How Fructose Affects the Brain and Why Fruit Shouldn’t Get a Pass When it comes to Sugar Posted on March 30, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on How Fructose Affects the Brain and Why Fruit Shouldn’t Get a Pass When it comes to Sugar One of the biggest misunderstandings in the field of nutrition is the role of fruit in a healthy diet. We have been told to eat more fruits and vegetables for so long, that the two are referred to almost synonymously. There is definitely a problem with this association. Vegetables are rich in fiber, minerals, and typically very low in sugar. Fruit, on the other hand, is typically much lower in micronutrients and fiber, yet much higher in sugar. The most notable sugar in fruit is fructose. Continue reading →
Pediatric Nutrition: First things first Posted on March 29, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Pediatric Nutrition: First things first With over 25% of the world’s children experiencing failure to thrive (FTT), stunted growth, and or delayed development, it is a good time to look at the various facets of pediatric nutrition that require particular attention (1). Recent assessments of pediatric malnutrition have indicated that the influence of one or more micronutrient deficiencies on the trajectory of a child’s health may be far greater than previously thought and that clinicians must consider a much larger number of nutritional factors than energy and protein intake (2). An over reliance on assessing nourishment by the use of typical anthropometric values, can provide a false sense of adequacy. While the classic model of FTT relies upon the use of height and weight growth charts and percentiles, there may be neurological or other developmental delays that are equally tied to malnutrition. Continue reading →
Critical Qualities of Enteral Formulas for Patients with Diabetes Posted on March 15, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Critical Qualities of Enteral Formulas for Patients with Diabetes As a greater percentage of diabetes patients require enteral support for an additional disease or condition, the nutritional qualities of a formula are pivotal. While most enteral formulas are comprised of heavily refined carbohydrates (ranging from fruit juice concentrates to corn syrup solids) and industrially processed seed oils (corn, soybean, sunflower, and canola), there is only one whole food, high fermentable fiber, and no added sugar option. The qualities possessed by this type of formula are aligned with those recommended for the treatment and management of insulin resistance. Continue reading →
Should Sugar Be the Second Ingredient? A comparative look at enteral formulas designed for diabetes patients and why Liquid Hope is still the best. Posted on March 12, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Should Sugar Be the Second Ingredient? A comparative look at enteral formulas designed for diabetes patients and why Liquid Hope is still the best. Many RDs and clinicians ask us if Liquid hope is suitable for those with diabetes. Absolutely. I think the question is asked so frequently because Liquid Hope does not state anywhere on its package or in its literature that it is designed specifically for diabetes. In contrast, descriptions of commercial formulas such as Glucerna 1.2 and Diabetisource AC 1.2 contain language that clearly delineates them from other formulas. They are apparently formulated specific to the condition of diabetes and contain the appropriate ingredients and nutritional qualities. Really? Let’s take a closer look at what they are and what’s in them: Continue reading →
Cystic Fibrosis and Dietary Interventions Posted on March 7, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Cystic Fibrosis and Dietary Interventions In addition to the primary challenge of compromised lung function, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are presented with several metabolic hurdles. These issues exacerbate pulmonary symptoms and may be involved with the primary etiology of the disease. There is unequivocal evidence that the majority of cystic fibrosis patients suffer from one form of malnutrition or another (1). Continue reading →