Nutrition

This collection features AFP content deemed current by the AFP online medical editor on nutrition and related issues, including diets, physical activity, prevention of cardiovascular disease, vegetarian diets, and vitamin supplementation (i.e., antioxidant supplements, B-complex vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc). New research may affect the interpretation and application of this material. Clinical judgment is advised. Note that AFP content published within the past 12 months is accessible to AAFP members and paid subscribers only.
Note: See separate topic collection on Health Maintenance and Counseling.

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Last Update: 04/15/2013

General Specific Vitamins and Nutrients Complications and Special Situations

Editorials and Letters Improving Practice Patient Education, Self-Care

General

• Daily Multivitamins Have Minimal, if Any, Effect on Preventing Cancer in Men and Do Not Affect Mortality [POEMs] (03/15/2013)
• Diets for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: What Is the Evidence? (04/01/2009)
• Nutrition in Toddlers (11/01/2006)
• Nutritional Assessment and Counseling for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease (01/15/2006)
• Routine Vitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease [Putting Prevention into Practice] (08/01/2004)
• Routine Vitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: Recommendations and Rationale [U.S. Preventive Services Task Force] (12/15/2003)
• American Cancer Society Releases Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention [Practice Guidelines] (10/15/2002)
• Taking a Nutrition History: A Practical Approach for Family Physicians (03/15/1999)

Specific Vitamins and Nutrients

• Vitamin D Supplementation for Women During Pregnancy [Cochrane for Clinicians] (03/01/2013)
• Pharmacologic Therapy for Vitamin D Deficiency [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries] (02/15/2013)
• Update on Vitamin B12 Deficiency (06/15/2011)
• IOM Releases Report on Dietary Refernce Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D [Practice Guidelines] (06/01/2011)
• Effectiveness of B-Complex Vitamins for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events [Cochrane for Clinicians] (04/01/2010)
• VItamin D Supplementation in Infants, Children, and Adolescents (03/15/2010)
• Recognition and Management of Vitamin D Deficiency (10/15/2009)
• Dietary Fatty Acids (08/15/2009)
• AAP Doubles Recommended Vitamin D Intake in Children [Practice Guidelines] (07/15/2009)
• Zinc: An Essential Micronutrient (05/01/2009)
• Antioxidant Supplements Do Not Improve Mortality and May Cause Harm [Cochrane for Clinicians] (11/01/2008)
• Do Vitamin C Supplements Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Mortality? [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries] (04/01/2004)

Complications and Special Situations

• Specialized Nutrition Support (01/15/2011)
• ACS Releases Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment [Practice Guidelines] (04/01/2004)

Editorials and Letters

• Should Family Physicians Screen for Vitamin D Deficiency? Yes: Targeted Screening in At-Risk Populations Is Prudent [Editorials] (04/15/2013)
• Should Family Physicians Screen for Vitamin D Deficiency? No: Screening Is Unnecessary, and Routine Supplementation Makes More Sense [Editorials] (04/15/2013)
• Does Widespread Calcium Supplementation Pose Cardiovascular Risk? Yes: The Potential Risk Is a Concern [Editorials] (02/01/2013)
• Does Widespread Calcium Supplementation Pose Cardiovascular Risk? No: Concerns Are Unwarranted [Editorials] (02/01/2013)
• Vitamin D in Children: The Right Dose of Evidence [Editorials] (03/15/2010)
• Dietary Fat: Quantity and Quality [Editorials] (08/15/2009)
• Long-Term Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet [Editorials] (04/01/2009)
• The Vitamin E Saga: Lessons in Patient-Oriented Evidence [Editorials] (06/01/2005)

Improving Practice

From Family Practice Management

• Four Strategies for Promoting Health Lifestyles in Your Practice

Patient Education, Self-Care

• Vitamin D and Children (03/15/2010)
• Trans Fats (08/15/2009)
• Giving Your Child the Best Nutrition (11/01/2006)
• Keeping Your Heart Healthy Through Good Nutrition and Exercise (01/15/2006)
• Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health (02/15/2004)
• Nutrition: Choosing Healthy, Low-Fat Foods (02/15/2004)

From Familydoctor.org

• Healthy Food Choices
• Nutrients and Nutritional Info
• AIM-HI Nutrient Deficiency Risk Questionnaire