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E-Newsletter • August 2026 |
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Editor's E-Note
The Omega-3 Index
If you’ve had patients or clients asking you about the Omega-3 Index, it’s probably because that’s one of the slew of direct-to-consumer tests available to anyone who wants to open their wallet. In this month’s E-News Exclusive, we look at what the Omega-3 Index is, and what more than 20 years of research says about its utility in predicting CVD risk—especially the risk of sudden cardiac death. We also touch on why a specific dose of omega-3s can have widely varying physiological effects among individuals.
After reading the article, visit TD’s website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the digital edition of our July/August issue, featuring our cover story, “Reframing Maintenance After Weight Loss Medications,” which addresses how to help patients and clients who have stopped taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, whether by choice or necessity. You’ll also find features on family-based treatment for pediatric eating disorders, the “athlete paradox” of glucose and insulin impairments in highly trained athletes, and highlights from our fun and intellectually stimulating 13th Annual Spring Symposium.
Please enjoy the E-Newsletter and give us your feedback at TDeditor@gvpub.com, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN, editor |
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| In This E-Newsletter
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The Omega-3 Index in Cardiovascular Health: Beyond Standardized Recommendations
By Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN
Omega-3 fatty acids have had a prominent place in the conversation around health promotion and disease prevention—especially CVD prevention—for decades. While alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plant sources like flaxseeds and walnuts, the most clinically significant omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are primarily sourced from marine life.
Initially popularized by epidemiological observations of cardiovascular health among populations with high dietary fish consumption, the scientific understanding of these essential fats has evolved and moved beyond a generalized view of “fish oil.” Modern research is increasingly focused on the distinct biological roles of specific fatty acids, optimal dosing strategies, and the nuanced ways these molecules interact with human physiology.
Although both EPA and DHA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, they exhibit distinct physical properties and biological behaviors. DHA is highly concentrated in the structural membranes of the brain and retina, where its molecular shape promotes membrane fluidity—a characteristic vital for cellular signaling and neuronal health, while EPA is not stored in brain tissue to the same extent. Instead, it plays a critical role in systemic inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, both EPA and DHA serve as precursors to a class of signaling molecules known as specialized pro-resolving mediators that actively signal the immune system to halt inflammation and begin tissue repair.1,2
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New Study Reveals How Folic Acid Protects the Developing Brain and Spinal Cord
For more than 30 years, one piece of pregnancy advice has been remarkably consistent: take folic acid.
The reason is clear. Folic acid, or vitamin B9, can lower the risk of neural tube defects, serious birth defects that happen when the early structure that becomes the brain and spinal cord does not close properly. What has been much less clear is how folic acid works. Now, researchers may have found an important part of the answer.
In a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists discovered that folic acid appears to rely on an enzyme called ALDH1L1. That enzyme helps produce retinoic acid, a powerful developmental signal made from vitamin A.
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New Strategy for Controlling Hypertension
High blood pressure can be controlled better with a strategy that combines boosting potassium intake with reducing sodium, according to a new report.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects more than 1.28 billion adults worldwide and is a leading risk factor for CVD. Public health guidelines underscore sodium reduction as the best way to reduce hypertension and CVD risk.
In the new report, a team of physicians and health experts propose that dietary impact on hypertension will be greater with a complementary strategy of increasing intake of potassium, which can serve as a salt substitute. This new understanding of potassium's critical role and efficacy in reducing blood pressure calls for a paradigm shift to consider sodium and potassium together when developing public health recommendations.
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CPE Monthly
In the July/August issue of Today’s Dietitian, take an in-depth dive into the key shifts and system-level impacts of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
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2027 Spring Symposium
Join us April 25–28, 2027, in Las Vegas for the 14th Annual Today's Dietitian Spring Symposium. Experience four days of practical, evidence-based continuing education, nationally recognized speakers, meaningful professional connections, and memorable special events. Register now to take advantage of early-bird savings and secure your place at one of the profession's premier educational conferences.
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Recovery Record
While food tracking apps are handy, for some patients—including those with disordered eating—seeing calorie and nutrition information can be more harmful than helpful. Recovery Record offers a free HIPAA-compliant, clinical trial-validated app for patients that allows food logging without nutrition information, and also includes personalized cognitive-behavioral journaling. There’s a paid version for clinicians so you can connect with your patients and see their entries. |
In the September/October Issue
• Savor San Antonio Cuisine
• The Emerging Role of Metabolic Psychiatry
• Nutrition Support for Traumatic Brain Injury
• Culinary Sports Nutrition |
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COVER STORY
Reframing Maintenance After Weight Loss Medications
Most next-generation antiobesity medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists are recommended for long-term use, yet discontinuation is common. Discover practical tips alongside easy, delicious recipes to support patients who may encounter transition challenges.
FEATURE
Family-Based Treatment in Pediatric Eating Disorder Care
Learn more about best practices for what many experts consider the gold-standard outpatient intervention for children and adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
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