Nutrition in Primary Care: Update and Controversies 2020

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This annual continuing medical education program is designed to enhance primary care providers’ knowledge of applied nutritional biochemistry and the associated research literature pertaining to several conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice. Various levels of evidence will be presented for evaluation and discussion in order to facilitate improved communication with patients about health promotion, disease prevention and preferences for treatment.

Who should attend: Family Physicians; Psychiatrists; Pharmacists; Nurse Practitioners; Physician Assistants; and other health care professionals.

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• Critique current evidence for nutritional support in several conditions commonly encountered in primary care, including type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis;
• Appreciate nutritional biochemistry related to specific metabolic pathways and physiological processes influencing blood sugar control;
• Evaluate claims for potential health benefits or adverse effects resulting from vitamin D deficiency and drug-nutrient interactions;
• Communicate knowledgeably with patients about their preferences for treatment, including the use of specific diets and nutritional supplements.
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1. Dietary Prevention and Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes

An epidemic of type 2 diabetes is affecting a growing number of adults, and with the rising rates of obesity has become more common in younger individuals. Type 2 diabetes is also related to a steeper decline in cognitive health in the aging population. This presentation will discuss evidence suggesting that inadequate diets and certain nutrient deficiencies are modifiable risk factors in the development of this increasingly common condition and suggest dietary and supplemental interventions helpful in the prevention and possible reversal of type 2 diabetes.

2. Update on Vitamin D

Despite the huge number of publications concerning the impact of vitamin D on health, much debate remains around the utility of vitamin D testing and supplementation in the scientific literature. This presentation will explore recent controversial studies on vitamin D, differences between vitamin D obtained through sun exposure and supplementation, and the utility of screening versus universal supplementation. In addition, it will discuss the interaction and interdependency of vitamin D on magnesium and the implication of widespread magnesium deficiency on vitamin D metabolism and utilization..

3. Nutrition and Osteoporosis

As populations age osteoporosis and associated fracture risk increases. The role that adequate calcium and vitamin D play in preventing osteoporosis is widely accepted. However, nutritional requirements for good bone health go beyond these two nutrients. This presentation will provide updated information on all nutrients required for bone health, and focus in particular on new evidence for the vital role of protein in bone integrity. The important relationship between vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, and their combined impact on bone building, repair and maintenance is also highlighted.

4. Drug-Nutrient Interactions

Drug-nutrient interactions have the potential to cause serious adverse reactions. Unlike drug-drug interactions, which are normally studied as part of drug research, drug-nutrient interactions are often overlooked. Foods and nutritional supplements may impact drug metabolism enzymes and reduce the therapeutic potential of some medications. This presentation examines some of the more common interactions documented with chronic use of medications. In particular, the role of antacids in influencing magnesium and B12 status, and frequently prescribed medications that interfere with vitamin D absorption and metabolism.

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Registration Fee includes lunch, refreshments and program materials.

CSOM/ISOM members must log-in under ‘My Account’ to receive membership discounts.

Scholarship Application Fee ($50.00) is refunded upon program attendance.