The Dietitian Cafe Nualtra

With cystic fibrosis awareness week being 17th-21st June 2024, in today’s episode we put the focus on CF. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting the CFTR protein and in recent years the use of CFTR modulators have changed the game for the management of this condition. In today’s podcast I’m delighted to be joined by two experts to discuss the nutritional implications of this change as well as the wider landscape of nutrition in the management of cystic fibrosis. Kerry-Lee Watson and Jacqueline Lowdon are both specialist CF dietitians - Kerry works with adults and Jacqui in paediatrics, and together they co-chair the British Dietetic Association’s CF specialist group.
Jacqueline is a clinical specialist paediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) dietitian and has worked at Leeds children’s hospital for the last 6 ½ years. CF has always been a paediatric speciality that has held her interest since starting out in paediatric dietetics over 25 years ago. Jacqueline presently co-chairs the BDA CF dietitians specialist group and is a member of the CF Trust QI group. She has also contributed to the CF Toolkit developed by NHS England and has recently been involved in the UK CF Trust standards for the Clinical Care of Children and adults (to be published in June 2024). Her recent publications include: Evolution of nutritional management in children with CF – a narrative review. JHND Feb 2024 and Standards for the care of people with CF – recognising and addressing CF health issues. J of CF Nov 2023.
Kerry works as an adult cystic fibrosis dietitian and is the clinical lead for CF dietetics at King’s College Hospital in London. She has worked in CF for over 20 years and alongside her clinical work she has also co-authored guidelines and contributed to published research in this field, including the CF Trust Nutritional Management of CF consensus guidelines and the CF related diabetes chapter in the British Dietetic Guidelines for Diabetes. As Co-Chair of the BDA CF Specialist group, Kerry has worked with Jacqui and many colleagues contributing to the CF Toolkit and CF Trust Standards of Care due to be published in 2024, additionally they have supported Nutrition bite size events hosted by the CF Trust.

Show Notes:

Jacqueline’s twitter: @JacquelineLowd3

Studies:
• Impact of omega‐3 supplementation on children and adolescents patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized‐controlled trials. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2023;58:2219–2228. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ppul.26491

• Coffey MJ, Garg M, Homaira N, et al. A systematic cochrane review of probiotics for people with cystic fibrosis. Paediatr Respir Rev, 2021. 39: p. 61-64. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32917517/

Other resources:
• Cystic Fibrosis Trust: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk
• Cystic Fibrosis Trust Diet and Nutrition Leaflets: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/about-us/resources-for-cf-professionals/supporting-clinicians/resources-for-clinicians/nutrition-leaflets
• Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Group - British Dietetic Association (BDA): https://www.bda.uk.com/specialist-groups-and-branches/cystic-fibrosis-specialist-group.html
• BDA CF Specialist Group Twitter:@bda_cf
• European Cystic Fibrosis Website and Committee: https://www.ecfs.eu
• UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/about-us/uk-cf-registry

Fasting has regained attention after Rishi Sunak endorsed a weekly 36-hour fast. So, in today’s episode, we’ll take an evidence-based look at why and when fasting could be helpful (and when it might not be), as well as discussing the evidence around some of the most popular fasting health claims. Our expert guests will share their practical experience, discussing whether they recommend fasting in their practices and offering tips for dietitians to debunk fasting myths.

Dr Michelle Harvie is a research dietitian at the Prevent Breast Cancer Unit, Manchester University Hospital Foundation NHS Trust has been a state registered dietitian since 1991 and a research dietitian since 2001. Her research involves developing and pioneering intermittent low calorie (5:2) diets. This has primarily focused on the prevention and management of breast cancer including cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. This work has evolved and extended to the management of Type-2, Type - 1 and Gestational diabetes.
Dr Harvie has 97 peer review publications and has published 3 self-help guides for the public to follow intermittent diets; The 2-day diet (Ebury, Feb 2013); The 2-day diet cookbook (Ebury April 2013) and the quick and easy edition (Ebury, Feb 2014). All author proceeds go to the Prevent Breast Cancer www.preventbreastcancer.org.uk

Michael Titmus is an Advanced Practice Weight Management Dietitian at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
After graduating from the University of Plymouth, Michael worked as an Acute Dietitian at Weston General Hospital before moving to what was then Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Initially specialising in both weight management and eating disorders. Michael’s role has developed to where he is now the AHP-Clinical Lead in the North Devon Specialist Weight Management Service.
Michael has an interest in time-restricted eating and its implications for dietetic practice, which he was able to pursue in his post-graduate studies through a critical appraisal of the evidence-base.

