The controversy as to whether dietary protein (particularly animal-derived protein) is beneficial or deleterious to bone health has been a long-standing controversy among health professionals. A recent systematic review of available data found a positive effect of dietary protein on skeletal acquisition in children and adolescents (1). Considerable attention has recently also focused on dietary protein’s role in the mature skeleton, prompted in part by increasing interest in non-pharmacologic approaches to maintaining skeletal health in adult life and later adult years. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) suggest that higher protein intakes have a significant beneficial impact on bone density and risk of fracture at the lumbar spine (2), regardless of the protein source (i.e., animal vs. plant) (3). Additionally, a separate systematic review and meta-analysis excluding or adjusting for weight loss and hormone replacement therapy found large effects on prevention of hip fractures in adults (4). .

Supported by an educational grant from: Dairy Management, Inc., Egg Nutrition Center, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

This webinar aims to inform ASN members about the 2018 Farm Bill and its impact on nutrition-related work and research. With proposed cuts of 20% or more to nutrition research funding institutions in Fiscal Year 2018, federal support for nutrition research funding, federal nutrition programs and nutrition-related public health initiatives is more important now than ever before. The 2018 Farm Bill and nutrition research funding affects the careers of all ASN members and therefore, both directly and indirectly, affects the health and lives of the stakeholders they serve and reach. This webinar will provide an overview of how the Farm Bill is crafted, explore the nutrition-related elements of the Farm Bill, and review the overall importance and impact of advocacy for nutrition and research, as well as provide insight to best practices and approaches to overcome challenges.

Related event: Farm Bill Advocacy Day

ASN is partnering with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and the Food Trust to host a Hill day on Tuesday, April 24 in Washington, D.C. We will meet with congressional offices between 10 am and 3 pm to advocate for nutrition education and nutrition research in the 2018 farm bill.  Email Sarah Ohlhorst for more information.

The first presentation in this webinar will inform clinicians, nutrition scientists and policy makers on the changing policy on alcohol consumption.

Both iron and vitamin D are essential nutrients that dramatically alter the intestinal microbiome.   This program will present current, mechanistic, information linking iron and vitamin D from dietary and supplementary sources to the microbiome and the potential beneficial or adverse effects on the health of humans and animals.