With over 2,000 nutrition news articles in print and on the web
I’ve helped millions of readers sort through nutrition information to find what’s real, and what’s not supported by solid research. Beyond examining the science, people tell me I have a knack for guiding readers in applying research findings in their own lives.
Check this sampling of my articles focused on taking nutrition research from daunting to doable.
Overview of Public Health Dietary Guidelines for Prevention of Cancer. In: Robinson MK, editor. Scientific American Medicine. Hamilton (ON): Decker Intellectual Properties, January 2018. DOI: 10.2310/7900.9018.
American Diabetes Association Diabetes Spectrum, American Diabetes Association, 2014. Copyright and all rights reserved. Material from this publication has been used with the permission of American Diabetes Association.
Invited Reviews for Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease Clinical Topic Collection on acc.org website
Karen co-authored the chapter, “Nutrition and Cancer Prevention” in Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. (Published by Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013. Buy the Book
Todays Dietitian
An Under-Consumed Food Group that Boosts Nutrient Density
Are Pulses a Misunderstood Food Group? Pulses, a unique category of legumes, are misunderstood in many ways… what they are, what nutritional benefits they provide, guidelines about their role in a healthy diet, and how to surmount barriers people see to including them more often. I tackle all those questions here. [October 2023. 25(8):20]
Are People Under Age 50 Too Young to Think About Cancer Risk?
Cancer Nutrition: Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Rates of new cases of colorectal cancer have been declining overall. But early-onset colorectal cancer incidence is increasing. And evidence suggests that diet, body composition, and lifestyle offer just as much potential for risk reduction as for later-onset of this cancer. [October 2021. 23(8):12]
COVID-19’s Implications for Cardiovascular Disease
Heart Health & COVID-19 Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, it’s a multisystem disease that can also damage short-term and long-term cardiovascular health. I provide the background dietitians need about cardiovascular effects of the virus, the influence of cardiovascular risk factors, and nutrition care to support cardiovascular health amidst COVID-19. [February 2021. 23(2):18]
Metabolic Syndrome’s Link with Cancer
Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer – Insights on Their Intersection Metabolic syndrome increases risk of cancer development, and of worse outcomes if it does. Metabolic syndrome can identify people at risk, including those who do not have overweight. I discuss implications for creating individual nutrition strategies. [October 2020. 22(8):14]
Nutrition and the Growing Field of Cardio-Oncology
Cancer and Cardiovascular Care Cancer and heart disease share multiple common risk factors, and also intersect due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease for many cancer survivors. Personalized nutrition strategies should address the intersection of these diseases in prevention-focused efforts and in cardio-oncology rehabilitation. [February 2020. 22(2):20]
Approaches to Critical Thinking in a World of Headline Hype
Thinking CriticallyAboutNutrition Inundated with nutrition information, critical thinking skills are essential to set priorities and make sound choices. Co-authored with behavioral scientists Jason Riis and Brian McFadden. [August 2019. 21(8):36]
The Changing Landscape of Who’s at Risk of Cancer: A New Picture in Young Adults
Obesity-Related Cancers in Young Adults Obesity-related cancers are on the rise in young adults. I explore the latest research and offer strategies for talking with patients. [June 2019. 21(6):36]
Heart Disease in Men and Women: Similarities and Differences
Sex, Gender & CVD There are differences between men and women in how heart disease develops and presents. In this Today’s Dietitian cover story, I provide an update and discuss implications for heart-healthy eating strategies. [February, 2019. 21(2):18]
Update: Do Carotenoids Play a Role in Reducing Cancer Risk?
Cancer: Reducing Risk with Carotenoids For years, research has been looking at potential for beta-carotene and other carotenoid compounds to help reduce cancer risk. In this update, I put the latest studies in context of overall research and offer bottom-line take-home points for healthy eating. [January, 2019. 21(1):12]
Cancer Prevention: Key Messages from New Landmark Report
Dietary Fiber: Increase Amount and Variety Old ways of categorizing fiber miss important differences in how it may protect health in different ways. My article in Today’s Dietitian explains the science behind emphasis on both variety and amount and provides practical tips. [July, 2018. 20(7):11]
Evaluating and Communicating Nutrition Research
Communicating Nutrition Research Article in Today’s Dietitian providing insights on how dietitians (and other health professionals) can critically evaluate and accurately translate nutrition research, which is essential to be trusted as credible experts in a time of headline hype. [May, 2018. 20(5):38]
Alcohol, Cancer Risk and Health
Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk: The Other Side of a Health Halo Article in Today’s Dietitian exploring the research on alcohol’s link to cancer and some common misconceptions, including a look at whether the heart-health benefits are as strong as many people think. [April, 2018. 20(4):34]
Sodium, Blood Pressure and Health
Sodium Reduction: How Low Should Clients Go for Optimal Health? Cover article in Today’s Dietitian on the controversies about whether “the lower, the better” applies to sodium, and how to frame discussions within the current emphasis on overall eating pattern rather than single nutrients. [February, 2018. 20(2):18]
Inflammation and Cancer Risk
Can Anti-Inflammatory Diets Help? Article published in Today’s Dietitian on how to consider questions about anti-inflammatory foods and eating patterns within the big picture of inflammation and cancer risk. [January, 2018. 20(1):12]
Cardiac Rehab
Cardiac Rehab. Article published in Today’s Dietitian about this unique opportunity combining the art and science of nutrition. [February, 2016. 18(2):18]
Summarizing current nutrition recommendations and evidence on addressing challenges unique to cancer survivors, a peer-reviewed article approved for continuing education credit for dietitians, published in Today’s Dietitian. [August, 2014. 16(8):42]
The Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease Link
The Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease Link. A peer-reviewed article approved for continuing education credit for dietitians, published in Today’s Dietitian, a trade publication for nutrition professionals. [March, 2013. 15(3):46]
HealthTalk is a column created by Karen Collins on behalf of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Originally carried via websites and newspapers nationwide, it is now shared via the AICR blog. These columns aim to provide individuals with reliable, current information. To use any of this text in any form of public media, you need to ask for permission by contacting the American Institute for Cancer Research (email: communications@aicr.org ).
Food & Nutrition Magazine is published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The copyrighted articles here, written by Karen Collins, are shared with permission. To read more, please visit foodandnutrition.org