Emerging Opportunities for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to Help Raise a Healthier Generation of Native American Youth.

American Indian children are experiencing alarming signs of nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as overweight/obesity, hypertension, and acanthosis nigricans—a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. Children who develop acanthosis nigricans are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This commentary aims to increase awareness of emerging opportunities for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to help raise a healthier generation of American Indian and Alaskan Native children and adolescents (“youth,” for short). RDNs working for, with, or near tribal communities or as educators, preceptors, or mentors who develop the next generation of RDNs have tremendous potential to shape the public health landscape to advance American Indian and Alaskan Native health.