Medical Nutritional Therapy in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Author(s): Ellis Avery Morrow
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder in the US and Europe with an estimated prevalence range of 14-49% in middle
aged men. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a vital component of the clinical management of OSA, its co-morbidities and its sequelae.
As experts in MNT, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are positioned to take a leading role in the treatment of OSA. There is a strong
relationship between nutrition, OSA and its milieu, which supports the need to explore and implement therapeutic approaches to treating
OSA that include nutrition. Several approaches have shown promise including reduced calorie levels, adjusted macronutrient distribution
range and sodium restriction. More research is needed to identify optimal and safe therapeutic approaches to the nutritional management of
OSA.
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