The Current Issues in Nutrition conference is organized by Iowa State University Extension and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. As a leading research institution, Iowa State University understands the need professionals have for educational update opportunities focused on timely issues.

The same quality program with improvements:
  • Available 24/7
  • Convenience of Your Office or Home
  • More Opportunities to Interact with Presenters
  • Research PLUS Application
  • Lower Cost
Step 1: Register online to receive the link to the two presentations.
Step 2: View the online presentations March 15 - April 15, 2009.
Step 3: Participate in one Interactive Q/A Session on:
April 15: 12:00-1:00pm CST April 21: 9:00-10:00am CST
April 15: 3:00-4:00pm CST April 21: 1:00-2:00pm CST
Why the new format? The web-based presentations and Q/A sessions allow registrants to participate from their own computers. This reduces travel costs for participation. In addition, online technology is considerably more cost efficient. This means the registration fee is actually less this year for the same great quality, science-based information.

What's a webcast? Using new technology, Iowa State University is able to provide you featured speaker content from the comfort of your own home or office. Adobe ConnectTM software gives participants online access to live video, audio and presentations as well as interaction with other participants and presenters via chatroom technology. Webcasts are a convenient and cost-effective way to attend a seminar without the hassle and expense of travelling to a central site.

Are there any system requirements for my computer? Both the presentations and the live Q&A sessions use Flash technology. To ensure you have Flash loaded on your computer and can participate in the live Q&A sessions, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/testconnect/. No other software or hardware is required; it is a web-based program.

"Vitamin D: Sunshine or Supplement?" Vitamin D, typically known for its role in calcium absorption and bone mineralization, has emerged as a nutrient with far-reaching implications. Vitamin D also has a role in neuromuscular function, immune function, reduction of inflammation, as well as cell proliferation and differentiation. As such, recent research suggests that Vitamin D has a role in various types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis. Some researchers suggest optimal Vitamin D status can only be achieved with dietary intakes 2-5 times the current Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). Vitamin D could become a 'functional nutrient' consumers will see as a fortification nutrient in food products. This conference will focus on the current science of Vitamin D and how practitioners can implement this new science with consumers.

Conference Goals:

  • Review the scientific evidence suggesting a role for Vitamin D in chronic diseases
  • Explore the meaning of 'optimal' Vitamin D status
  • Describe the current and forthcoming recommendations (DRIs) for Vitamin D intake
  • Provide guidance for practitioners to effectively counsel clients/patients on optimal Vitamin D intake and status
For more information, please visit the Current Issues in Nutrition's home page: 
http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/cin/home.html

(Please note we won't be mailing out hard-copy brochures this year!)

K. Rice 2/10/2009