In this blog, Ursula Arens discusses the need for widespread folic acid fortification, 30 years after the publication of the MRC Vitamin Study Research Group findings on the prevention of neural tube defects.

The service has been developed to help people in Leeds who are experiencing new, long-lasting problems 12 weeks or more after a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection which are significantly impacting how they are able to function in day-to-day life.

The 2021 BDA Diabetes Specialist Group Dietetic Competency Framework for Dietitians Working in the Area of Diabetes is now available for any dietitian working with people with diabetes.

As we approach Nutrition and Hydration Week 14-21 June, Dove Yu from the BDA’s Older People Specialist Group looks at the particular challenges facing patients with dementia.

Andrea Rymer shares her experience working as a dietitian at The Vegan Society, and explores some developments in the organisation’s Vegan and Thriving health and nutrition campaign.

We asked Megan Jones, the Dietetic Assistant and Dietetic Support Worker representative on our Board of Directors, to reflect on a “day in the life” of her role as both a Dietetic Assistant and on the BDA Board.

Representatives from the Food and Drink Federation, the Vegan Society and the BDA address issues around iodine food fortification.

Cristian Costas Batlle looks at the challenges of getting accurate diagnosis figures for this growing condition.

Adequate attention to diet is an important part of conception for both partners, says Lisa Simon.

The BDA has welcomed government’s confirmation that promotions on food and drinks high in fat salt or sugar (HFSS) in retailers will be restricted from October 2022.

Health unions representing 1.2 million NHS staff in England have responded to the 3% NHS pay rise announced by the government, which accepts the recommendation made by the independent pay review body.

Elsie's blue plaque, from Cambridge, Past, Present and Future, was financed by the Nutrition Society, the British Dietetic Association, the British Nutrition Foundation and the Royal Society.

The BDA has contributed towards a new paper calling for urgent action to help those with long term conditions who may have declined during the pandemic due to a lack of support.

Baroness Harding’s reported promise to “end the reliance on foreign doctors and nurses” fails to recognise the central role that health and care professionals from outside the UK have played in the NHS throughout its history. We are once again disappointed by the focus of this government on restricting those willing to work in the National Health Service rather than investment and support for the health service as a whole.

Following recent concerns by the Royal College of Nursing, the BDA joins other AHPs in rejecting the assertion that Allied Health Professionals (which includes dietitians) are being recruited as replacements for nurses.

The Advancing Healthcare Awards 2021 recognised talented dietitians last month - including Joanne McKee who was named as the overall Allied Health Professionals (AHP) winner.

The BDA stands with our members, alongside our colleagues in the health, sport, association and trade union sectors, in challenging racist abuse online.