The Faculty Coffee Chat opened with a review of the Macmillan Teaching and Learning Nutrition Community. The authors post regularly with teaching tips and resources relevant to introductory nutrition along with updates on nutrition news and research. Nutrition faculty can visit Macmillan Learning Nutrition Community to access an array of resources and references. Attendees were shown a sampling of posts in the Nutrition Community including where to find resources and links for the new 2020 edition of the Dietary Guidelines as well as ideas for assignments, projects, and handouts.   Visit the Nutrition Community regularly for new posts!    Nancy Bradshaw, Macmillan Marketing Manager, gave a brief demo of the exciting new online platform ACHIEVE with features and functionalities that reflect feedback from instructors and students and built off Learning Science. ACHIEVE will be available for adoption for Spring 2022 semester. There are some great new features: Instructors can now select a fully pre-curated course (still editable) that provides a pre-built course framework or can build their own. Includes an eBook that can be highlighted and even read aloud! It also has an improved notetaking option that can be saved in a virtual notebook. The Real-World Nutrition activities have been re-envisioned and are now aligned with each chapter and spotlight!    iClicker is integrated with Achieve and students get it free! You can schedule a personal demo of Achieve to learn more at https://go.oncehub.com/AchieveDemos (scroll down to Nutrition) The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 and Digital Update version of the Nutrition for a Changing World 2e is available for use in Spring classes in January 2022! Jamie and Steve shared that they went through each chapter and spotlight for warranted updates related to the DGA as well as identifying and updating pertinent statistics, survey data, and infographics. This link provides an overview as well as how to find your publisher representative to learn more or acquire a review copy.   Scientific American Nutrition for a Changing World: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 & Digital Update  ... View more

Coffee arguably tops the list of the most consumed beverages in the U.S. and in many countries around the globe. The health benefits or risks of coffee consumption is a frequent question and concern from my intro nutrition students over the years. Observational studies have found that coffee consumption is linked with decreased risk of a variety of inflammatory related diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer – and even reduction in all-cause mortality. Research and guidelines echo that intakes of 3-5 cups per day (about 400 mg. caffeine) appear not only to be safe, but potentially beneficial. It is important to note that intake of children and teens should be significantly less, if consumed at all. In addition, moderation is warranted for individuals sensitive to the effects of caffeine. The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans cites popular coffee based sweetened beverages as a significant contributing source of added sugars in the U.S diet. Here’s a recent review of interest entitled Coffee consumption, health benefits and side effects: a narrative review and update for dietitians and nutritionists. ... View more

A new fact sheet from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements entitled Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID is now available with the summary statement "Data are insufficient to support recommendations for or against the use of any vitamin, mineral, herb or other botanical, fatty acid, or other dietary supplement ingredient to prevent or treat COVID-19."  It includes info on the following supplements that have received media and medical attention during the pandemic (along with 245 references and citations):   https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/COVID19-HealthProfessional/?nav=tw&fbclid=IwAR0p-su_hCHgp5VhKiYmeRw7p981Ramk1VOcc2Y76fn4om7-T_q5Ymuby0E  Might be a possible group project to have groups of students each review one these supplements using this info along with other research (and maybe what's been in the media) and then share overall findings with class? Andrographis Echinacea Elderberry (European Elder) Ginseng Melatonin N-acetylcysteine Omega-3 fatty acids Probiotics Vitamin C Vitamin D Zinc ... View more

Can relatively small changes in food choice translate to both health and environmental benefits? The answer is “yes” according to a recent study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health  entitled “Small targeted dietary changes can yield substantial gains for human and environmental health”.  The researchers developed a nutritional index that ranked over 5,800 foods by minutes gained or lost off healthy life per serving – with processed meats and sugary drinks cutting the most time.  In their analysis, substituting a wide variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans added minutes. The rankings also considered environmental impacts and classified individual foods into color-coded categories analogous to a traffic light with green foods having more nutritional and environmental beneficial effects, yellow more moderate, and red indicating foods that compromise nutrition, health, and the environment.  Interesting approach and concept.  A summary of the study with can be found here.  Also, a 20 minute presentation from the lead researcher,  Olivier Jolliet, entitled "Healthy and Sustainable Foods:  Do We All Need to Become Vegan?" (short answer "no" according to Jolliet) is worth the watch.  Drastic and generally unrealistic dietary approaches likely not warranted to see nutritional, health, and environmental impact.  Could generate some great discussion - and likely debate - in the classroom.   🙂 ... View more

