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Rena Zelig, DCN

Rena Zelig, DCN
Associate Professor
Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutritional Sciences
Program: Clinical Nutrition
Administrative Title: Program Director (NJEA)
Joint Appointment Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Diagnostic Sciences
School: Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Phone: (973) 972-8525
Email:  zeligre@rutgers.edu
Office location:
Stanley S. Bergen Building
65 Bergen Street, Room 157
Newark, NJ 07107

About

I am a registered dietitian nutritionist, board certified specialist in gerontological nutrition, and a certified diabetes educator with almost 20 years of experience providing nutrition care to older adults in a variety of settings including post-acute and long-term care, sub-acute rehabilitation and assisted living facilities as well as those in the community. My practice focuses on malnutrition prevention and treatment and diabetes and cardiometabolic disease management and prevention through heart healthy living.
My full-time position is at Rutgers School of Health Professions where I am an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program. I teach courses in nutrition and aging, scientific writing, capstone research, as well as other subject matter from entry through advanced level practice and mentor research students. Additionally, I am Adjunct Associate Professor in the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where I provide guest lectures and collaborate on research related to nutrition and oral health .
My primary research has been in the area of gerontological nutrition and oral health, starting with a systematic review completed as part of my doctoral outcomes research exploring the associations between tooth loss and malnutrition risk in older adults. I received a 2016 grant from the Sackler Institute for Nutritional Sciences to complete a mixed methods study exploring the associations between dentition status, nutritional status and the eating experience in older adults. The outcomes of this research have been published in peer review journals and presented at national and international meetings.
In 2019 I received a grant from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation to further my research in this area and develop a diet education tool for older adults with tooth loss utilizing a user centered approach.

Education

DCN,  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (SHRP)
M.S.,  University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)

Certification

Reg Certificate Type Reg Certificate Number
R 00956357

Professional Achievements

Up & Coming Member Dietetics in Health Care Communities (DHCC), Dietetics Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,  2015
Young Leadership Award Congregation Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, NJ,  2013
Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship ($10,000) Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation,  2012
MS in Clinical Nutrition Program Academic Excellence Award University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, School of Health Related Professions,  2010
Dietetic Internship Program Clinical Excellence Award University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, School of Health Related Professions,  2005
Dietetic Student Initiative Award New Jersey Dietetic Association,  2005
Alumni Scholarship Award Ryerson University,  2002
Faculty of Pure & Applied Science Scholarship York University,  1998
Full Entrance Scholarship York University,  1998

Research

Research Interests
Nutrition and Oral Health
Nutrition and Aging
Clinical Nutrition
Dietetics Education
Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health

Title
Sponsor
Effective Dates
Role
Exploring the Associations between Dentition Status, Nutritional Status, and the Eating Experience in Older Adults – A Mixed Methods Study.
Sackler Institute for Nutritional Sciences – Early Career Scientist Grant
March 2016-October 2018
Principal Investigator
A User-Centered Approach to the Development of a Diet Education Tool for Older Adults with Tooth Loss.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Colgate Palmolive Fellowship in Nutrition, Oral Health/Dental Education Research Grant
May 2019-2022
Principal Investigator

