Welcome to the News Center!

In 2024, Blue Cross Blue Shield agreed to a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement, which includes substantial reforms affecting how BCBS-affiliated plans operate, with major implications for health care providers, employer-sponsored health insurance and consumer choice.

Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, the Academy's 2024-25 President, shares important upcoming goals and changes for our organization.

The Academy and its Foundation send our thoughts to those affected and offers a list of resources for wildfire recovery.

Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, the Academy's 2024-25 President, shares important upcoming goals and changes for our organization.

Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, the Academy's 2024-25 President, shares important upcoming goals and changes for our organization.

The approved 2024 ICD-10-CM codes went into effect on October 1, 2024, and will be in use until September 30, 2025. This update includes 395 new diagnosis codes, 25 deletions, and 13 revisions, with several changes relevant to registered dietitian nutritionists. Learn more about the new codes and how to use them.

The Academy’s National Honors and Awards recognize those who have advanced the profession, exhibited leadership and shown devotion to serving others. To prepare for upcoming deadlines, compile key documents in advance with these tips.

The Academy and its IDEA Committee will focus on these objectives over the next three years. Learn more about how the Academy will create a more inclusive and equitable organization that reflects the shared values of its community.

Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, the Academy's 2024-25 President, shares important upcoming goals and changes for our organization.

Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, the Academy's 2024-25 President, shares important upcoming goals and changes for our organization.

Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, the Academy's 2024-25 President, shares important upcoming goals and changes for our organization.

The following individuals have been selected in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the nutrition and dietetics profession.

In alignment with our commitment to accessibility, sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of our readers, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (JAND) will transition to a digital-only format starting January 1, 2026.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics received the Gold MyPlate Champion achievement for its participation in the MyPlate National Strategic Partnership and for efforts promoting MyPlate for the inaugural cycle of Partner Recognition Program.

For the first time in its history, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has released policy statements and evidence-informed rationales for each of the organization's focus areas. The statements and supporting rationale outlined in the President’s Strategic Advancement Groups Report will be instrumental in shaping the Academy’s future policy and advocacy efforts.

The Academy remains committed to improving the nation’s health and advocating for policies that support the five pillars in the National Strategy, with Academy members playing a key role.

A news article written by a reporter who has targeted registered dietitian nutritionists before is expected to appear in the coming days and could be critical of some RDNs and the Academy. Academy President Lauri Wright conducted an interview with the reporters and provided facts and statistics in writing to ensure accuracy.

The ending of the public health emergency in May 2023 has continued to raise questions for many hospital-employed providers, including RDNs who are delivering care via telehealth from the Hospital Outpatient Department.

The Academy’s work in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access focuses on continued and expanded IDEA consideration at every level — cultivating organizational and professional values of equity, respect, civility and anti-discrimination.

Improvements reflect a new, more judicious approach to the map to ensure members have the information necessary to practice lawfully. Learn more and see how it works.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has created two new resources as exclusive member benefits to help practitioners succeed in their practice: the MNTWorks Toolkit and the Power of Payment series.

Six Academy members and credentialed practitioners were selected to serve on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which is comprised of 20 members who are highly qualified nutrition scientists with demonstrated expertise.

The Academy makes commitment to support White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health goal of ending hunger and increase healthful eating and physical activity by 2030.

RDNs, NDTRs and other Academy members who work in pediatric nutrition, community and public health and in other settings have been actively engaged in mitigating the impact of the infant formula shortages on nutrition security for clients and patients.

The Academy has submitted the names of 25 member experts as nominees to serve on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

The Academy has transitioned Food & Nutrition Magazine^® content — including feature articles, practice trends, research briefs and app reviews — to a new home on eatright.org and eatrightPRO.org.

The Academy is seeking nominees for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which conducts rigorous analysis of research questions and is comprised of highly qualified nutrition scientists with demonstrated expertise.

Academy President (2021-2022) Kevin L. Sauer to appoint members to new groups that reflect content expertise and diverse representation as well as accelerate progress toward achieving the Strategic Plan.

Member profiles in the MyAcademy area of eatrightPRO now have expanded gender options.

The National Clinical Care Commission has released "Report to Congress on Leveraging Federal Programs to Prevent and Control Diabetes and Its Complication."

