Interview with Nathalie Nedergaard, Nutrition Supervisor, Site Research Services at ProSciento
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to highlight the impact of nutrition on both health and clinical research. In clinical trials, nutrition plays a key role in shaping study outcomes, particularly in research on metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. We spoke with Nathalie Nedergaard, Nutrition Supervisor at ProSciento, about her work and the role of clinical nutrition in research.
How does nutrition factor into clinical trials?
Nutritional planning varies by study and plays a crucial role in trial outcomes, especially for trials related to diseases across the metabolic continuum. Some studies require specific diets, and menus are designed accordingly to align with protocol objectives. For some studies keeping a stable weight is crucial to determine outcomes. When these participants are in-clinic, their diets are controlled and tailored to maintain a stable weight. For outpatient studies, while diets cannot be fully controlled, participants may be required to track their food intake or advised to follow certain nutritional guidelines. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, and stress management are also considered. Involving clinical nutrition in protocol development ensures these crucial nutritional and lifestyle components are properly integrated.
What are the key challenges and misconceptions about clinical nutrition in metabolic disease research?
A common misconception in metabolic disease research is that clinical nutrition is not always essential to study outcomes. In reality, diet and lifestyle factors are critical, especially in conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Nutrition has a direct impact on metabolic responses, making it an integral part of clinical trial protocols. Challenges include ensuring dietary consistency, managing participant adherence, and differentiating the effects of diet versus medication in outcomes.
At ProSciento, the nutrition team applies their expertise and the latest research to ensure proper integration of nutrition into trial designs. They collaborate closely with project management and clinical staff to ensure that nutritional considerations are effectively addressed, reinforcing the essential role of nutrition in the success of metabolic disease research.
What do you see as the future of nutrition in clinical trials, and how are emerging trends influencing the role of nutrition in research?
One of the most exciting areas of research is muscle retention with the potential for improved mobility during weight loss with GLP-1 therapies. Ongoing studies are exploring additional treatments and strategies to address this, including optimizing protein intake, resistance training, and targeted nutritional interventions.
Additionally, emerging therapies are being studied to better understand how they interact with nutrition and body composition. The intersection of clinical nutrition and pharmacology continues to evolve, and the insights gained from these studies will help refine future protocols to ensure that weight loss treatments support not just fat reduction but overall metabolic health. It’s an exciting time for the field, and continued research will help shape more effective, holistic approaches to treating metabolic diseases.
About Natalie Nedergaard, Nutrition Supervisor, Site Research Services
Nathalie Nedergaard is a foreign registered dietitian from Sweden who now calls Chula Vista home. As the Nutrition Supervisor at ProSciento, Nathalie oversees the development, implementation, and execution of all nutritional aspects of clinical trial protocols, including the management of study meals and food safety. She finds it especially rewarding to educate study participants on making healthier food choices and embracing a holistic approach to wellness. By incorporating nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle modifications, she is committed to improving health outcomes and advancing the role of nutrition in clinical research.