Nutrition is an evolving science with new research and recommendations frequently making headlines in the news.  Early in the semester I suggest students sign up for the Nutrition and Dietetics SmartBrief and also share several other credible media/news sources to follow nutrition news.   I also make use of these resources to help stay abreast of new studies and what's trending to help keep lectures and student discussions current - and to have some familiarity with what students might be seeing in the news and social media.  Below are several websites with links to current nutrition related news and research.  Many of the articles include links to the journal article or scientific/health organization press release.  I also started my own Educational Facebook page called Jamie Pope Nutrition Prof where I share a weekly post with nutrition news that I think might be of interest to students, colleagues, friends and family.  Please share any additional nutrition news resources you've found helpful!   Best - Jamie Nutrition and Dietetics SmartBrief (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)   Medical New Today  Diet/Nutrition ScienceDaily Nutrition News EurekAlert! ... View more

I am particularly intrigued by the influences and trends in American eating patterns over time - and these are interesting to share with students in context of current food related beliefs and practices.  For the past 16 years the International Food and Information Council (IFIC) has conducted an annual Food and Health Survey that considers consumer attitudes and practices about diet and food choice.  Among the 2021 survey findings, respondents are yearning for a return to "normalcy" in regards to food choice and eating practices. People are excited to be able to return to restaurants. Online food purchases increased again in the 2021 survey. I was encouraged to see that there is a trend (albeit modest) towards the definition of "healthy" determined by what a food provides (vegetables, fruit, fiber, protein) rather than what it doesn't contain (gluten, GMOs, etc.). You may find a summary of the survey results helpful.  Interested to hear your take on the findings or how you might incorporate into your lecture launchers!   Use "Reply" below. ... View more

Are your students interested in the potential ill effects of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and/or the the importance of a healthy gut microbiota? A recent article in the journal Translational Psychiatry reports that adolescent rats given access to water sweetened to the same level as soft drinks showed impaired cognitive development and altered gut microbiota. They further demonstrate that when the specific strains of bacteria that were enriched in the gut of SSB feed rats were transferred to the gut of adolescent rats they in turn showed impaired memory in adulthood. This provides support for a direct effect of the gut microbiota on brain development and function.  "Gut microbial taxa elevated by dietary sugar disrupt memory function." https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01309-7. ... View more

My students are wrapping up their second project of the semester for which they explore claims, efficacy, and safety of a dietary supplement using credible websites and medical literature (see post from 10-13-2020).  This project not only provides opportunity to learn about a particular supplement, but exposes them to the challenges and questions surrounding supplement regulation and recommendations.  This week during "live" office hours I plan to share the recently proposed Congressional legislation to expand access to dietary supplements via programs like SNAP, WIC, HSAs and FSAs for discussion.  Currently neither SNAP nor WIC allow participants to purchase dietary supplements through the programs.   Interesting proposal that will no doubt generate discussion and debate among health professionals, health organizations, policy makers, and industry representatives.   This proposed legislation certainly brings questions and concerns to my mind!   Read more here:   https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2021/03/18/Ed-Towns-Jr-calls-to-expand-access-to-dietary-supplements And in looking for more on this proposed legislation, I came across this 3/9/2021 article that reports a 12% increase in supplement sales in 2020 alone - and a call for more government focus on supplement regulation, industry practices, and consumer protection.  https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/columns/trade-secrets/modernizing-regulations-for-a-safer-dietary-supplements-industry/  ... View more