The Academy facilitates external quality measures and standards collaborations with members.

Two Academy member awards have been renamed to recognize and honor the accomplishments of the award recipients.

12/29/2020 - The Academy is conducting a thorough review of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released on December 29 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee is working with numerous Academy groups and organizational units on the holistic implementation of diversity and inclusion efforts throughout the organization.

08/14/2020 - The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans must be informed by rigorous, scientific evidence that represents all Americans. Thanks to the input received by members, yesterday, the Academy submitted its recommendations for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee's Scientific Report.

Academy members are invited to share how they are making an impact as a registered dietitian nutritionist or nutrition and dietetics technician, registered. Complete a short survey for a chance to be featured in Academy social media posts, websites and newsletters during National Nutrition Month^®.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' consensus statement emphasizes the need for equitable access to nutrition care, particularly MNT provided by RDNs, to improve health outcomes for older adults in long-term care and community settings. Academy members are encouraged to review this draft consensus statement and provide feedback via an online survey by Friday, February 21, 2025.

Join 2024-2025 Academy President Livleen Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND for a fireside chat that will focus on the Academy's current policy goals and advocacy strategies while examining how the results of the 2024 election could impact next steps.

An updated Position Paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics discusses evidence-based benefits and potential risks of following vegetarian including vegan dietary patterns for different populations, and strategies to facilitate healthy vegetarian/vegan dietary patterns in specific populations and settings. Peer review is an important part of developing Position Papers. Feedback from members is essential for refining and enhancing practitioner resources such as this.

Member Input Requested: National Nutrition Month^® 2025 Theme and Logo Survey

The inaugural CEO Advisory Panel will play a pivotal role in advising on strategic initiatives and contributing to the future direction of the Academy. It will involve dynamic discussions and generating innovative solutions as a group.

Learn about some great and affordable ways to get around, see the town and eat well when you're at FNCE^® 2024. And, brush up on some cost-saving tips for registration, earning CPEUs, booking your hotel and flying to the city.

To better understand the levels of stress and burnout within the profession, the Council on Future Practice is requesting Academy members to please share their insights and experiences via an online survey, which is open until Monday, September 16, 2024.

The Academy is preparing a summary of the information contained in the draft 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and will host two listening sessions in August to inform members and solicit feedback that is essential to the comment-writing process.

A new Position Paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Council on Exercise is in draft status; it discusses various topics to support these practitioners, including advanced certifications, effective communication with clients, access to preventive services, and future areas of practice. Peer review is an important part of developing Position Papers. Feedback from members is essential for refining and enhancing practitioner resources such as this.

Attendees of the first-ever forum explored malnutrition research efforts and gaps, implementation research needed to address different forms of malnutrition, and frameworks for consideration to inform future global research which will support national and local policies to combat this issue.

The Clinician Information Surveys are now being sent out by Mathematica — if you receive this survey, it's important to participate and share your feedback. Here's why.

Academy members who have lived through or worked in the midst of a natural disaster are invited to share experiences and insights in a short survey by February 19.

Academy members are invited to share their unique perspectives on what aspects of their profession evoke a sense of pride. Complete a short survey for a chance to be featured in Academy social media posts, websites and newsletters during National Nutrition Month^®.

This workshop will span three half days and cover how to search for and assess nutrition research, interpreting study results from systematic reviews of randomized and non-randomized studies, assessing certainty and strength of evidence, and evidence-based practice guidelines.

Academy members are encouraged to share feedback on theme and logo options for National Nutrition Month^® 2024.

Academy members interested in volunteering for a committee should complete the Opportunities to Serve application.

These are the prepared remarks by Academy CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, October 9 at the Member Showcase of the 2023 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo^® in Denver, Colo.

These are the prepared remarks by Academy President Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND, October 7 at the Opening Session of the 2023 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo^® in Denver, Colo.

The Academy is requesting member feedback on the draft of an upcoming Position Paper on adult weight management by Friday, September 8, 2023.

The Academy is joining the Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators, in cooperation with the offices of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (Penn.) and U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson (PA-15), to lead a congressional briefing highlighting the importance of SNAP-Ed.

Join us on Tuesday, August 1, at 2 p.m. Central for a virtual coffee break featuring retail registered dietitian nutritionists Allison Yoder, MA, RDN, LD, and Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN. 

