Search

This study aimed to explore dietitians' perspectives on the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and 'gut health' and the current and emerging role of dietetics practice in this area.A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian dietitians, focused on the perspectives related to gut health management in dietetics practice. Inductive thematic analysis was employed, commencing with initial coding by two researchers, and further coding leading to development of emergent themes. Divergent data were discussed and considered in analysis.Fourteen interviews were conducted (2 males, 12 females). An overarching theme identified that current evidence is insufficient to direct dietetics practice change regarding gut health. Six subthemes on dietetics practice in 'gut health' emerged including (a) practice is multifaceted, (b) current practice aligns with dietary guidelines, (c) symptom management remains the primary concern, (d) evidence-based information is sought, (e) translational evidence is required for practice change and (f) there is a role for dietetics in gut health research and translation.Dietitians do not appear confident in their practice regarding gut microbiome-related management and recognise there is currently limited translatable research to inform practice. Evidence to date suggests that recommendations for positive gut health do not differ substantially from Australian Dietary Guidelines. Dietitians will need additional education if further evidence emerges, however they demonstrated a strong commitment to evidence-based practice.

To explore consumer perceptions regarding dietary behaviours related to the gut microbiome, to assist in effective translation of research to practice.Online focus groups were conducted (adults with no formal medical or nutrition training). Semi-structured open-ended questioning explored perspectives related to gut health and dietary behaviours. A qualitative descriptive analysis approach was undertaken in duplicate.Fourteen focus groups were conducted (n = 38, 15 males, 23 females). Four overarching themes regarding consumer perceptions were identified. These were (a) gut health equates with wellbeing, (b) there are divergent perceptions of how diet influences gut health, (c) interest in scientific evidence does not necessarily influence dietary behaviour and (d) gastrointestinal symptoms influence dietary behaviour.Consumers are interested in gut health and understand that diet may be important. Given that current literature regarding diet and gut health does not differ from dietary guidelines, consumer interest may provide a timely slant to promote longstanding guidelines. Consumer education to limit scepticism around government messaging, including utilisation of social media by nutrition professionals, may be key to improving adherence to guidelines.

To explore whole-grain food definitions in labeling and relevance to consumers and the food industry.Semistructured focus groups and interviews.Online.Consumers (n = 43) aged ≥ 18 years currently purchasing/consuming grain foods. Food industry participants (n = 17) currently/recently employed within grain food companies.Impact of using whole-grain food definitions in labeling.Inductive thematic analysis.Six major themes included: consumer knowledge and understanding of whole-grain foods; factors affecting consumer grain food choices; consumer skepticism of labeling; consumer preferences toward whole-grain labeling; acceptability and feasibility of whole-grain food definitions in the food industry; and food innovation/reformulation. For the food industry, definitions impact feasibility, food innovation, and reformulation. Skepticism affected consumer knowledge and understanding, impacting grain food choice and their preference regarding whole-grain labeling. Consumers preferred whole grain in the name of a food and placing the percent of whole grain on the front-of-pack.Our findings suggest that definitions and regulations, consumer education, and strategies addressing factors influencing consumer choice are needed to improve population whole-grain intakes. Future research may consider formal regulation and implementation of standardized whole-grain food definitions in labeling and explore the subsequent impact on consumer choice and whole-grain intake.

Is the Slow Food movement driven by environmental sustainability, health concerns or conviviality?

Best practice guidelines for weight management often fail to identify the depth and frequency of follow up and reinforcement of behaviour change. 152 obese adults were randomised to one of three iso-energetic diets. Participants were followed up monthly in person for 6 months and at 9 and 12 months, with twice-monthly telephone support during the 6 month intervention period. Dietary compliance was assessed at each phone call. Overall dietary compliance was defined as compliant on >6 phone calls. Participants were considered successful if they maintained >5% weight loss from baseline at 3, 6 and 12 months inclusive. Intention to treat repeated measures General Linear Model analysis showed successful participants accessed more phone calls than those who lost 50% phone calls (overall compliant 98% vs. not compliant 55%; overall compliant 100% vs. not compliant 43%, respectively) (χ2 = 45.5, p < 0.001; χ2 = 50.7, p < 0.001). Results suggest that professional support may not directly produce weight loss success but is associated with better outcomes. More research is required to further inform best practice guidelines.

Medical educators response to a web-based nutrition implementation toolkit (WNCIT) for entry level medical courses Caryl A Nowson1, Robyn Perlstein1, Eleanor Beck2, Jennifer Lindley3, Jennifer Scha...