A comprehensive nutritional assessment was conducted of 37 institutionalized developmentally disabled children/adolescents. Variables included dietary intake, serum laboratory values, anthropometric measurements, feeding skills assessment, and clinical assessment. Findings suggested that the children/adolescents were adequately nourished and had…

The challenge for medical educators is to develop for their students a firm educational foundation in nutritional science. A nutrition "laboratory" experience was developed at the Medical College of Virginia. Students examine their own nutrient intakes in relation to class means, national norms, and dietary recommendations. (MLW)

Long-term outcomes of a school-based program (2,250 third-graders in 31 schools) were compared with an equivalent home-based program (1,000 families) involving parents. Students in the home-based program reported more behavior change in the reduction of fat and increase of carbohydrates in their diet. (SK)

Discusses the background and events which lead to a career devoted to plant biochemistry and the study of vitamin synthesis. Describes laboratory studies which demonstrated that, in mammals, vitamin A is formed from beta-carotene as it crosses the intestinal wall. (RT)

A 9-month nutrition curriculum was presented to 438 low-income pregnant teens. Pre/posttest data showed that nutrition knowledge increased, but improvements in diet behavior were not apparent. (SK)

Discusses the myth that gatherer-hunter cultures were primarily meat-eaters and the social and ecological impacts of America's high-meat diet. (LZ)

Discusses the validity and reliability of using food records and recalls when measuring dietary intake and eating behaviors of children, noting the advantages of collecting dietary data in a school environment. The article explains the appropriate use of food records and describes how to improve the method. (SM)

Reviews possible links between obesity and borderline-personality disorder and discusses treatment approaches for those individuals demonstrating such comorbidity. Approaches include modification of current techniques for obesity treatment and incorporation of psychodynamic counseling specific to borderline-personality disorder. (Author/GCP)

Food selection is a key factor in the nutritional management of diabetes. Criteria that influence point-of-purchase decision making in women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were identified. Four types of shoppers were distinguished from interviews; cluster analysis was used to confirm the analysis. Usefulness in patient education is…

Investigates and compares football players' (n=44) and cross-country runners' (n=30) body image concerns, attitudes toward eating, and reasons for exercising. Results revealed significant differences. Football players reported a more positive body image, whereas runners indicated a greater concern for weight control and more disordered eating…

Surveyed adolescent girls regarding body dissatisfaction, dieting, and internalization of sociocultural values, media-influenced knowledge, acceptance of varied body shapes, and media exposure. Girls understood media influence on self-image and behavior and accepted varied body shapes. Significant numbers reported dissatisfaction with weight and…

Tested the relationship between dieting frequency and risk of smoking initiation among middle school students. Data on students who completed a nutrition and physical activity intervention study indicated that girls who dieted up to once per week had twice the adjusted odds of becoming smokers. Girls who dieted more often had four times the…

Analyzes how dietary behavior of household children and adults was affected by the Stanford Five-City Project (FCP). Tests a three-part cumulative model of bidirectional influences within the family. Finds children and adults were influenced by each other and the FCP campaign in changing and maintaining health behaviors. (PA)

Valid assessment of physical activity must be unobtrusive, practical to administer, and specific about physical activity type, frequency, duration, and intensity. Assessment methods can be categorized according to whether they provide direct or indirect (e.g., self-report) observation of physical activity, body motion, physiological response…

This article reviews common complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatments used to address symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders, including vitamin supplements, medications, antibiotics, antifungals, diet strategies, chelation/mercury detoxification, and nonbiologic treatments. Strategies that professionals may use in assessing the…