The Academy’s Council on Research is currently seeking energetic volunteer members to serve on the following Council on Research Subcommittees for 2023-2024: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Health Informatics Infrastructure (ANDHII); Dissemination; Survey Review; Implementation; and Scientific Integrity Principles subcommittees. Applications are due by June 14, 2023.

Beginning on April 14, 2023, this series of five webinars will employ a multi-disciplinary approach that accounts for all the elements of the nutrition ecology to better position nutrition and dietetics professionals to achieve public health goals through the development of context-specific, equitable, safe and efficacious interventions and guidance.

Scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are open through 10 a.m. (Central time) on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Following requests for minor changes in two sections of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Bylaws by ACEND and CDR, Academy members are invited to review changes and submit questions through March 7.

Academy President Ellen R. Shanley and members from the New York area represented the Academy on Tuesday, January 3, to ring Nasdaq’s Closing Bell.

Ellen Shanley encourages Academy members to watch the livestream White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health and join her in a Town Hall on September 29.

The Biden administration has announced September 28, 2002, as the date for White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

The National Institutes of Health Office of Nutrition Research will hold a five-day virtual workshop, the Malnutrition in Clinical Settings: Research Gaps and Opportunities Workshop, to address research gaps and opportunities related to malnutrition in clinical settings.

Leading up to the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, regional listening sessions will provide the White House with Americans' insight and experiences on hunger and diet-related diseases in communities across the country.

The Academy's Council on Future Practice has announced the top two presentations from the thirteenth annual Future Practice Session at FNCE® 2021.

The Academy has submitted its statement for the record for the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing "Modernizing American Health care: Creating Healthy Options and Better Incentives."

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics submitted recommendations for consideration in response to the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Review the highlights and access the full comments.

In response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ request for comments, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics highlighted the valuable role of registered dietitian nutritionists in evidence-based care, providing services including medical nutrition therapy under Medicare Part B in communities across the country.

The federal government faces a potential shutdown if funding isn't secured by the midnight deadline. Academy staff are monitoring this situation and Academy consultants in Washington, D.C., are actively engaging with members of Congress to emphasize the critical ramifications a shutdown will have on Academy members and health care systems along with federal nutrition programs.

In light of the GOP’s control across the executive and legislative branches, see how the lame duck session and key issues may impact policies of particular importance to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to support the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, a critical bill to prevent proposed Medicare physician fee cuts set to take effect January 1, 2025.

After more than a decade of advocacy, the Congressional Budget Office released a report on the anticipated cost impact of Medicare coverage of obesity medications. While the report does not score the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, it contains important information that will help shape future policy.

The Academy’s advocacy has resulted in significant wins for the profession and quality care in the payment system that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses to reimburse hospitals for inpatient services. The final rule included three specific positive outcomes for nutrition and dietetics professionals related to payment models, expanded quality measures for malnutrition and star ratings.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledged the substantial feedback from the Academy, registered dietitian nutritionists and stakeholders regarding the proposed removal of malnutrition and "at risk for malnutrition" from the Non-Therapy Ancillary (NTA) comorbidities list in a recent Request for Information located within the CY25 Skilled Nursing Facility Proposed Rule.

A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs policy change will allow registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to provide additional diabetes care including medical device training and support for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) as part of an expanded scope of practice.

The critical role of nutrition in enhancing health care outcomes was the focal point of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' recent letter to Congress, urging a stronger emphasis on nutrition care within the 21st Century Cures Act.

Registered dietitian nutritionists are included as collaborators in the newly proposed Increasing Access to Organ Transplants (IOTA) Model, but the Academy is advocating for more integration of nutrition care. The Academy’s recommendations focus on developing metrics that ensure access to medical nutrition therapy and support patient adherence to dietary and supplement guidance provided by RDNs.

Access to obesity treatment for Medicare beneficiaries took a promising step forward with passage of a scaled-back version of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA).

A medically tailored meals pilot project gained support on Thursday, June 27, from the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health in the form of an amendment to the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act (H.R. 8816) during committee mark-up.

