Newswise — CHICAGO – Disorders of lipid metabolism –such as elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels, metabolic syndrome and hypertension – are known risk factors for serious conditions like coronary heart disease and stroke. Medical nutrition therapy provided by registered dietitians can help people with disorders of lipid metabolism – or DLM – to manage their conditions and improve their health.
The American Dietetic Association’s Evidence Analysis Library has published an updated practice guideline for registered dietitians working with people who have DLM. It states in part that “disorders of lipid metabolism are recognized risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases, including coronary heart disease.” The relationship of (total cholesterol) and (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) subsequent to (coronary heart disease) events has been well documented in several major observational and clinical studies. An increasing body of evidence links dyslipidemias to the occurrence of stroke.”
The objective of the practice guideline “is to provide medical nutrition therapy guideline recommendations that support improvement in lipid levels and risk factor management of cardiovascular disease....The focus of this guideline is on the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders – that is, patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol or triglyceride levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as coronary health issues such as metabolic syndrome and hypertension.”
ADA’s guidelines support the use of evidence-based practice by RDs to improve the quality of care they provide to clients and patients. Guidelines are developed by expert work groups that include experienced practitioners and researchers and are reviewed by multidisciplinary teams consisting of health professionals such as RDs, physicians, pharmacists and registered nurses. Since 2005, ADA has published guidelines on chronic kidney disease, HIV, adult weight management; celiac disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; critical illness; diabetes (types 1 and 2); gestational diabetes mellitus; heart failure; hypertension; oncology; pediatric weight management; spinal cord injury; and unintended weight loss for older adults.
ADA’s Evidence Analysis Library has also published a Health Disparities Evidence-Based Nutrition Project for registered dietitians. Eliminating health disparities is a priority of ADA’s, as noted in the Association’s practice paper on the topic. The Health Disparities Evidence-Based Nutrition Project gives practitioners specific science-based information related to working with individuals with health disparities. It covers topics ranging from cross-cultural communication and effectiveness of nutrition intervention and assessment to food security and availability and access to health care.
Recommendations in ADA’s guidelines, as well as grades assigned to the strength of the scientific evidence used in supporting the recommendations, should not be interpreted as endorsements by the American Dietetic Association of any brand-name product or service. Consumers who want to know more about nutrition and health are encouraged to consult with a registered dietitian in their area. Details on republishing information contained in ADA’s guidelines are available on the Evidence Analysis Library website.
The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.
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