Vitamin D has been the nutrient receiving major media attention in the past few years. This issue includes 3 reviews that examine the role of vitamin D in the development, progression, and management of chronic diseases. Parekh examined the association between vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration. da Silva broadened her examination of vitamin D in heart failure with 2 other micronutrients, thiamin and magnesium. She gives guidance to dietitians who provide medical nutrition therapy to patients with heart failure. Stevens has focused her systematic review on the treatment and prevention of multiple sclerosis. The key role of vitamin D in autoimmune disease management warranted this literature review of patients with multiple sclerosis and vitamin D supplementation.

Knoblock-Hahn and her colleagues surveyed directors of accredited dietetics education programs about curricula content related to cultural competence. One hundred fifty-three directors responded and reported that less than 20% teach a required course in cultural competency in their programs.

Another topic of recent interest in dietetic education has been physical assessment training. Stankorb et al conducted an online survey to determine the use of Nutrition-Focused Physical Examination (NFPE) skills of a sample of practicing dietitians. They found that anthropometric measurement was the most frequent skill that dietitians performed independently. However, 13 of 20 skills in the NFPE were infrequently performed and dietitians recommended an increased emphasis on NFPE training.

Hemodialysis patients were the focus of a project by Kandiah et al. A pilot clinical trial on the effectiveness of a nutrition game to lower serum phosphorus suggested that creative education strategies may be effective.

Although body image among females has been studied and discussed often in the literature, investigation of boys and body image has been limited. Williams and his colleagues have done a review of this topic and highlighted weight gain and weight loss issues surrounding American boys and body image. They found several demographic and behavioral factors that warrant further research and clarification by nutrition and health care professionals to address these issues.

Condrasky et al have examined the outcomes of a culinary nutrition program for adolescents. Using pre- and postquestionnaires, the camp program demonstrated improvements in knowledge and confidence in acquiring food-preparation skills.

Thanks, again, for all your contributions to Topics in Clinical Nutrition. On behalf of the editorial team, we appreciate your hard work and commitment to the dissemination and analysis of critical issues.

Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RD, FADA

Editor