Consumers’ appetite for food and nutrition news seems nearly insatiable. That is not surprising in light of unprecedented developments in the nutrition research world. The emerging science surrounding how whole foods, food components, and dietary supplements may promote health and reduce disease risk is exciting. Yet, dietary recommendations from established scientific authorities change little over time due to the need to build a strong body of evidence before making widespread public health recommendations. This contrast presents new challenges to journalists, health professionals, and other communicators who strive to responsibly relay new findings to the public amid established dietary guidance in our time-crunched world.
To assist food and nutrition communicators in addressing these challenges, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation has developed a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)-approved continuing professional education (CPE) online program, “Understanding and Effectively Communicating Food and Nutrition Science: Leading Consumers to Better Health.”
If you are a registered dietitian or a dietetic technician, registered, simply follow the instructions to earn two CPE credit hours following your successful completion of the CPE questions.
*For more information about IFIC Foundation, click here.
Program Objectives
After completing this self-study CPE program, participants will be able to:
- Identify elements of nutrition research that are relevant to appropriate interpretation.
- Identify components of a nutrition study that assist in determining strengths and weaknesses of the research.
- Discuss consumer attitudes and preferences that impact food and nutrition communications.
- List “7 Guiding Principles” for successful communication of food and nutrition research.
Suggested Learning Codes:
2000 Science of food and nutrition
9020 Evaluation and application of research
Instructions
Step 1. Read the program objectives for “Understanding and Effectively Communicating Food and Nutrition Science: Leading Consumers to Better Health” self study CPE program.
Step 2. Follow this link (PDF) to read and view the “Understanding and Effectively Communicating Food and Nutrition Science: Leading Consumers to Better Health” slide presentation for health professionals, including the accompanying presentation script that explains the subject matter in depth. (Save the presentation to your computer by right-clicking on the link and choosing "save target as.")
Step 3. Review and answer the CPE Questions for the online program, “Understanding and Effectively Communicating Food and Nutrition Science: Leading Consumers to Better Health” to ensure you have met the program objectives. When you are finished, view the answer key.
Step 4. Complete the online evaluation form for this CPE program by following this link. At the end of the evaluation, you will be redirected to the IFIC Foundation home page. Return to this CPE page.
Step 5. Download the Certificate of Completion (PDF) and put it in your files to verify completion of the CPE program and to receive two CPE credit hours.
(NOTE: You need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view the PDFs.)
