Build Up Catch Up - 1/13

Bogus Testing, (Pediatric) Obesity Treatment, Training & a question of Taste

Bad Bogus Tests - This week a question was posted in one of our groups that raised some red flags because both food intolerance and “enzyme deficiency” testing were mentioned in regards to a patient with a GI issues.

On Build Up Dietitians we have posted frequently about the fallacy of food intolerance testing - particularly ones like ALCAT, Everlywell and MRT, that profess to be able to determine a variety of food sensitivities/intolerances (note: these are NOT the same as food allergies!). For resources on the lack of evidence behind food sensitivity/food intolerance testing, a partial list is here - we have loads more on our Facebook page:

Kate Scarlata Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy | For A Digestive Peace of Mind—Kate Scarlata RDN

American Academy of Allergy and Immunology

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The concept of “enzyme deficiency” testing raises similar concerns, i.e. mixing a little bit of truth, (there are enzyme deficiencies like genetic enzyme deficiencies) with a dose of “woo” (pseudoscience). As Jonathan Jarry of McGill Office of Science and Society notes, “…that’s a grain of truth that wellness practioners can exploit.”

We’ve seen these “enzyme deficiency” tests done as multiple-choice questionnaires that individuals can fill out online that “diagnose” them with particular ‘enzyme deficiencies’. Enzyme deficiency testing also seem to be widely promoted by alternative medicine providers like chiropractors - another red flag.

Bottom Line: If testing isn’t evidence-based and is being recommended by alternative providers (chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths etc), isn’t covered by insurance companies, results in a restricted diet or shows a blatant attempt to sell supplements - proceed with caution!

Obesity Treatment for Pediatrics - AAP guidelines - The new pediatric obesity evaluation and treatment guidelines have been released and reactions have been mixed.

Some dietitians feel like this was a long time coming and is necessary guidance to help address obesity sooner (see what journalist Julia Belluz had to say ) before other chronic diseases and illnesses develop.

Other RDs are vehemently against bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy for pediatric patients with obesity. (see dietitian Christine Byrne thread - also on IG)

…and many RDs are in the middle thinking this may provide a tool in the toolbox alongside other interventions.

It seems to very much depend on how and where dietitians spend their time or their personal and/or professional experience with pediatric obesity and/or eating disorders.

Training on Logical Fallacies in Food and Nutrition

FREE Continuing Education - 1.0

Register here: Logical Fallacies in the Food and Nutrition Conversation

DisTASTEful MSG Messaging - How many times have you had a client/patient/customer claim that they’re “allergic” to or “intolerant” of MSG (monosodium glutamate)?

You don’t want to roll your eyes because that would be dismissive of their symptoms and concerns; but do you ever ask, ‘Can you eat tomatoes? bacon? almonds?’ Would you use MSG if you knew it might help reduce sodium content AND improve taste?’

(infographic credit: Michael Hull)

There’s an interesting back story about how MSG became so despised. (Hint: there’s racism involved.) Check out Dirty Spoons Podcast , with Tia Rains, PhD and Chef Chris Koetke of Ajinomoto…also see Dietitian Neva Cochran ‘s blog for a comprehensive look.

Bonus Round: Do YOU a product (name) found in the spice section of most EVERY supermarket that is ALL MSG? (if you’re the first one to comment with the correct answer you get a $10 Starbucks gift card - sorry, US residents only.)

This week’s PODCAST PICK:

Maintenance Phase - Daily Harvest Food Poisoning Scandal how did Reddit play a role, the ins and outs of GRAS that may surprise you, and some of the worst US food poisoning/food borne stories.