FROM THE EDITOR

Abstract

This issue of the Journal represents another landmark development, with the supplementary publication of the abstracts for the 24th National Conference of the Dietitians Association of Australia. The theme of the conference is ‘Food and beyond: exploring frontiers in science and practice’.** Members and subscribers can view the supplement online at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/ndi. The topics covered in the conference reflect much of the material presented through the Journal, including a plenary session provided by Dr Ruth de Busk, whose Editorial on nutrigenomics in a previous issue of the Journal came to life in her presentation on future dietetics. The Editorial in this issue, provided by Professor Sandra Capra, builds on Professor Capra’s presentation at the conference on the revised nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand, with implications for nutrition professionals. Here we are reminded of the challenges faced with defining adequate diets, optimal nutrient intakes and the formulation of food groups. The leading article by McNaughton and the referent research piece by Mann and colleagues both pick up on the impact of decisions that lead to food groups. The logic behind these decisions needs to be made transparent to enable adequate critique of analytical outcomes that use the food group categories. The Mann study draws on dietary methodology, a core element of nutrition and dietetics research. In an analysis funded by Meat and Livestock Australia, the report shows that data from a food frequency questionnaire could produce outcomes showing the impact of red meat consumption on total fat intake to vary from 19.8% to 4.3% depending on how the food classification system was applied. This finding has important implications for practitioners working in both the public health and food industry contexts who need to know how to position their advice on food in a fair, accurate and productive way. Providing effective dietary advice for clinical conditions also requires a strong evidence base. This issue is addressed in the review by Volker and Yunianingtias on the nutritional management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a condition with some association to metabolic syndrome. Although most of the evidence was provided in smaller clinical studies, nutritional therapy was found to be targeted at risk factors. As with metabolic syndrome, diet and exercise intervention appeared to provide benefits, whereas some interesting opportunities with vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids warranted further exploration. Preventing metabolic syndrome in another population group, recent migrants, would benefit from an understanding of dietary acculturation, the focus of the research by Renzaho and Burns. In a study of 139 Melbourne households, new foods consumed by sub-Saharan migrants were identified as pizza, breakfast cereal and other fast foods, but included new types of vegetables and fruits, and oils (olive and canola). Although concerns about the negative impact of diet acculturation are prudent, there is also room to consider the positives. Breastfeeding mothers are another group that require particular attention from nutritionists, who in turn need to base their advice on a strong evidence base. It is pleasing then to see another systematic review, this time from Giglia and Binns on alcohol and lactation. With a focus on alcohol effects on lactogenesis as well as effects on the infant, the authors conclude that the use of alcohol in this context needs to be prudent, putting limits of only one to two standards drinks after breastfeeding. How parents gain information on diet and nutrition is the focus of the final paper, an insight report from Steinbeck and Owaimrin. Here the focus is on weight management using the Internet. The authors conclude that there appears to be a paucity of accessible information related to childhood weight management. In keeping with the theme of a strong evidence base for practice, the authors also suggest that websites include clinically approved management guidelines and confirm to e-health codes of ethical practice. The June issue of the Journal also includes book reviews on some very interesting new offerings, and an update on articles of interest reported in the nutrition science literature. The continuing education section by Patch, covering consumer behaviour, is something different and relevant to all walks of practice. Combined with the conference supplement, I trust you enjoy the mid-year treat.