The Skilled Nursing proposed rule, issued by CMS, outlines regulatory changes and updates for skilled nursing facilities, covering reimbursement rates, quality measures and policies related to Medicare payments and services in the skilled nursing and long-term care settings. In response to a Request for Information included in the proposed rule, the Academy advocated for continued inclusion of malnutrition and at-risk malnutrition in the NTA Classification List. 

The Dietitian Licensure Compact facilitates telehealth, providing licensees with opportunities for multistate practice.

The increases in food insecurity in the U.S. following the pandemic and link between food and agriculture make the Farm Bill a critical and timely legislative issue.

With the updates announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, child nutrition programs will align more closely with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and increase flexibility and food options that honor cultural preferences and traditions.

The Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics successfully advocated to maintain dietetic licensure in the state. The national Academy supports professional licensure for dietitians to protect the public by enforcing objective standards in qualifications and regulation of practice and was pleased to partner with the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to achieve this win for RDNs and all Iowans.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will now align more closely with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and allow food options to meet participants’ dietary needs and choices according to culture, religion, preference, allergies, and/or living situations. The Academy voiced support in the rule-making process for the increased access to healthful foods for women, babies, children and their families made possible in the final rule.

Ten years after the repeal of Michigan’s dietetics and nutrition licensing law, the Michigan Legislature passed legislation to protect the safety of Michiganders by licensing dietitian nutritionists and the practice of medical nutrition therapy. This historic move underscores the commitment of Michigan lawmakers to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens by ensuring that those seeking medical nutrition therapy services receive accurate, evidence-based care from qualified professionals.

Academy policy leaders from across the country gathered Thursday, April 4, in Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional offices to discuss two of the Academy’s top policy priorities: expansion of medical nutrition therapy and nutrition security. Learn more about their efforts and how you can get involved.

Nebraska’s legislature has passed Dietitian Licensure Compact legislation, paving the way for increased practice opportunities for licensed dietitians in the state as well as across state lines. Nebraska is the first state in the country to pass this groundbreaking legislation.

In a comment letter submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Academy acknowledged the many challenges facility-based providers face in submitting claims for MNT when the service is delivered by registered dietitians from an outpatient facility-based location.

The Academy continues to advocate for Older Americans Act programs, which is the primary vehicle for delivering social and nutrition programs to older adults. On March 19, 2024, the Academy submitted the following for consideration to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

The Academy advocated for improved network adequacy standards, fair Medicare Advantage rates and the incorporation of RDNs and MNT into quality measures in comments to the CMS regarding the CY 25 Advance Notice for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs.

One of the Academy’s top advocacy priorities is advocating for federal programs, including WIC, that increase access to nutritious, safe, culturally relevant and affordable foods that improve health and well-being. The Academy supports full funding for WIC to allow all eligible women and children to participate in the program and receive important health and nutrition benefits.

In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request for input on “Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity,” the Academy emphasized the importance of USDA and state agencies sharing information, especially on how to access benefits, in multiple formats, such as posting information at community centers, senior centers, schools and community health centers.

The establishment of a proposed Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Level II code is a vital step in empowering Medicare beneficiaries to actively engage in their treatment recommendations, addressing their individual health needs, and advancing the Academy’s commitment to health equity and disease treatment and prevention.

CMS aims to provide states with multiple pathways to address health-related social needs. This new guidance aligns with the Academy’s efforts to ensure equitable access to essential services for adequate food, nutrition and quality care.

Congress averted a government shutdown and President Biden is expected to sign a bipartisan continuing resolution that allows federal agencies to operate through early 2024. While this is a step in the right direction, more work remains to ensure nutrition programs and services are fully funded in the budget.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics urges Congress to take immediate action to pass bipartisan legislation that includes adequate funding for federal programs and services that aim to improve nutrition security, ensure a safe food supply and improve health.

The Academy continues to advocate for equitable coverage for medical nutrition therapy in the treatment of eating disorders, including support for stronger enforcement of compliance with the MHPAEA. Learn more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Community Eligibility Provision has been expanded and allows use of existing data from other programs to increase access to healthy foods in more school districts.

In this year’s proposed rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services listed several items that will impact registered dietitian nutritionists. Learn more about what the Academy supports and the comments submitted to CMS.

The Academy has partnered with The Milken Institute of Public Health at The George Washington University to conduct the “Medicaid Nutrition Coverage Policy Mapping Study." Learn how it will help to advocate for increased access by assessing the current environment for opportunities and gaps.