A new study from Harvard researchers reminds us once again to eat our veggies and fruit every day to maximize longevity and promote our health.   Consuming three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day was associated with lower mortality.    Only about 1 out of 10 Americans meet these goals.   The study also found that what kind of vegetables and fruits made a significant difference – leafy greens, vitamin-C rich fruits, and vegetables rich in beta-carotene showed benefit while starchy vegetables (like potatoes, corn, peas) and fruit juices were not associated with risk reduction.  The researchers tracked intake over a 30-year period of more than 100,000 adult men and women.  In addition, the study looked at pooled intake data from nearly 2 million adults worldwide.  Here is a link to the journal article and a good summary in Science Daily.   See in the produce section and frozen vegetable aisle!   https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.048996 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210301084519.htm ... View more

A very good read in the March 2021 EATING WELL magazine addressing food security, health disparities, barriers to a healthy diet, information on cost of food items per serving, and more - often framed within the context of the coronavirus pandemic.  Includes CDC data, references to research studies, and comments from a variety of voices in the food security, hunger, and health disparity arenas.  https://www.eatingwell.com/longform/7888683/good-food-for-all/  ... View more

I had another post in mind for today, but this nutrition news was too interesting not to share. Vitamin D has been prominent in the media with changing perspectives on its role in helping defend against, treat, and mitigate severity of COVID-19 - and you are likely getting questions from students about the role of diet and supplements in immune support. This past week, Congressman Glenn Grothman introduced a House Resolution to recognize the significant role vitamin D may play in the fight against COVID-19 - particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised. Link to resolution here and article summarizing the background and intent of the resolution.  The Wisconsin legislator pointed to claims of science and medical experts from the U.S. and abroad that sent an open letter to world governments stating clear evidence that Vitamin D reduces COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.    ... View more

I joined the launch of the newest 2020-2025 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) this morning (12/29). These science-based recommendations are released every five years to reflect the latest research and evidence in regards to the role of diet in promoting health and preventing disease. This edition builds upon previous editions, but with a new focus on nutrition across life stages - for the first time including infancy to age 2. The theme is "Make Every Bite Count" and there are four overarching guidelines as depicted below. A link to the Executive Summary can be found here:  https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/DGA_2020-2025_ExecutiveSummary_English.pdf  Visit dietaryguidelines.gov for more info.  We will be sharing resources and slides about the newest edition of the DGA with instructors early in 2021 that can be used or adapted for Spring semester.        ... View more

The first assignment in my introductory nutrition course is to submit one nutrition related question to address during the semester. The most common question revolves around "just what is a healthy diet?". The media overflows with confusing and conflicting - and often unreasonable - information and advice. Bottom line, a healthy eating pattern revolves around balance, variety, adequacy, and moderation as addressed in Chapter 2 on Healthy Diets.  But how do consumers define these characteristics? This article provides details from a study that shows people view variety and balance differently - and not always in line with what nutrition experts and dietary guidelines intend. https://theconversation.com/food-variety-is-important-for...         ... View more

We explore the common behaviors in populations that live the longest around the globe in our Nutrition for a Changing World chapter on "Nutrition and Aging". This interesting article also features the Blue Zones and focuses on food choices that promote longevity. Let me know and happy to share a pdf of the chapter if you don't have the textbook! https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/10/90-to-100-plant-based-diet-food-longevity-secrets-from-people-who-live-to-100-or-longer.html  ... View more

A frequent question from my undergraduate students is about the value of drinking milk as an adult - and which of the plant-based "milks" might be a good alternative. First, there is not good evidence that moderate cow's milk or dairy consumption as part of an overall healthy diet presents risk - and actually some good evidence of health benefits. However, it is also very possible to have a healthy and adequate diet without cow's milk - just may need to consider alternate sources or supplements for nutrients (like calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin) for which milk is a good source. Here is an excellent article with an overview of cow's milk and milk alternatives by a registered dietitian. My vote for the closest milk alternative is soy. https://theconversation.com/soy-oat-almond-rice-coconut-dairy-which-milk-is-best-for-our-health-146869  ... View more