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Medical Nutrition Therapy Algorithm Published for Interstitial Cystitis

The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published the first-ever, evidence-based medical nutritional therapy (MNT) algorithm for dietitians working with interstitial cystitis (IC) patients. Though the understanding of the mechanisms by which diet affects IC is limited, studies confirm a definitive relationship between certain comestibles (edibles) and increased symptoms of pain, urgency and frequency.

The influence of diet on IC has been gaining the attention of both physicians and patients. Treatment guidelines published by the American Urological Association include dietary modification as a first-line intervention. “In the 1970s, a PubMed literature search on IC revealed only 50 publications. Today, there are 2,800 peer-reviewed articles. However, the literature lacks practice information for dietitians,” noted co-author Barbara Shorter, EdD, RD, CDN. Known for her landmark research on the relationship between IC and comestibles, Dr. Shorter is Professor of Nutrition at Long Island University (LIU) Post, ICA Medical Advisory Board member, and consulting dietitian and researcher for patients with a range of urological conditions at the Smith Institute for Urology, North Shore-LIJ Health System.

“Unfortunately, the Internet is rampant with erroneous and anecdotal food lists for these patients, causing them to eliminate far more comestibles than necessary. These suggestions may affect nutritional status as well as decrease quality of life. In addition, previous information targeting dietitians did not employ the Nutrition Care Process (NCP),” said first-author Barbara Gordon, RDN, LD, former ICA executive director and the only dietitian who served on the IC AUA Guidelines Committee.

This manuscript introduces strategies leveraging the unique practice standards of dietitians. “By utilizing the NCP, the proposed MNT algorithm positions dietitians to both better care for those with IC and raise awareness among patients, healthcare providers, and the public about sound dietary interventions,” noted co-author Alessandra Sarcona, EdD, RD, Director of the Dietetic Internship for LIU Post.

“As is evident, IC is a condition very much in need of nutritional considerations—that’s why we include a dietitian on the Smith Institute multidisciplinary team. The MNT algorithm offers these colleagues an essential tool for best addressing the needs of this challenging population,” commented co-author Robert Moldwin, MD, FACS. Dr. Moldwin, who is a member of the ICA Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Board, is also Professor of Urology at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and Physician in Charge at the Pelvic Pain Center, Arthur Smith Institute of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

View the MNT algorithm on the ICA website: https://www.ichelp.org/ICDietPressRelease. View the abstract of “Nutritional Considerations for Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome” (published online ahead of print) from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website: www.andjrnl.org/article/S2212-2672(15)00371-8/abstract.