In regulatory comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Academy advocates for expanded access and competitive payment for RDN-provided services in state Medicaid programs.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed into law the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ scope of practice bill, ensuring only highly qualified nutrition practitioners can provide medical nutrition therapy in Nebraska.

In regulatory comments submitted to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, the Academy provided input on the request for information and comments on a proposed rule.

In regulatory comments, the Academy highlighted the unique skillset and expertise of its members who work every day to serve healthful school meals to students while grappling with continuing challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 11 marks the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which allowed for regulatory and legislative actions resulting in flexibilities that changed access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and how RDNs can provide telehealth services.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics strongly supports and advocates for healthful school meals. School meals are crucial in alleviating childhood food insecurity, and studies continue to show schools are the healthiest place in the U.S. for children to eat.

SNAP was showcased by witness testimony during the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry hearing on April 19, 2023, in preparation for the next Farm Bill.

The Academy provided feedback and recommendations to the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year 2024 for Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies.

The Academy continues to support the use of the Nutrition/Dietitian Specialty Measure Set as it is a valuable resource for RDNs to know what quality measures are available for selection for reporting under the Quality performance category.

The Academy highlighted the need for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fulfill opportunities brought about by the Affordable Care Act to expand equitable access to quality care to all Americans.

On January 30, 2023, President Biden announced plans to end the Public Health Emergency, effective May 11, 2023.

This update focuses on telehealth and Medicare payment provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (the omnibus).

The Academy commends the provisions included in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus, released this week by the 117th U.S. Congress, that support health care and key nutrition security efforts. The Senate’s bill included two Academy priorities: the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Amendment, will positively impact the lives of pregnant and lactating workers.

The USDA's new Agricultural Science Center of Excellence for Nutrition and Diet for Better Health aims to accelerate research on diet-related chronic diseases, including cancer.

Academy Provides Input, Support for National Institutes of Health’s first draft of the report “Nutrition as Prevention for Improved Cancer Health Outcomes."

The Academy continues assessing and developing recommendations for a potential new interstate professional licensure compact for registered dietitian nutritionists.

The Academy was selected through a competitive grant process for Department of Defense funding to work with the Council of State Governments' National Center for Interstate Compacts on an interstate licensure compact for the dietetics profession.

Recommendations incorporated in the policy include free, healthful school meals, a strengthened national commitment to nutrition research, and diversifying the nutrition workforce.

The Academy believes a transformative Farm Bill should build on the momentum and robust investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act, and other actions taken by the Biden administration.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (Ind.) and two members of her staff, Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts.

The Academy co-hosted a virtual advocacy day with the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists on two priority issues: the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act and the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act.

The Academy urged the White House to "acknowledge the fundamental importance of nutrition by committing to actively pursue, implement and fund policies and programs addressing all social determinants of health."

An appeal filed in response to the February 18, 2022, ruling upholding Florida's professional licensure law was denied.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency, many temporary flexibilities to Medicare's telehealth coverage polices would require an act of Congress to make permanent. The first such actions on that front have been taken under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which was signed into law by President Biden on March 15, 2022.

The FY22 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law by President Biden includes substantial funds for critical nutrition and health programs.

Update on the Academy's ongoing initiatives related to the decision by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on whether an unlicensed individual’s desire to provide medical counseling implicates free speech rights that override the state of Florida’s ability to require health care professionals to be licensed before practicing.

To equip the Academy and RDNs to support strong telehealth policies at the state and federal levels, the Academy Board has voted for the adoption of a five-part stance on telehealth policy.

This is an update for nutrition and dietetics practitioners on the Academy's work on licensure, particularly in Florida, since the most recent communication on July 28, 2020.

On June 30, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill updating the state's Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act, aligning it more closely with the Academy's Model Practice Act.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a long-awaited bill updating Florida's dietetics licensure law to align it more closely to the Academy's Model Practice Act.

The Academy is gratified that the Florida Senate and House have passed amended legislation that maintains professional competencies of health care practitioners with expertise in nutrition care services.

Passage of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act would be a win-win for the profession and the communities Academy members serve. Add your support with three simple steps.

