Trending Topics
...a hot take on a trending topic
Trending Topics articles are published in timely response to recent media and journal articles, position statements, clinical guidelines, etc. Since they are based on the most recent evidence/publications, they may not be consistent with PEN evidence in other PEN content areas. As soon as possible, when this occurs, the PEN content will be reviewed and updated as needed.
Anti-inflammatory Diets and Health
Dietitians are receiving client questions about anti-inflammatory diets that have made headlines in recent months and years. Questions focus on including anti-inflammatory foods in everyday dietary patterns to promote overall health and protect against chronic diseases.
Low Calorie/Energy Restriction to Promote Type 2 Diabetes Remission - Is There Truth to This?
Recently posted in U.K. university news, the use of low calorie diets by individuals of South Asian ethnicity promoted weight loss, resulting in the remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Similar postings about T2DM remission have been seen on various social networks, often relating to the DiRECT Trial (Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial), as well as new related clinical practice guidelines in Canada. The PEN Team conducted a quick review of these studies to assess their application to dietetic practice.
Does High Protein Dairy Milk Have More Health Benefits than Regular Dairy Milk?
A PEN System user recently reached out to the PEN Team to share their experience with parents of young children choosing high protein milk products for their children and questioned if this is good practice. The PEN Team thought a deeper dive into the possible merits or adverse effects of recommending high protein milk to clients would be useful to dietitians.
Dietary Supplements - Can Consumers Trust What’s on the Label and in the Package?
The PEN Team thought a deeper look into mislabelled dietary supplement products might be a topic of interest to practitioners whose clients are, or are considering, taking dietary supplements.
#Guttok: Are L-Glutamine Supplements Needed for Gut Health in Healthy Populations?
Social media influencers are sharing their gut health struggles and tips to "hack" your gut” using hashtags such as #guttok, #guthealth and #guthealing. Recently, this included promoting the use of L-glutamine supplements to heal the gastrointestinal system. The content targets individuals experiencing various ailments, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating and other symptoms associated with a ‘leaky gut’.
Dietetic Practice and the Effects of Climate Change on the Global Food Supply
Based on a United Nations (UN) report, as the climate changes, food will become more expensive, scarcer and even less nutritious. People across the globe have already started to adapt what food they eat based on what’s available, accessible and acceptable to them.
Promoting Cultural Competence Using a Heart Healthy Diet to Lower Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Cultural competence in dietetics is an important aspect of cultivating trust and connection with clients seeking to improve dietary outcomes. Dietary recommendations need to reflect the unique culture of individuals and population(s).
North American Shortage of Infant Formula Sparks International Response
There is a shortage of infant formula in the U.S. that has implications for the Canadian market. The shortage of infant formulas for infants with food allergies and certain medical conditions is of particular concern as there are fewer opportunities for formula substitutions.
Does a Vegetarian Eating Pattern Affect a Child’s Nutrition Status and Growth?
A 2022 paper, Vegetarian Diet, Growth, and Nutrition in Early Childhood: a Longitudinal Cohort Study, has gained traction on social media. The PEN Team took a closer look at the study to assess if the current PEN recommendations related to children and vegetarian eating are up to date with this latest evidence.
Sweeteners and Cancer Risk – Is There a Strong Association?
A recent large cohort study examining artificial sweetener intake with cancer risk concluded that artificial sweeteners were associated with increased cancer risk. This has important implications for practice, given the wide range use of sweeteners in foods and beverages and the frequency that these foods and beverages are consumed.