Current nut recommendation practices differ between health professionals in New Zealand.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Regular nut consumption is linked to reduced chronic disease risk.
• Population-level nut intake remains low despite evidence.
• Health professional advice may increase nut consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine current nut recommendation practices among health professionals in New Zealand.
• To identify variations in advice regarding nut consumption frequency and quantity.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of dietitians, general practitioners, and practice nurses in New Zealand.
• Data collected on nut recommendation practices, types of nuts, frequency, and quantity.

Main Results:

• Dietitians (82.7%) were more likely to recommend nuts than general practitioners (55.5%) and practice nurses (63.1%).
• Almonds, Brazil nuts, and walnuts were most recommended; raw nuts were preferred.
• Dietitians recommended higher daily amounts (30g) compared to general practitioners and practice nurses (20g).

Conclusions:

• Dietitians largely followed guidelines for nut recommendations.
• Opportunities exist to improve nut consumption advice across all health professions.
• Increasing nut recommendations may be a viable public health strategy to lower chronic disease incidence.