Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that primary prevention is the most effective and affordable method to prevent chronic disease, and that dietary intervention positively impacts health outcomes across the life span. Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered are critical members of health care teams and are essential to delivering nutrition-focused preventive services in clinical and community settings, advocating for policy and programmatic initiatives, and leading research in disease prevention and health promotion. Health-promotion and disease-prevention strategies are effective at reducing morbidity and mortality and improving quality of life, and have a significant impact on the leading causes of disease. By applying these principles within a social ecological theoretical framework, positive influence can be applied across the spectrum of engagement: at intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and public policy levels. Through the application of efficacious and cost-effective interventions, registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered, can positively impact public health as well as health outcomes for the individuals that they counsel. This position paper supports the "Practice Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Role of Nutrition in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention" published on the Academy's website at: www.eatright.org/positions.

Practice paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics abstract: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

Food intake, lifestyle behaviors, and obesity are linked to the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. It is recognized that physical and social environment influences individuals' behaviors, and some population subgroups such as racial/ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status or limited literacy or language abilities seem to be especially vulnerable to disparities in disease risk factors, disease prevalence, or health outcomes. Certain life cycle phases appear to be especially important for health promotion and disease prevention as the development of chronic diseases can take several decades. Such complex health issues often require system-wide, multifactorial, and multidisciplinary solutions. Social ecological models, with approaches spanning from individual level to macro policy level, can provide registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) with a comprehensive framework to promote health and to prevent chronic diseases. Furthermore, the Nutrition Care Process can be utilized in carrying out the health promotion and disease prevention efforts. RDs and DTRs have the training and requisite skills to be leaders and active members of multidisciplinary teams to promote health and prevent chronic diseases across the life span. The position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that primary prevention is the most effective, affordable method to prevent chronic disease, and that dietary intervention positively impacts health outcomes across the life span. RDs and DTRs are critical members of health care teams and are essential to delivering nutrition-focused preventive services in clinical and community settings, advocating for policy and programmatic initiatives, and leading research in disease prevention and health promotion. In concordance with the Academy's position, this practice paper provides an overview of practice examples, effective program components, and a comprehensive range of health promotion and chronic disease prevention strategies for RDs and DTRs. This paper supports the "Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Role of Nutrition in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention" published in the July 2013 Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Nutritional determinants of bone health.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem. The aging population will require vigilant prevention, education, and treatment to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures and falls. Nutritional requirements of elderly persons can have a profound effect on bone health. Calcium, vitamin D, and protein are vital nutrients for optimal bone health. Adequate calcium is essential for bone maintenance. Vitamin D research shows a link between reduced falls and fractures. Related macro- and micronutrients play an important role in bone mass integrity and quality. Adequate nutrition for older adults needs to be encouraged to promote and maintain bone health.