The Academy supports the efforts to promote balance and to prioritize dignity with individual choice within the WIC food package.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has released a new position paper called “Vegetarian Dietary Patterns for Adults: A Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,” which provides an excellent review of the latest research on vegetarian and vegan diets.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and adolescents in the U.S., with a notable rise over the past two decades. The Academy recently published new guidelines for RDNs offering medical nutrition therapy to children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 with T1DM.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the foundation of nutrition and dietetics care. As a member benefit, the Academy offers tools and resources to incorporate EBP into members' work to improve practice, as well as client and patient outcomes.

Recently published online in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the paper "Communicating Nutrition and Dietetics Research: A Crucial Step to Advancing Evidence-Based Practice" provides recommendations and considerations for how all RDNs, even those not affiliated with the research, can and should participate in communication and dissemination of nutrition research.

The paper Incretin-Based Therapies and Lifestyle Interventions: The Evolving Role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Obesity highlights the RDN's role in comprehensive obesity care, provides expert guidance and advocates for expanded access to RDN-provided MNT in addition to obesity medications, opportunities for RDNs to advise on medication management, and a leadership role for RDNs on interdisciplinary care teams.

Heart disease (also known as cardiovascular disease) is the number one cause of death in the U.S. according to the CDC. Individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing heart disease by making changes to their diet.

Plant-based dietary patterns, including vegetarian and vegan diets, have been shown to be beneficial to human health for a variety of reasons. In a new systematic review, researchers found that vegetarian eating may help manage Type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Ensuring optimal nutrition during transitions from hospital to home remains a significant challenge for older adults, particularly those facing food insecurity and malnutrition. Learn about the CONNECT Study's innovative approach.

“Food as medicine” is a hot topic with great potential to improve the health of Americans. Registered dietitian nutritionists have the unique knowledge and skill set to champion these initiatives.

Registered dietitian nutritionists play an important role in timely identification of malnutrition and implementation of effective interventions. A new evidence-based practice guideline aims to provide RDNs with the tools they need to help protect susceptible older adults.

The AAIM Validation study assessed all six malnutrition indicators: subcutaneous fat loss, muscle loss, weight loss, reduced energy intake, functional status, and fluid accumulation. Findings support the predictive validity of the AAIM tool, suggesting its suitability for routine use in diagnosing malnutrition in hospitalized adults.

Published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, this study describes completion rates of Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE) by registered dietitian nutritionists in hospitalized adults and children.

Researchers wanted to know: Does MNT from a RDN could lower blood pressure, decrease cardiovascular risks and improve other health measures compared to standard care or no intervention? Learn more from this systematic review.

The Evidence Analysis Library’s Vegetarian Nutrition project focuses on two aspects: disease management and disease prevention. This comprehensive analysis provides insights for nutrition and dietetics practitioners working with people who are interested in or following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Authors of a new article argue that a comprehensive nutrition assessment should go beyond just counting calories and nutrients to truly harness the power of nutrition intervention. They suggest considering internal factors such as genetics and disease, as well as external factors such as access to nutritious food, environmental conditions and exposure to toxins.

The newly released guideline summarizes the recommendations and supporting evidence, including that all individuals with celiac disease should follow a gluten-free diet that may include gluten-free oats in adults.

Published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a new Position Paper on the role of MNT behavioral interventions for adults with overweight or obesity underscores how providing interventions that facilitate improvement of dietary intake and other health behaviors can improve nutrition-related outcomes in this population.

The objective of this review was to summarize the state of the science on the nutrient composition of human milk in the United States and Canada published from 2017 to 2022.

A recent CKD guideline implementation study found that registered dietitian nutritionists from two national dialysis chains were almost universally using dialysis center serum phosphate goals instead of the goal recommended by the updated KDOQI guideline.

A new umbrella review of systematic reviews describes the best available evidence on the impact of obesity prevention interventions with a nutrition component.

The Academy convened a Global Food and Nutrition Security Research Task Force that hosted a two-day virtual roundtable to leverage existing information and expertise in food and nutrition security and identify the need for future evidence. Discussions focused on research gaps, potential entry points for nutrition and dietetics practitioners, and important equity considerations in food and nutrition security research.

Learn about the Saqmolo’ Project, a randomized controlled trial that included a comprehensive nutrient analysis was conducted on eggs produced during the wet and dry seasons in the highlands of central Guatemala.

