CFDR Funded Research
Insights into Food & Nutrition
CFDR is a community changing the face of Canadian health by funding and advancing the dietetic profession.
CFDR supports innovative research projects in Nutrition and Dietetics to enhance dietetic practice, and ultimately, to improve the nutritional health of all Canadians.
$3 Million
Invested in Nutrition and Dietetics Research
29
Peer Reviewed Publications of CFDR Supported Research Since 2011
125
Research Teams Supported
Researchers Tell Their Stories
Christine Nash MSc, RD
Principal Investigator of CFDR-funded Studies:
- Examination of dietary intakes and blood concentrations of folate, vitamins B6 and B12
- Association with nutritional status (SGA) and dialysis modality in 70 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing various types of dialysis
Christine states: “I wouldn’t have been able to do my research without CFDR. I wanted to complete a research-based Masters through U of T and I needed funding to accomplish this. I wouldn’t have been able to do my research as robustly, and to do gold standard lab work which made up the majority of my budget. It would not have had the same impact without the funding.”
“CFDR supported the growth and development of my research skills, and I feel that I can tackle and contribute to other research projects. I believe that this kind of funding is a gap in our profession.”
Thea Demmers MSc, RD
Sylvia Santosa PhD, RD
Co-Investigators of CFDR-funded Study:
- Examines the role of nutrition in muscle function of bariatric surgery patients
Thea states:
“The CFDR grant supports much of the work needed for research studies such as performing measurements for data collection via blood draws, lab work, obtaining supplies, conducting DXA scans, transcribing focus groups, and compensating participants’ time and travel….Being a part of this project allows for continued learning, generation of new knowledge and ways to support people after a challenging surgery and life-altering change.” “This is the passion of every dietitian; I am thankful to be a part of efforts like this.”
Sylvia States:
“The CFDR grant allowed me to enter the clinical stream of research. This is an important stream of research as there is very limited evidence for nutrition recommendations in bariatric surgery.
This research will allow me to directly contribute to the development of nutrition guidelines for the growing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Canada.
We desperately need some evidence to determine how changes in diet may impact the functionality of these individuals in the short term and potentially in the long term as well…. It’s critical to have grants targeted specifically towards answering clinical practice questions.
This type of grant allows a broader number of dietetic practice-based research questions to be answered. It grows our field and provides the evidence we need to practice within dietetics.”
Current CFDR
Funded Research
2024 Successful Research Teams
Maude Perreault PhD RD, Université de Montréal
Colleen O’Connor PhD RD, Western University
Admission criteria and selection processes of Canadian dietetic programs: for a diversified profession
In Canada, the underrepresentation of diverse social identities in the dietetics profession is a pressing issue. Admission processes are significant gateways into the profession, with program directors and selection committees acting as key decision-makers to determine the criteria for admission. The lack of transparency surrounding admission procedures, raises substantial concerns regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. The objective of this research is to examine the admission processes in dietetic programs across the country.
Christina Lengyel PhD RD, University of Manitoba
Emergency Food Service Preparedness in Canadian Long Term Care Homes
Emergency food service preparedness and disaster planning are critical for long term care (LTC) homes to ensure, provide and maintain food service delivery and nutrition support to residents and staff during environmental and pandemic emergencies. The purpose of this research is to examine current food service emergency preparedness in LTC homes and develop relevant, evidence-informed consensus recommendations which will comprise a guide for Canadian LTC homes to use in developing their tailored food service emergency response plan.
Brian Lo PhD MPH, University of Guelph
Geoff Ball PhD RD, University of Alberta
What About Fathers? Exploring Registered Dietitians’ Experiences Engaging Fathers
Fathers play a crucial role in determining child and family health but are underrepresented in
pediatric interventions and services, including those related to nutrition. Prior father–provider research and father-engagement training programs have overlooked dietetics, although dietitians are positioned to improve children’s diets. The proposed study will be the first to examine how and how often Canadian registered dietitians interact with fathers in pediatric nutrition care.