Publications

Title Authors Where and When
Impact for Continuing Education: Applying the Nutrition Care Process and Model and the International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology for Dietitians in Long Term Care
Zelig R, Byham-Gray L, Parrott J, Rigassio Radler D, and Touger-Decker R
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2011; 26(3): 268-280
Understanding the Properties of Common Dietary Supplements: Clinical Implications for Healthcare Practitioners
Zelig R, Rigassio Radler D
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2012; 27: 767-776
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in a Patient with Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Evidence for Nutritional Interventions
Zelig R, Cohen M, Davidson P, Ziegler J
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2014; 29(2):165-186
Associations between Tooth Loss, with or without Dental Prostheses, and Malnutrition Risk in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Zelig R, Touger-Decker R, Chung M, Byham-Gray L
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2016;31(3):232-247
Vitamin A Supplementation for the Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants: An Update
Schwartz E, Zelig R, Parker A, Johnson S
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2017; 32(3): 346-353
The Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instruction to Teach Physical Examination to Students and Trainees in the Health Sciences Professions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Tomesko, J. Touger-Decker, R., Dreker, M., Zelig, R., Parrot, J.S.
Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development. 2017;4:1-11
Impact of Sodium Status on Growth in Premature Infants
Fisher K, Parker A, Zelig R
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2017;32(2):113-122
Vitamin E Supplementation in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Patusco R, Zelig R, Parker A
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2018; 33(1):50-68
Dentition and Malnutrition Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Zelig R, Byham-Gray L, Singer SR, Hoskin ER, Fleisch Marcus A, Verdino G, Rigassio Radler D, Touger-Decker R
Journal of Aging, Research and Clinical Practice (JARCP), 2018;7:107-114. Published online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jarcp.2018.19
Impact of Intravenous Lipid Emulsions containing Fish Oil on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Surgical Patients: A Literature Review
Honeywell S, Zelig R, Rigassio Radler D
Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(1):112–122
The Eating Experience: Adaptive and Maladaptive Strategies of Older Adults with Tooth Loss
Zelig R, Jones VM, Touger-Decker R, Hoskin ER, Singer SR, Byham-Gray L, Rigassio Radler D, Rothpletz-Puglia P
Journal of Dental Research: Clinical and Translational Research (JDR CTR). 2019;4(3):217-228. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/2380084419827532
Not All Grains are Created Equal: Gluten Free Products Not Included in Mandatory Folate Fortification
Mitchell S, Gomes A, Zelig R, Parker A
Current Developments in Nutrition. 2019; 3(5): 1-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz020
The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Postpartum Depression: A review of current literature
Tiderencel K, Zelig R, Parker A
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2019; 34(4): 301-314.
Insulin Resistance and Serum Magnesium Levels among Women with PCOS
Hamilton KP, Zelig R, Parker AR, Haggag A
Current Developments in Nutrition. 2019; 3(11): 1-12.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz108
Safety and Feasibility of Intermittent Fasting During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Review of the Literature.
Lutes C, Zelig R, Rigassio Radler D.
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2020; 35(2): 168-177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0000000000000215
Clinical Outcomes Associated With Commercial and Homemade Blenderized Tube Feedings: A Literature Review.
Brown T, Zelig R, Rigassio Radler D.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2020; 35(3): 442-453. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10487
The Association Between Vitamin D Status and Pulmonary Function in Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Review of the Evidence.
Gomes A, Parker A, Zelig R.
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2020; 35(3):210-221. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0000000000000192
Vitamin D Status of Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Johnson S, Zelig R, Parker A.
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2020; 35(3):222-239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0000000000000202
Nutrition Interventions Associated with Favorable Growth In Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
Bathgate J, Zelig R, Radler DR, Lagoski M, Murthy K.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2021; 36(2):406-413. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10547
Vitamin D Status and Cognitive and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Literature Review
Hahn M, Samavat H, Parker A, Zelig R
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2021; 36(4):331-345. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0000000000000256
Low-carbohydrate, high-fat enteral formulas for managing glycemic control in patients who are critically ill: A review of the evidence.
Burslem R, Radler, DR, Parker, A, Zelig, R.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2022; 37(1): 68-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10652
Prophylactic supplementation of phosphate, magnesium, and potassium for the prevention of refeeding syndrome in hospitalized individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Gallagher D, Parker A, Samavat H, Zelig R.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2022; 37(2):328-343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10786
Promoting Weight Loss Success Following Bariatric Surgery Through Telehealth: A Review of the Evidence.
Sylvester J, Parker A, Zelig R, Radler DR.
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2022; 37(1):55-68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0000000000000269
Impact of Infusion Frequency on Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition
Stanner H, Zelig R, Rigassio Radler D.
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2022; 46(4):757-770. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jpen.2317
Mortality and Length of Stay in Critically Ill Patients With Low Muscle Mass. Topics in Clinical Nutrition.
Wedemire C, Rigassio Radler D, Zelig R.
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2022; 37(2):166-183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/TIN.0000000000000270
Tooth Loss and Nutritional status in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Zelig R, Goldstein S, Touger-Decker R, Firestone E, Golden A, Johnson Z, Kaseta A, Sackey J, Tomesko J, Parrot JS.
Journal of Dental Research – Clinical and Translational Research. 2022; 7(1):4-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2380084420981016
The Perceived Value of the Board-Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition Credential Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Who Hold the Credential.
Groesbeck A, Zelig R, Samavat H, Brody R.
Journal of Renal Nutrition. 2022; 32(5):503-509. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1053/j.jrn.2021.10.004
The Benefit of Supplemental Vitamin E to Reduce Radiation-Induced Oral Side Effects in Head and Neck Cancer.
Lutes C, Samavat H, Parker A, Zelig R.
Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 2022; 37(4):325-337. DOI: https://doi.org/ DOI: 10.1097/TIN.0000000000000283
Associations between Dentition Status and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
Honeywell S, Samavat H, Touger-Decker R, Parrott JS, Hoskin E, Zelig R.
Journal of Dental Research – Clinical and Translational Research. 2023; 8(1):93-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844211063859
Exploring Dietary Patterns with the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients (REAP) Tool in a Dental School Clinic
Wiley K, Zelig R, Samavat H, Rigassio Radler, D.
Journal of Dietetic Education. 2023; 1(1):1-15. Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol1/iss1/2
Screening for Diabetes Risk Using the Diabetes Risk Test and Point-Of-Care Hemoglobin A1C Values in Adults Seen in a Dental Clinic
Zelig R, Samavat H, Duda P, Singer SR, Feldman C, LaSalle P, Muhammad E, Touger-Decker R.
Quintessence International. 2023; 54(6):500-509. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.b3957685.
Effects of the Use of Oral Nutrition Supplements on Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Who Have Undergone Surgery for Hip Fracture: A Literature Review.
Rempel A, Rigassio Radler D, Zelig R.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2023; 38(4):775-789. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10980
Impact of Solid Food Provision Within 24?Hours of Hospital Admission on Clinical Outcomes for Adult Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Literature Review.
Meyers C, Rigassio Radler D, Zelig R.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2023; 38(5):976-976. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10990
A User-Centered Approach to the Development of a Diet Education Tool for Older Adults with Tooth Loss.
Zelig R, Rothpletz-Puglia P, Hoskin ER, Singer SR, Jones VM, Byham-Gray L, Touger-Decker R
Gerodontology. 2023; 00: 1- 10. Published online open access June 13, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/ger.12697
Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Learning on Clinical Competence in Dietetics Students: A Narrative Review.
Scott CW, Zelig R, Rigassio Radler DL.
Journal of Dietetics Education. 2023; 1(2):47-56. Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=jde
Single-Food Elimination of Cow’s Milk as a Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children Aged 2–18 Years: A Review of the Literature.
Grasso J, Rigassio Radler D, Zelig R.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2024; Published online ahead of print 1/30/2024. Available at: https://aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ncp.11117
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