A systematic review was completed with the goal of examining the effectiveness of MNT provided by an RDN — compared with standard care — on glycemic, cardiometabolic and anthropometric outcomes in adults with prediabetes.

The Academy’s saturated fat evidence-based nutrition practice guideline aims to provide recommendations on saturated fat intake to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease. Learn more and read the full guideline, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A systematic review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of nutrition interventions on hemoglobin A1C in children and adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes.

Recently published, this evidence-based practice guideline aims to inform nutrition and exercise practitioners on how they may use existing guidelines for the general population.

Previous evidence has demonstrated that food as medicine interventions led by RDNs, such as medically tailored meal or food programs, prescription programs, personalized nutrition education, path-to-purchase marketing and incentive programs, can improve nutrition and health outcomes.

The Academy and NICHD co-authored a series of articles published in a supplement in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Older adults are at risk for malnutrition due to a variety of factors such as physical and mental changes, isolation and limited income. Health care practitioners, particularly registered dietitian nutritionists, need evidence-based guidance to provide quality nutrition care to older adults living in long-term care and community settings.

A recently published narrative review summarizes current research on the effectiveness of MNT provided by RDNs compared to usual care in the management of adult dyslipidemia.

A two-year, quasi-experimental study aimed to describe alignment of registered dietitian nutritionists' documented nutrition care with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' EBNPG for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

The objective of a recent study was to describe changes in practice and areas of need related to addressing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic for registered dietitian nutritionist survey respondents.

The article “Documentation of the evidence-diagnosis link predicts nutrition diagnosis resolution in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' diabetes mellitus registry study: A secondary analysis of Nutrition Care Process outcomes,” was published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

A study was conducted with nutrition and dietetics professionals in Mexico to evaluate the capacity building of an NCP training program delivered in an online format as a viable strategy to scale NCPT implementation in global settings.

Recommendations in this guideline highlight the importance of considering complex contributors to overweight and obesity and individualizing interventions to client-centered goals based on specific needs and preferences and shared decision making.

The Academy's Council on Research Implementation Subcommittee developed the “Implementing Evidence: from Guidelines to Daily Practice” manual.

The Academy's Scientific integrity Principles originally released in 2015 have been updated and highlights the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion as an integral part of scientific integrity.

A new JAND article describes how Academy members can use research resources provided by the Academy and how members can become involved in nutrition and dietetics research.

A systematic review examines the effect of combined nutrition and physical activity interventions delivered to adults in the general population.

A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the percentage of children and teens living with obesity jumped by 3 percentage points during the pandemic.

Serving as an expert witness is not mandatory and, if contacted by an attorney, an individual may decline. However, there are several reasons someone may choose to serve as an expert witness.

Nova is the name for the system developed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. The Nova system has four groups of processed foods, with group 1 being the least processed and group 4 being the most processed.

On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Services published a final rule on child nutrition programs which aligns more closely with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and will go into effect on July 1, 2024. These updates include limitations on added sugars and sodium in school meals.

Any cancer that starts in the colon or rectum is considered colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer and the second highest cancer-related cause of death in the U.S., based on 2023 estimates.

Nutrition may be an important modifiable risk factor in the strategy to prevent or delay the onset of dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Learn about the MIND diet and its potential health benefits.

According to data collected in 2021 by the CDC, almost 6% of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a food allergy, and the percentage increases with age. Although concerns still exist regarding the incidence of food allergies being on the rise, more promising research has been published in recent years focusing on their prevention.

Interest in the glycemic index has increased over the years, as has the number of claims regarding its effectiveness, yet research evaluating its potential role in the prevention or treatment of certain health conditions is still evolving. Learn more, including how RDNs can translate the science when speaking to patients or clients.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the country and has been the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This article details the different types of lung cancer, risk factors, dietary strategies and the role of registered dietitian nutritionists in treatment as part of the health care team.

If you publicly post about products or recommend services on your blog, podcast or social media platform, make sure you are familiar with — and are following — the rules of engagement.

Detected within the last two decades, Alpha-gal Syndrome is a series of allergic reactions to the Alpha-gal carbohydrate present in non-primate mammalian meat and derivative products, such as dairy, gelatin and collagen. Learn more about this condition, which is believed to be transmitted to humans by ticks.

