanced dementia. Current scientific evidence suggests that tube feeding does not improve outcomes in this population, instead leading to high mortality rates.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease -- new position paper in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IAFLD) in children is characterized by gradual and often symptomless liver injury, with mortality rates up to 40%. Early enteral feeding and referral to specialized intestinal failure centers are key to prevention and treatment.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateOct 3, 2014

Powerful synergies across different sectors improve health of poor women and children

New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.

SourceHoffman & Hoffman Worldwide·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateSep 16, 2014

Normal-weight counselors feel more successful at helping obese patients slim

A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that normal-weight nutrition and exercise counselors report feeling significantly more successful in getting their obese patients to lose weight than those who are overweight or obese. Patients may be more receptive to those who practice what they pr...

Guiding stars

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that the Guiding Stars System brands items with zero, one, two or three star rating leads to a decline in sales of less healthy foods. Sales of healthy food purchases rose by 1.39% while 'junk food' sales fell by 8.31%. This trend may be due to consumers making healthier choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateAug 19, 2014

Estimated 1.65 million global cardiovascular deaths each year linked to high sodium consumption

A new analysis found that high sodium intake above the World Health Organization's recommendation of 2.0g per day contributes to nearly one in 10 global cardiovascular deaths. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated 1.65 million annual cardiovascular deaths globally.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 13, 2014

Nutrition an issue for Indigenous Australians

A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nutrition was not given enough priority in national Aboriginal health policy between 2000 and 2012. The research identified a significant gap in life expectancy, with Indigenous Australians living 11.5 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateAug 6, 2014

New hospital screening tool helps find children at nutritional risk easier, study finds

A new hospital screening tool, Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST), has been found to be effective in identifying children at nutritional risk. The PNST identified 37.6% of patients as being at nutritional risk, compared to 34.2% with the existing pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA).

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateAug 5, 2014

Room for improvement in elementary school children's lunches and snacks from home

A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that only 27% of elementary school children's lunches met federal guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low- or non-fat dairy. The researchers also found that snacks from home were often high in sugar and calories, with few students drinking water instead of suga...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 22, 2014

Eating lean beef daily can help lower blood pressure

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that eating lean beef daily can effectively lower blood pressure in healthy individuals. The BOLD+ diet, which includes 5.4 ounces of lean beef per day, was more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to other diets tested.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateJul 17, 2014

The millennial tofu surprise

A new study reveals that Millennials are eating tofu because it's convenient and filling, rather than for its nutritional value. The research found that highlighting the ease of cooking and taste can be a more effective way to convince others to try tofu.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEating Behaviors·DateJul 10, 2014

Malnutrition screening of hospital patients common but hospitals failing on nutrition care

A new study finds that hospitals are complying with nutrition screening mandates, but need to improve follow-up assessments and diagnosis of malnutrition. The lack of clinician participation and inadequate training in caregivers hinder the effective treatment of malnutrition in patients.

Nutrition screenings should be regular part of geriatric health assessment

Malnutrition is a significant problem in older adults due to chronic health conditions affecting dietary intake. A comprehensive geriatric analysis (CGA) includes nutrition screenings to address potential problems, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions involving healthcare providers.

Researchers call for patients who receive home nutritional care to have emergency plans

The study recommends that HPEN consumers develop an emergency kit, including a basic emergency kit and an HPEN emergency kit, as well as contact lists for family, friends, physicians, and pharmacy providers. Homecare providers are advised to focus on consumer safety, minimizing service interruptions, and developing contingency plans.

Farmers markets inspire WIC moms, but grocery-store produce costs less!

A University of Illinois study found that WIC moms who received farmers market vouchers consumed a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, despite lower prices at grocery stores. The study suggests that while vouchers can increase access to fresh produce, they may not significantly impact overall consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 3, 2014

Survey finds 'significant gap' in detection of malnutrition in Canadian hospital patients

A survey of Canadian physicians reveals a significant gap between optimal practices for detecting and treating malnutrition in hospitalized patients. The study found that actual assessments completed were much lower than reported, with only 33% of patients being weighed upon admission.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateJun 3, 2014