REDCieN

Code of professional ethics for nutritionists (2024 update): challenges and opportunities in a globalized world

Edwin E. Martínez-Leo — 2024-12-27

The globalization process, scientific advances and biotechnological development have led to the evolution of societal needs. The above has implied challenges and areas of opportunity in the professional practice of nutrition. Ethics represents an area of opportunity in developing a broad vision of its concept, applicable to the needs of today's society. For this reason, in March 2024, the Code of Ethics of Colegio Mexicano de Nutriologos, initially created in the year 1995, was updated to have a document that guides the conduct of their professional practice according to current needs. With a total of 47 articles, the Nutritionist's Code of Professional Ethics is constituted as a framework of reference for the practice of nutrition in Mexico in the areas of responsibility towards the College, the nutritionist, patients/clients/users, their colleagues, profession and society. In this way, the Code of Ethics determines the actions of the nutritionist in his profession, respecting the essence and autonomy of the patient/client/user, in any of the areas of his professional practice.

Risk of diabetes in health personnel in the COVID-19 area in a third-level hospital

Blanca R. Pardo-Pacheco — 2024-12-27

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic illness, mainly characterized by changes in blood sugar levels. Objective: To determine the risk of diabetes in health personnel in the COVID-19 area in a tertiary hospital, using the FINDRISC questionnaire (Diabetes Risk Score in Latin America). Methodology: A descriptive, observational, prospective study of staff in the COVID-19 area at the Juarez Hospital of Mexico. The criteria for inclusion were non-diabetic women and men with or without comorbidities working in the COVID-19 area who agreed to participate under informed consent and were in a pre-or postprandial state. Criteria for exclusion: Workers who did not complete the study. Criteria for elimination: Workers who withdrew their consent. Results: 71% of the sample has a risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years, 29% of the sample exhibits a low risk, 37% a slightly elevated risk, 22% a moderate risk, and 12% a high risk. Conclusions: There is a high risk of diabetes in the hospital staff working in the COVID-19 area, with a greater risk of complications from infection by SARS-CoV-2.

Uses and impact of nutritional supplementation in CrossFit training

Daniela Castañeda-Torres — 2024-12-27

CrossFit is defined as a strength and conditioning training system based on constantly varied functional exercises performed at high intensity, which can lead to early fatigue and increased perception of tiredness, as well as increased risk of injury, overexertion and overtraining. Supplements are a legitimate part of the preparation of high- performance athletes that, when used properly, can help maintain good health, support effective training and optimize performance in competition. However, their use is not without risks which, although rare, can have an impact on human health. There is little evidence on nutritional supplementation in individuals practicing CrossFit, therefore, the present review aims to document the state of the art on the existing information between nutritional supplementation and CrossFit training.

Situation of exclusive breastfeeding in Latin America

Robinson Cruz Gallo — 2024-12-27

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Latin America is a crucial practice for child health that faces various challenges despite its risks and presents numerous potential benefits. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends EBF during the first six months of life as the optimal form of feeding for babies, only 4 out of 10 babies are exclusively breastfed in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The advantages of exclusive breastfeeding are widely recognized. Breast milk provides essential nutrients, protection against disease, and promotes healthy development and emotional bonding between mother and baby. It also promotes sustainable nutrition and helps the mother's postpartum recovery.

However, the implementation of this practice faces significant barriers, including the lack of effective public policies that promote breastfeeding, commercial pressure from breast milk substitutes, cultural norms that discourage breastfeeding in public, and limited institutional and workplace support for working mothers.

In conclusion, EBF in Latin America represents not only a vital aspect for children's health, but also a determining factor in achieving well-being and sustainable development in the region. To ensure a better future for coming generations in the region, it is urgent to overcome existing barriers and actively promote this practice.

A regulatory checklist for private nutrition practice in Mexico

José de Jesús González-Ledesma — 2024-12-27

́The establishment of a private nutrition practice (CPdN) in Mexico necessitates compliance with various regulatory requirements from government agencies. Knowledge of these requirements, which are often not covered in academic curricula, coupled with the lack of a comprehensive reference, frequently leads to the empirical setup of a CPdN. This can result in infractions and subsequent economic penalties that could severely affect the nutrition professional's finances, potentially leading to the closure of the CPdN.

The civil society organization “Sociedad Internacional de Nutriólogos en Michoacán SOCINUM Asociación Civil,” through its “empoderalia” action program, has developed a research line aimed at creating a document that thoroughly integrates the regulatory requirements for opening a CPdN. This was accomplished through a documentary bibliographic review methodology covering the period from 2018 to 2022, focusing on the legal framework from various government agencies, associations, and professional bodies. It is important to note that there are variations at the state and municipal levels. The collected information was analyzed, organized, and classified, resulting in a checklist document titled “Check list #SoyNutriProfesionalFormalyÉtico” that incorporates, but is not limited to, the requirements a CPdN must fulfill. This document is intended as a reference tool for ensuring compliance with the regulations applicable to opening a CPdN in Mexico and contributes to fostering a culture of professional, formal, and ethical adherence.