Nutrition Therapy On The Plate of Medical Students

The importance of nutrition education in a medical school curriculum has long been recognized by several organizations including the National Academy of Sciences, American Society for Clinical Nutrition and the American Medical Student Association. However practical implementation into an already packed curriculum has halted progress in educating up and coming physicians on the importance of nutrition therapy in prevention and treatment of common illnesses. A majority of medical students report upon graduation that they are not prepared to address nutrition with their patients.

Five of the top ten leading causes of disease can and should have nutrition therapy as part of the treatment protocol. Patients report that they are more likely to make eating and lifestyle changes if recommended by a physician. Recent published studies have demonstrated the important role diet can play in treatment of chronic disease.

The PREMIERE Study showed that 77% of individuals with high blood pressure who made healthy lifestyle changes and followed the DASH diet guidelines were able to lower their blood pressure to normal within six months, no medication. Only half would be expected to reach normal blood pressure with medication alone. The study can be found in the April 23/30, 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Another study comparing a Dietary Portfolio to a commonly prescribed statin drug also showed that dietary changes could be just as effective as medication in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The Dietary Portfolio included incorporating plant sterols (margarine like spread), soy protein, viscous fibers, and almonds into the daily eating routine. For the complete study see the July 23/30, 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

By: Lona Sandon, MEd, RD and American Dietetic Association Spokesperson
Assistant Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center