Show Notes:
Please be aware that this episode was recorded before the death of Michael Mosley so any references to him were understandably said in present tense.

Prevent Breast Cancer website: https://preventbreastcancer.org.uk
Prevent Breast Cancer Instagram: @preventbreastcancer
Prevent Breast Cancer Twitter: @wearepreventBC

Zoe Big IF study - https://zoe.com/learn/the-big-if-study-what-did-we-find

Weight loss injections have sparked considerable debate since the decision in March 2023 by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to approve their use within the NHS for managing overweight or obesity. In today’s episode, we'll discuss the different types of injections and how they function as well as reviewing the evidence for their efficacy. We’ll also ask our guests about the unintended consequences of celebrity endorsements of these drugs and if the injections are perpetuating weight bias.

To help discuss this important topic, it is my pleasure to introduce two professionals with extensive experience in this field – Dr Werd Al-Najim a Registered Dietitian and Research Fellow at University College Dublin and Senior Metabolic Dietitian Aisling Morris.

Dr. Werd Al-Najim is a Registered Dietitian specialized in weight management. Her qualifications include a BSc in Nutrition Science from Kingston University, a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics from University College Dublin, and a PhD from Imperial College London.
During her doctoral studies, Dr. Al-Najim conducted research focusing on eating behaviour and food preferences after innovative obesity treatments. Since relocating to Dublin in 2016, she dedicated her time to the Metabolic Medicine Group, contributing significantly to establishing the Obesity Clinical Research Programme at the University College Dublin Diabetes Complications Research Centre.
Currently, Dr. Al-Najim efficiently manages the largest European obesity research project, IMI SOPHIA, at University College Dublin, while also overseeing her private practices, Prohealth365 Physiotherapy & Nutrition and BeyondBMI.
Aisling Morris graduated in 2015 and quickly developed a passion for the areas of chronic disease - Weight Management, Type 2 Diabetes, and Bariatrics, and chose to specialise her career in these areas for the past nine years.
Aisling has worked in specialist weight management and bariatric services in the UK, both in the NHS and privately, as well as in the public and private health sectors in Ireland.
As a dietitian, she is drawn to supporting people to lose weight and improve chronic health conditions.


Show Notes:
UK Government Press release for drugs to tackle obesity: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-drugs-pilot-to-tackle-obesity-and-cut-nhs-waiting-lists
Novo Nordisk article: https://www.ft.com/content/591772df-0451-4348-9bad-f375ed4b7ede


Werd’s Instagram: @werd_al_najim
Werd’s X: @werdalnajim
Aisling’s website: https://www.aislingmorrisdietitian.com

You might have heard the title primary care or first contact dietitian banded about in recent years, but how much do you know about the role? In today’s episode, we’re talking all things primary care dietetics, looking at everything from what promoted the shift to include dietitians in primary care settings and the benefit of this change to what the day-to-day role entails. Whether you’re considering moving into the role or just want to clue yourself up on this important area of dietetics, this interview is not one to miss! I’m delighted to be joined by Nusrat Kausar for today’s episode.
Nusrat is a registered dietitian and serves as the Clinical Director of Primary Care Dietitians, overseeing the support for dietitians across Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in England.
Additionally, Nusrat is a director at Nutribytes, an organisation dedicated to reducing health disparities through education.

Nusrat is an advocate for the dietetics profession, serving on the British Dietetic Association (BDA) England Board and the BDA Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) Board. Recently, she assumed the role of Vice-Chair of the BDA Diabetes Specialist Group. Furthermore, Nusrat chairs the BDA sports and exercise diabetes sub-group and hosts the Type 1's Talk Sports podcast.

Nusrat is also involved in educating and mentoring the next generation of dietitians, working as a Special Visiting Lecturer at various dietetic universities across the United Kingdom.

Show Notes:
Primary Care Dietitians Website: www.primarycaredietitians.co.uk
Primary Care Dietitians X: @primarycareFCD
Nusrat’s Instagram: @nusratkrd
Nusrat’s X: @NusratkRD

As a dietitian, have you ever wondered about being quoted in the paper, interviewed on the radio or even appearing on a TV programme? If so, then today’s episode is just for you! Dietitians in the media play a crucial role in shaping public understanding and perceptions of nutrition and health, by translating complex nutritional information into accessible and relatable content. Today we’re joined by two expert guests and BDA media-spokespeople who have a wealth of experience in this area, appearing in print media as well as on TV and radio. Our guests will shine a light on the role of a media dietitian, unpack the training required and we’ll hear their top tips on breaking into this area of dietetics.

