The first issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition in 2018 presents a compilation of research articles, reviews, and practice projects focusing on children and families, food security and management, and treating of chronic diseases. For the future issues in 2018, we are planning for more articles on education and aging along with reports on interprofessional education, food access, and availability of key nutrients and diet patterns.
Quick and her colleagues report on a cross-sectional study that explored gender differences of parents as gatekeepers in homes with young children. Their inquiry revealed that with 54 fathers as gatekeepers, family meals included more meals consisting of fast foods, were consumed in front of the television, and had more salty/fatty snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages as compared with the 601 mothers in the study. However, they concluded that the feeding strategies of mothers and fathers with young children could be improved.
BackPack is a program sponsored by Feeding America that provides healthy food for children in families without adequate food supplies on the weekend. An evaluation asked questions on food security, readiness to learn, and behavior of a group of children in the program. Results found reports of improved food security and increased readiness to learn among respondents. According to Wright and Epps, BackPack may be an effective approach for meeting gaps in food assistance for children and their parents.
Nikniaz and colleagues assessed associations between food insecurity, lipids profiles, and atherogenic indices using the Household Food Security Scale. The serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and other ratios were calculated. Many differences were in high- and low-food-secure groups for men and women. The association observed between food insecurity and dyslipidemia strengthens the evidence that food insecurity may be a marker of poor overall health.
San Mauro-Martin et al studied plant sterols in a double-blind crossover clinical trial with 30 women and 24 men. Total body fat in the control group and the cholesterol reduction group was significantly correlated with LDL and non-HDL reduction. Differences in sex effect were observed in this clinical trial.
Pongthananikorn et al examined the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. The patients with metabolic syndrome (18.5%) had significantly higher fasting blood glucose levels, triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass indices but lower HDL-cholesterol than those without metabolic syndrome. A difference in carbohydrate intake was observed between groups. These findings indicated that HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy should be managed for this problem.
A narrative review by Patusco et al examined the use of vitamin supplements for children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Improving antioxidant-oxidant balance is an intervention for managing pediatric NAFLD. The review looked at how supplemental vitamin E, combined with lifestyle alterations, can influence the NAFLD progression and treatment in affected children.
Treatment records of 145 head and neck radiation oncology patients were reviewed by Wallace et al to determine differences in short-term outcomes based on weight status and clinical factors. Significant weight loss, dehydration, and unplanned hospitalizations were higher among patients receiving chemotherapy and for those with multiple comorbidities. Short-term outcomes should be examined when setting priorities for the nutrition care of patients with head and neck cancer.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) describes postnatal withdrawal syndrome that may occur in infants as a result of fetal exposure to drugs. This case report by Gottesman et al highlights the management of an infant with signs of NAS who had feeding difficulties and poor weight gain and experienced delayed drug withdrawal over a course of 6 months of hospitalization.
Thank you for your contributions over the past year, and we look forward to a productive 2018 for everyone who contributes to the journal. We anticipate another interesting year in a time when lifestyle factors, especially food, nutrition, and sustainability, are important nationally and internationally
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor
-Elizabeth Young, MA, CCP
Managing Editor