Food waste and food loss are global problems that affect the future and well-being of the environment and all people. While the problem is substantial, there is a lot we can do to help solve it.

Many factors have been associated with increased risk of developing gout, including age, sex, genetics, medical conditions, overweight and obesity, severe illness or surgery, certain medications, and alcohol consumption. Although particular foods and dietary patterns have been shown to elevate serum levels of uric acid, recent research suggests genetics may play a more influential role in explaining variances in serum urate levels.

While the Female Athlete Triad may be better known among health professionals, energy deficiency among athletes is not unique to females. There is now an evidence base to support a comparable syndrome in males, and both conditions are distinct from Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (RED-S).

Current evidence does not support a single ideal eating pattern for everyone with diabetes; the key to achieving optimal health and nutrition is individualization. Learn more including the RDN's role in providing medical nutrition therapy for patients or clients with diabetes or prediabetes.

Acne vulgaris is a complex but common skin disease that affects individuals of all ages and sexes, although, it historically has a higher prevalence among both adolescents and females. Delve into research investigating a potential link between diet and acne.

As a less invasive treatment for weight loss, compared to other bariatric procedures, endoscopic bariatric therapies have continued to gain acceptance, especially for patients with obesity who are unable to lose weight or maintain it solely through lifestyle interventions or other methods. Learn how RDNs can support patients undergoing EBT.

Psoriasis — a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin — may be impacted by certain health and nutrition considerations. Insights from recent studies help unlock the link between diet and improved psoriasis symptoms.

Assistant director of performance nutrition at Texas A&M University, Jonathan Tanguay, MS, RDN, LD, fuels student athletes for peak performance.

April N. Hackert, MS, RDN, CEDRD, shares her perspective of the impact food has on mental health as a registered dietitian nutritionist and psychiatric clinical researcher.

Assistant professor and program director Arnetta Fletcher, PhD, RDN, LDN, helps to direct her university's strategic plan to ensure nutrition is a part of expanding programs.

Lara Field, MS, RD, LDN, shares how her interest in pediatrics and nutrition helped her expand and grow her private practice to also provide services for adults.

Telehealth dietitian Divya Aggarwal, MS, RDN, LD, explains how she helps clients achieve their goals as a health and wellness coach based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Educator Jacqueline R. Berning, PhD, RD, CSSD, shares her story starting out in sports dietetics, building a new center for sports medicine and serving as chair of her university's health science department.

Culture and entrepreneurship drive the work of registered dietitian Dezi Abeyta, RDN, as he builds a business and gives back to the Tucson community.

The director of a didactic program in nutrition and dietetics, Samantha M. Coogan, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, FAND, creates confidence in her students to become future leaders of the profession.

Florida registered dietitian Kelsee Gomes, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, CLT, shares how good nutrition inspires college football athletes and helps them prepare for games.

Renal nutrition dietitian Megan Gutierrez, MS, RDN, CSR, LDN, shares her story on giving back in the clinical care setting.

Topacio A. Ortiz, RDN, LMNT, describes her journey from combat medic to working in COVID-19 operations during the pandemic, as well as her passion for nutrition.

Four registered dietitian nutritionists — LCDR Kibbe Brown, MS, RDN, CDE; Luis Gonzalez, MS, RDN; Eunice Troupe, MS, RDN, LDN; and Demetrius Willis, MS, MBA, RDN, LDN — share how they change lives in their communities with food and nutrition.

Mary Niewinski, MS, RDN, LDN, works to teach future credential practitioners in nutrition and dietetics and oversees a team of registered dietitian nutritionists in clinical nutrition.

Debbie Petitpain, MS, RDN, LDN, wellness director in South Carolina, explains the many facets of her role serving the community and collaborating across the health care team.

Qwamel Hanks, NDTR, works to fight hunger in America through outreach with the School Breakfast Program.

Keiy Murofushi, MS, RD, explains his role in spreading knowledge on the importance of nutrition to create change in one individual at a time.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Cicely Thomas MEd, RDN, LD, shares how she incorporated her personal experiences and love of nutrition into helping communities.

Food scientist Marie Colmerauer, MS, CFS, NDTR, educates students on using tools we all have to make food choices that are not only convenient, but nutritious.