Issue 32.2 brings a harbinger of spring in the northeast-warmer weather, longer days, delicate edible greens at the farmer's market, and birds singing to welcome a new season. The authors in this new issue have worked hard to advance nutrition and dietetics practice. And, fortunately, we have a variety of articles to push forward our research-based practice agenda.
Mirza et al examined the intakes of patients undergoing hemodialysis and analyzed energy and other nutrients from 3-day food records (1 dialysis day and 2 nondialysis days). The team found that patients undergoing dialysis had lower energy and nutrient intakes, but, when adjusted for energy, the intakes were not significantly different.
Sodium status and growth velocity are important considerations for premature infants. This article by Fisher et al describes the association between inadequate sodium status and outcomes of gastrointestinal and kidney functions in premature infants. The effects of sodium supplementation are described along with gastrointestinal functioning due to disease.
Nutrition scientists have an interest in immune function based on recent studies. A review article by Loveless provides evidence of maternal long-chain amino acids and their effect on immune function in offspring. The evidence shows the potential that omega-3 fatty acids may influence the immune system in utero and in the subsequent development of atopic disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis may cause food problems for patients inflicted with the disease. Eighty-nine patients were surveyed about their cooking and eating habits using a brief diet history questionnaire. The results of the survey revealed that energy, protein, and fat estimations were higher than the national average. Mizukami et al recommend nutrition counseling for patients with arthritis.
Freitag Luglio et al developed a new exercise regimen and combined it with a low-calorie diet to determine the effects in overweight/obese adults. During an 8-week study, 2 groups followed either a low-calorie diet alone or an exercise regimen plus a low-calorie diet. Findings indicated greater weight loss and improved body composition with the combined diet and aerobic/strength training program.
A consumer survey was conducted by Zhang et al to find out how food labels are used to make decisions. The data fell in 2 categories, individuals who use labels primarily for shopping decisions and those who make decisions about diet choices. Monitored as part of a national Health and Diet Survey, the number of individuals who used labels for diet decisions had increased in 2008 compared with prior surveys. In addition, they found the most frequent labels users were female, well-educated, aged 50 to 59 years who had a health issue.
The Thanks to Reviewers extends our appreciation to the 2016 contributors to Topics in Clinical Nutrition. The editorial board appreciates another year of research and practice-based articles by our authors and the essential feedback from our astute and conscientious reviewers and readers.
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor