Study Title
Nutrition-Related N-of-1 Studies Warrant Further Research to Provide Evidence for Dietitians to Practice Personalized (Precision) Medical Nutrition Therapy: A Systematic Review
Principal Investigator
Margaret Allman-Farinelli, Brianna Boljevac, Tiffany Vuong, Eric Hekler
Affiliation
The University of Sydney, Australia; University of California San Diego, USA
Start Date
Not specified
End Date
Not specified
Study Objective
To synthesize and assess the quality of nutrition-related N-of-1 studies to provide evidence for dietitians practicing personalized medical nutrition therapy.
Short Abstract
This systematic review evaluates N-of-1 trials involving nutritional interventions to determine individual treatment efficacy. The study identified 7 trials conducted in 5 countries, including prediabetes, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome treatments. The review suggests N-of-1 studies could provide high-quality evidence for personalized nutrition therapy but highlights the need for more robust research and better reporting standards.
Study Design
Systematic review of N-of-1 trials
Population
Adults with various health conditions (e.g., prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, IBS)
Sample Size
83 participants across 7 studies
Inclusion Criteria
Studies that employed an N-of-1 design involving nutrition-related interventions with outcomes related to nutrition, health, or disease management.
Exclusion Criteria
Studies without a clear N-of-1 design or insufficient details on study methodology
Intervention/Exposure
Dietary interventions, including precision medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and various dietary modifications
Outcome Measures
Body weight, blood glucose levels, IBS symptom severity, quality of life, diet adherence, and biochemical markers
Funding Source
University of Sydney and University of California, San Diego (International Seed Grant)
Collaborating Institutions
University of Sydney, University of California San Diego
Ethics Approval
Not applicable (systematic review)
Publication Status
Published in Nutrients, April 2023
Keywords
N-of-1 trials, personalized nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, precision nutrition, dietetics, systematic review
Data Collection Methods
Systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, PsychInfo)
Primary Data Availability
Not applicable
Contact Information
Margaret Allman-Farinelli (