The quantity of media reports on nutrition and weight management seems only to increase every year. Research in nutrition, as in most sciences, is leaping at such a rate that while the body of knowledge is expanding, the interrelations being uncovered are not always fully understood.

Nutrient interactions that have been identified are reported in the following articles. As an educated IDEA member, you know that research should not lead to a radical shift in diet. Use this knowledge to enhance—not replace—your already healthy diet. The American Dietetic Association’s recommendation to eat from a variety of foods and to exercise regularly is a simple guideline for translating knowledge into our everyday eating plans.

Total CECs

.2 contact hours from ACE

Credits from ACE may be applied toward the ACSM continuing education certification process and are accepted by W.I.T.S. and NFPT.

CEC-Approved Articles

  • Current Issues in Nutrition Research
  • Functional Foods for Heart Health

Test

Follow the instructions on the test answer form on page 67.

Learning Objectives

After reading these articles, readers should be able to:

  1. List the hierarchy of scientific evidence.

  2. Identify factors that contribute to chronic dehydration in older adults.

  3. Identify some of the influences that contribute to childhood obesity.

  4. Explain how functional foods can be used in a heart-healthy nutrition program.

  5. State the primary components in several functional foods that boost heart health and describe their suggested mechanisms of action.

  6. List recommended intakes and food sources for several heart-healthy functional foods.