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Editor's E-Note
Unveiling the Microbiome With Systems-Based Research
By now, we’re all familiar with the rapidly growing popularity of microbiome research. Between 2013 and 2017, more than 12,900 publications were dedicated to the topic of gut microbiota.1 A quick PubMed search reveals that a whopping 22,000 papers on the microbiome were published in 2023.
A once uncharted frontier, researchers are making strides to understand the role and function of this highly complex, integrated, and influential microbial system we call the microbiome. As our knowledge grows, we’re humbled by how little we know and how much more there is to learn.
Advances in microbiome research rely on new holistic study design models that exist in contrast to previously established reductionistic models. New systems-based or integrative biological models allow researchers to appreciate a more interconnected picture of organism function and understand key relationships within an organism as opposed to focusing on isolated parts.2
Systems biology methodologies in microbiome research use high-throughput “omics” data, such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, and metabolomics, to gain insight into personalized medicine applications. These approaches allow researchers to better understand how different environmental factors impact the microbial ecosystem and its players and how those players may, in turn, come together in unique combinations to further influence the surrounding environment, including human health.3 |
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After reading the newsletter, visit our website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the June/July issue of Today’s Dietitian, which includes articles on circadian rhythms and CVD risk, new standards for diagnosing malnutrition, and tips for supercharging your summer salads alongside delicious recipes.
Please enjoy the E-Newsletter and give us your feedback at TDeditor@gvpub.com, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
— Heather N Davis, MS, RDN, LDN, Editor
References
- Cani PD. Human gut microbiome: hopes, threats and promises. Gut.2018;67(9):1716-1725.
- Wanjek C. Systems biology as defined by NIH: an intellectual resource for integrative biology. The NIH Catalyst. 2011:19(6). Accessed June 4, 2024.
- Altay O, Nielsen J, Uhlen M, Boren J, Mardinoglu A. Systems biology perspective for studying the gut microbiota in human physiology and liver diseases. EBioMedicine. 2019;49:364-373.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors, Migraine, and the Microbiome
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole are among the most frequently prescribed drugs throughout the world.1 These drugs are commonly used to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease through their modulation of the acid-producing function of the parietal cells of the stomach.2 Many nutrition professionals may already be familiar with their potential side effects, including nutrient interactions involving B12, calcium, iron, vitamin C, and magnesium.3 Long-term use of PPIs may come with some additional health concerns, researchers say. Among these concerns is a higher incidence and likelihood of migraine headaches.4
A recent cross-sectional analysis published in April 2024 in Neurology Clinical Practice found that people taking PPIs were 70% more likely to experience migraine than people not taking PPIs. They also looked at the impact of taking other acid-suppressive medications, such as H2 receptor antagonists like cimetidine and generic antacids, whose use revealed a 40% and 30% higher likelihood for migraine, respectively. The authors adjusted for magnesium intake as well as age, sex, and use of caffeine and alcohol.4
This isn’t the first study to explore the possible connection between acid-suppressive medication and migraine. However, most studies examining the relationship, including this one, have been correlational and unable to determine a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Nonetheless, authors of the 2017 Clinical Practice Update from the American Gastroenterological Association say there’s cause for hesitancy in recommending these drugs long-term for patients, and in those who may require long-term use, the lowest effective dose should be used to reduce risk for side effects.5
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Binge-Eating Disorder Not as Transient as Previously Thought
Binge-eating disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, but previous studies have presented conflicting views of the disorder's duration and the likelihood of relapse. A new five-year study led by investigators from McLean Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham health care system, showed that 61% and 45% of individuals still experienced binge-eating disorder 2.5 and five years after their initial diagnoses, respectively. These results contradict previous prospective studies that documented faster remission times, according to the authors.
"The big takeaway is that binge-eating disorder does improve with time, but for many people, it lasts years," says first author Kristin Javaras, DPhil, PhD, an assistant psychologist in the division of women's mental health at McLean. "As a clinician, oftentimes the clients I work with report many, many years of binge-eating disorder, which felt very discordant with studies that suggested that it was a transient disorder. It's very important to understand how long binge-eating disorder lasts and how likely people are to relapse so that we can better provide better care."
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Major Cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Found
Researchers claim to have identified a major cause of inflammatory bowel disease, reports BBC. The teams at Francis Crick Institute and University College London found a weak spot in DNA that is present in 95% of people with the disease, and already-existing drugs could act as a potential treatment to reverse the effects.
Average American's Diet Improved Only Slightly Over Past 20 Years
While the average American diet has improved toward more healthful foods between 1999 and 2020, the changes are only slight, reports the U.S. News. Americans eating a diet ranked poor in nutrition dropped from 49% to 37%, while Americans eating an intermediate diet increased from 51% to 61%. |
CPE Monthly
Discover the role RDs have in dysphagia management and explore the new evidence-based standard for defining texture-modified foods and thickened liquids in this month’s issue of Today’s Dietitian. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
2025 Spring Symposium
Registration for our 12th annual Spring Symposium is now open! Take advantage of the Early-Bird Registration Rate of just $249 and plan to join us in San Antonio, Texas, from May 4 to 7, 2025. Each day will offer a full array of learning opportunities, fitness activities, great food, networking, and exploration of new products. Additional details are forthcoming.
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Making Your Practice Better
Whether it’s the everyday admin tasks, the necessary duties to grow your practice, or simply keeping up with clients, Practice Better’s software helps ensure health care professionals have what they need to succeed. The software is an all-in-one management and EHR system. The Starter Plan includes the capacity for 10 clients, telehealth, invoices and payments, and more. Learn more about the Starter Plan and the other plans here.
Diabetes Management Made Easy
Diabetes can be tricky for even those who’ve managed it for years, and as health care professionals, RDs may want an easy way to track and understand their clients’ needs. Diabetes:M is a tracking system that allows users to remote monitor and keep track of patient information in real-time with in-depth charts and logs. The software is available on the web, Android, and iOS. |
In the August/September Issue
• Taste of the Twin Cities: Your Guide to Minneapolis Cuisine
• Thriving in Private Practice
• The Evolving Landscape of Gestational Diabetes Management
• Today’s Dietitian 11th Spring Symposium Recap |
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COVER STORY
Circadian Rhythms and CVD
Often, people solely focus on common lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation or a healthful diet in the prevention of heart disease, but the timing of habits may play an equally important part. Discover the latest research on how one’s daily schedule—such as eating and sleep patterns—may impact their cardiometabolic health.
FEATURE
Diagnosing Malnutrition: AAIM or GLIM?
Malnutrition has garnered increased focus in the health care community in recent decades due to the importance of its identification for nutritional interventions. Learn about the current criteria models for diagnosing malnutrition, their controversies, and how their use impacts RDs.
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