Table of Contents

Purpose: A telephone survey was conducted to determine dietitians’ views on nutraceuticals and functional foods. Methods: Using systematic sampling with a random start, 238 names were drawn from the Dietitians of Canada membership. A survey instrument containing mostly open-ended questions and two pages of definitions was pretested and revised. Accurate description was used to analyze and summarize the data with a minimum of interpretation. Results: Of 180 dietitians contacted, 151 (84%) completed interviews. The majority (n=91, 60%) of respondents thought health claims should be permitted on foods, but only with adequate scientific support for claims and government regulation. Participants overwhelmingly (n=122, 81%) felt that dietitians were the most appropriate professionals to recommend functional foods, but held mixed views of the appropriateness of having dietitians recommend nutraceuticals. However, according to a rating scale of 0 to 10, respondents across all areas of practice believed that it is extremely important for dietitians to become knowledgeable about nutraceuticals (mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 9.0 ± 1.2) and functional foods (mean ± SD = 9.5 ± 0.9). Conclusions: Dietitians recommended strict legislation and close monitoring by government; unbiased scientific studies with consensus that the findings support health claims; partnerships with other health professionals, especially pharmacists; and opportunities to gain further knowledge.

Purpose: Prince Edward Island adolescents’ food use was examined, as were possible associations between food use and grade, sex, and academic performance. Methods: Participants (n=325) were purposively selected from four junior high schools. Dietary data were collected using an adaptation of the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Demographic information and self-reported academic performance were also assessed. Vegetable and fruit (VF) and milk scores were created, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify which combination of grade, sex, VF score, and milk score predicted academic performance best. Results: Mean daily intakes of VF (4.3 ± 2.9 servings) and milk (1.7 ± 1.4 servings) were below recommended levels. Students with higher academic performance (average grades above 90%) were more likely to consume milk, vegetables, and fruit daily than were those who reported lower grades. There was no significant difference in the proportion of adequate milk intakes between students reporting higher and lower academic performance. Conclusions: The association between VF intake and academic performance supports the need for further research with a larger, more representative sample.

The health and well-being of individuals and the prosperity of the country require a well-nourished population. Canadians face unprecedented challenges to the goal of healthy eating and physical activity. The challenges are complex and dietitians have a collective responsibility to respond as thoughtful, competent practitioners. As we embrace the future, we need to understand our past and reflect on how we will create a future that will support nutritional health and well-being for all Canadians. Dietitians, in partnership with others, must play a key role.