Aisling is a Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian as well as a BDA spokesperson. She has 12 years of health and nutrition experience, varying across a variety of healthcare, academic and media settings. Aisling’s nutrition messages are simple and realistic and she takes an anti-fad, pro-health approach to diet and health. Aisling is currently working as Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board part time alongside her PhD at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Aisling runs a freelance consultancy Dietitian Wales. At the moment she is also running a special one-off series of media training for the British Dietetic Association specialist groups and branches.

Clare is a Registered Dietitian and BDA media spokesperson - She was awarded BDA spokesperson of the year in 2019 and 2023! Clare qualified 14 years ago and has specialised in paediatrics for the last 12 years. For the past 12 months she has worked in the NHS as a Lead Principal Dietitian for a hospital on the South Coast, prior to this she spent a number of years at Great Ormond Street. Alongside, Clare has a freelance private practice where she offers private consultations and she also works with food companies in product development and recipe analysis and with law firms as an expert witness. She is a regular contributor to the written media and TV and Radio. Clare is also on the committee of the ARFID SIG group which is a very active group, about to be launched as a new BDA Group. She was one of the authors of the BDA Position Statement and they have just written a new BDA course on managing ARFID with the first date set for May.


Show Notes:
Aisling’s website: https://dietitianwales.co.uk
Aisling’s Instagram and X: @dietitianwales

Clare’s website: https://claretw.com
Clare’s Instagram: @claretwdiet
Clare’s X: @thorntonwood
• BDA media course link: https://www.bda.uk.com/news-campaigns/media/bda-media-training.html
• BDA Press Office email: pr@bda.uk.com
• Recent news stories featuring BDA spokespeople: https://www.bda.uk.com/news-campaigns/media/in-the-media.html

For our debate today, we will be discussing the hot topic of nutrition misinformation. In recent months it has been the subject of much debate amongst nutrition experts. We will be discussing the reasons behind the spread of misinformation, the damage it does, and brainstorming the best ways to deal with it. So, in this month’s episode, we’re tackling it head-on and bringing together experts who know their stuff to unpack nutrition misinformation and share their top tips on combating it. We're delighted to be joined by Anna Wheeler, a registered nutritionist with 20 years of experience in a range of nutrition roles along with Lauren Griffin, a registered dietitian with experience across both the NHS and private sectors.

Lauren Griffin is a HCPC Registered Dietitian working in the NHS and private sector. Lauren has extensive clinical experience in oncology, surgery, and ITU, among other specialties. Lauren is committed to continued professional development, completing her PENG clinical update in 2021 and presenting research projects at international conferences, including EFAD. Alongside her clinical work, Lauren runs her own freelance consultancy, providing 1:1 nutritional coaching and health writing. Translating the complex science of nutrition into practical strategies for everyday life. Passionate about dispelling nutritional misinformation, Lauren's recent focus on ultra-processed foods and continuous glucose monitoring showcases her commitment for accurate information, highlighting her advocacy for nutritional literacy.
Anna is a Registered Nutritionist with 20 years’ experience. Anna started her career at a trade association and then held various positions within multinational companies Unilever and Coca-Cola Great Britain – in local and global roles, catering, technical, communications and stakeholder engagement.

Anna started her consultancy business, Anna Wheeler Nutrition Limited, in 2017. She Co-Founded Nutrition Talent in 2018. Nutrition Talent is a nutrition consultancy and recruitment company specialising in the provision of nutrition expertise. Anna now works across the two companies, spending more of her time working for Nutrition Talent. Anna is co-host of Nutrition Talent’s Humans of Nutrition podcast.

Anna chaired Nutritionists in Industry – a group of nutritionists working across retail, manufacturing, caterers etc., for over four years and still sits on the committee.


Show Notes:
Anna’s website: https://www.nutritiontalent.com/
Anna’s Twitter: @NutritionTalent and @NutritionAB
Lauren’s Twitter: @LaurenGriffinRD

Useful documents and resources:
• Academy of Nutrition Sciences: https://www.academynutritionsciences.org.uk/
• CAP non-broadcast code: https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/advertising-codes/non-broadcast-code.html
• CAP broadcast code: https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/advertising-codes/broadcast-code.html
• The BDA and social media: https://www.bda.uk.com/about-us/the-bda-and-social-media.html
• BDA Ads and Fads campaign: https://www.bda.uk.com/news-campaigns/campaigns/campaign-topics/ads-and-fads.html
• Association for Nutrition’s Standards of ethics, conduct, and performance: https://www.associationfornutrition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AfN-Standards-Ethics-Conduct-Performance.pdf