 The GCRC's bionutrition-dietary research core is designed to provide the scientifically controlled dietary regimens required for inpatient and outpatient research studies. A research dietitian and two diet technologists staff the center's dietary core. Research dietitian Meenakshi Rammohan, MS, is available for consultation and assistance with all nutritional aspects of a protocol, from assessment and planning to completion of the project. Prior to beginning a nutrition related study, the dietitian can assist the research team in screening study subjects to evaluate their nutrition status and help determine their suitability for inclusion and enrollment. The dietary research staff can provide the following measurements and dietary services: Measurements
- dietetic nutritional assessment
- anthropometric measurements including sagital abdominal diameter
- bioelectrical impedance analysis, single and multi-frequency
- 24-hour diet recall and food frequency analysis
- basal and thermal energy expenditure measurements
Controlled Diets
Diets are tailored to meet the research objective and nutrient requirements of the subject. Diets are calculated using the software ProNutra. The GCRC dietary staff rigidly controls the meals provided to subjects. These diets are provided to inpatients in the hospital or on an outpatient basis. Subject can select their meals once a day. Diet compliance is monitored on a daily basis.
Nutrient Analysis
Nutrient analysis is performed based on 24-hour diet history or Food Frequency, according to a particular protocol's needs. Nutritionist V software is used for analysis.
Weighed Diets
Diets with known nutrient content are served to subjects, and actual nutrient composition of the diets is analyzed following meal consumption.
Formula Diets
Synthetic formulas can be provided to meet the unusual nutrient needs of protocols, such as the Zero Potassium Diet.
Nutritional Instruction
Dietary and nutritional instruction as well as follow up for diet compliance, are provided to meet the objectives of a study. In addition to routine clinical nutrition services, evaluation of nutrition status, nutrition care recommendations, and nutrition education is included in the care of all research volunteers.
For more information about the center's dietary services, contact
Meenakshi Rammohan, MS, RD, LD
GCRC Research Dietitian
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Feinberg 10-760A
Telephone 312/926-4377
Fax 312/926-8450
mrammoha@nmh.org
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