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E-Newsletter • April 2025 |
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Editor's E-Note
All About Kids
Dietitians understand the critical importance of optimizing nutrition during the formative period of childhood, where rapid growth and development paired with the body’s highly impressionable physiology set the tone for life-long disease risk. In this month’s E-News Exclusive, we explore the escalating concern of pediatric hypertension, asking what unique nutrition considerations are at play in this population, and how RDs can make a positive impact.
After reading the article, visit TD’s website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the digital edition of our April issue, featuring our exciting pediatric-focused cover story on nutrition support for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. Alongside, you’ll find features discussing new nutrition research in polycystic kidney disease and nutrition interventions for the neuromuscular condition, myasthenia gravis. Returning to our pediatric theme, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn CPE credits while updating your knowledge on nutrition for the low-birth-weight infant.
Our new Cultural Foodways department continues to shine through 2025, with this month celebrating the multicultural blend of lively tastes and rich traditions throughout the Caribbean.
Please enjoy the E-Newsletter and give us your feedback at TDeditor@gvpub.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN, editor |
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Confronting Pediatric Hypertension
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN
Hypertension (HTN) is a condition typically associated with adults, so it might come as a surprise to learn that HTN in youth is on the rise.1 A diagnosis of HTN in childhood can predict early onset CVD and other serious health conditions later in life, making prevention, early detection, and proper intervention critical. Although nutrition strategies can be highly effective in both preventive care and HTN management, many may wonder if there are differences in how clinicians ought to approach this condition in children compared with adults.
Kids vs Adults
In contrast to adults, there is a lack of high-quality peer-reviewed studies examining the effects of HTN interventions in the pediatric population. This may lead some to question whether there’s sufficient evidence to support interventions more common in adult populations, such as the well-known DASH diet, and if there are special considerations for pediatric HTN.
In a recently published paper from 2024, the authors sought to answer many of these questions by reviewing the latest evidence on specific nutrients, dietary patterns, and public health strategies that may help manage blood pressure (BP) in the pediatric population. They conducted a narrative review across several databases targeting meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies worldwide. They also included data from scientific organizations such as the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority.1 Here, we’ll reveal their findings, alongside related research, and share what it means for nutrition experts.
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Plant-Rich, Low Saturated-Fat Diet Associated With Reduced Psoriasis Severity
A diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats, low in salt and sugar, is associated with reduced psoriasis severity, new research finds.
The new study by researchers at King's College London, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, has found significant associations between diet quality and the severity of psoriasis. The findings provide novel insights into how dietary patterns may be related to psoriasis severity in non-Mediterranean populations.
Psoriasis is a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease that causes flaky patches of skin that form scales. Affecting millions worldwide, it is believed to be caused by a problem with the immune system.
The research analyzed data from 257 adults with psoriasis who had completed an online survey. Participants' adherence to various diet quality scores—including the Mediterranean Diet Score, the DASH score, and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index—was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Psoriasis severity was self-assessed using a validated questionnaire.
Key findings from the study indicate that individuals with very low adherence to the DASH diet index and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index were significantly more likely to report higher psoriasis severity.
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Water, Plain Milk Are the Healthiest Drinks for Kids
Health experts recommend water and plain cow’s milk as the best drinks for children and teens, reports U.S. News. Their review highlights the benefits of hydration from tap water and essential nutrients from low-fat or fat-free milk. While small amounts of 100% juice are acceptable, it’s best to limit or avoid plant-based milks, sugary beverages, and caffeinated drinks for better long-term health.
Replacing Butter With Some Plant Oils Could Lower Risk of Mortality
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from over 220,000 individuals across three decades, reports CNN. The study revealed that higher consumption of plant-based oils like olive, soybean, and canola is associated with a 16% reduction in mortality risk. Meanwhile, increased butter intake was associated with a 15% higher risk of premature death. These findings suggest that replacing butter with plant-based oils may confer substantial health benefits and reduce the risk of early death. |
CPE Monthly
Learn about the current recommendations for nutrition approaches for low birth weight infants to maximize postnatal growth and short- and long-term cognitive and health outcomes in this month’s issue of Today’s Dietitian. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
2025 Spring Symposium
Spring Symposium is almost here! There’s still time to register to join your colleagues in San Antonio. Full conference registration and Day Passes are available.
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Keeping Tabs of the Trends
BlueLoop is a diabetes management app designed to help individuals track blood glucose levels, insulin doses, medications, and meals in one place. It provides RDs with valuable insights into patients’ dietary patterns and glucose trends, which helps them give more personalized nutrition recommendations. The app's data sharing also enhances communication between patients and health care providers. BlueLoop is available on iOS and Android.
Simplifying Grocery Shopping
Nowadays, grocery shopping can be daunting, especially for those sticking to dietary recommendations. Whisk is a meal-planning and recipe organization app that helps users create personalized, nutritionally balanced meal plans. The app includes a tool to recommend recipes based on dietary needs, track ingredient nutrition, and simplify meal prep for clients. Whisk also allows users to integrate grocery lists and meal tracking, which helps support sustainable, healthful eating habits. Whisk is available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. |
In the May Issue
• Great Debates: Protein Recommendations
• Nutritional Psychiatry & Bipolar Disorder
• Dietary Support for Seasonal Allergies
• Nutrition in Early Intervention |
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COVER STORY
Nutrition for PANS & PANDAS
Sudden-onset neuropsychiatric disorders in children are often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment. Discover how RDs play a crucial role in nutritional therapy, advocacy, and guiding families toward informed care and supportive resources for these difficult conditions.
FEATURE
Myasthenia Gravis
Patients with this rare but increasingly diagnosed autoimmune disease disrupting nerve-to-muscle communication may benefit significantly from RD support on the care team. Learn about tailored nutrition strategies and overall patient support positively impacting outcomes.
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