The last issue of 2019 focuses on projects that alter nutrition and dietetics practice. In addition, 2 narrative reviews offer readers an opportunity to consider research studies for restricting dietary fat in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to weigh evidence of vitamin D in postpartum depression.
Olfert et al pursued the determination of a metabolic syndrome risk score. They worked with young adults through an online health history questionnaire and an assessment. They found a significant relationship between high scores and increased odds of a metabolic syndrome diagnosis. Hoping to influence primary intervention strategies, they compared their outcomes with 2 other scoring systems for metabolic syndrome.
Tayyem and colleagues examined whether antioxidant intakes are associated with risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Using a case control design, they compared cases and controls from a cohort of 399 participants who underwent coronary angiography. They found a possible beneficial effect between CAD and the consumption of antioxidants.
Pasdar et al determined the accuracy of waist-to-hip ratios (WHRs) for 9965 participants in a cohort study. Measurements were compared for accuracy using 2 methods-manual waist and hip circumferences and calculation of WHR, and by a bioelectric impedance analysis device. Their findings showed a weak correlation for WHR (r = 0.036) and a significant difference between the 2 measurement methods (P < .001).
Using an experimental crossover design, Freitag Luglio Muhammad et al explored the effect of Zumba training on body composition, and subsequently examined the compensatory effect on dietary intake and sleep in 34 sedentary overweight women. They found an association between Zumba training and the reduction of body fat (P = .023), but not body weight (P = .783). The training was also associated with increased fat intake (P = .004) and sleep duration (P = .043).
Perez et al sought to describe dietary patterns by depressive symptom severity in 30 adolescents. All of the participants had a clinical diagnosis of a depressive disorder and completed dietary interviews and food frequency questionnaires. They found habitual food patterns varied among participant subgroups by depression severity. The authors recommended the development of clinical interventions for future investigations.
Tiderencel and her colleagues did a review that considered associations between prenatal vitamin D status and postpartum depressive symptoms. Three studies revealed an association between low prenatal vitamin D levels and an increased risk of postpartum depressive symptoms. More research is needed however: health and nutrition professionals should help women achieve adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy.
Another narrative review by Colin and Kattlemann studied the question of reducing dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to treat or prevent CVD. A literature review on SFA and CVD was conducted using articles from 2011-2018 through PubMed. Three hundred seventy-four articles were found initially, and 37 primary research articles and 21 reviews were included. Their findings indicated limited and conflicting evidence that supports a reduction in SFA to treat/prevent CVD.
Next year, 2020, will be a new era for Topics in Clinical Nutrition when a new editor will take over the helm. After close to 4 decades of publication, the format of the journal has changed to an online platform due to increased digital usage, and our readership has increased substantially. Thank you for all of your many contributions over the decades as advisors, authors, clinicians, contributors, critics, editors, educators, promoters, readers, and reviewers. We anticipate continued success of the journal in advancing the scientific foundation of food, nutrition, and dietetics and its application to clinical practice for improving the health of our patients and the public.
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor
-Elizabeth Young, MA
Managing Editor