Nutrition Education Improves the Dietary Habits and Clinical Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Care.

This study evaluated the effects of a well-organized nutrition education program on the dietary habits and clinical outcomes of patients with orthopedic conditions. A nutrition education program was implemented for 140 participants, focusing on the significance of proteins, calcium, vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory foods in the process of recovery. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-h dietary recalls were used to evaluate dietary habits, and routine orthopedic examinations were performed to determine clinical outcomes. The nutrition education program remarkably enhanced the consumption of proteins, calcium, and vitamin D (P < 0.05), with substantial effect sizes indicating significant benefits relevant to clinical practice. The clinical results showed a reduction in the bone healing time and enhancements in muscle strength and overall progress in recovery (P < 0.05) after the program. Importantly, there was a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge after the program, as seen by the 94% increase from low to moderate or high levels and the 98% increase from moderate to high levels (P < 0.05). Hence, implementing the nutrition education program resulted in significant improvements in dietary behaviors and treatment outcomes among orthopedic patients, suggesting that inclusion of nutrition education in orthopedic treatment has a substantial impact on the recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]