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PEN - The Global Resource for Nutrition Practice

Citation & Reuse

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How do I cite the PEN System in a reference list?

Use the standard PEN citation format, including the title, last-updated date, and access date.

Dietitians of Canada. [Title]. In: Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition® [PEN]. [Date last updated] [cited date]. Available from: http://www.pennutrition.com.

Example:

Dietitians of Canada. Should a low FODMAP diet be recommended to individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? In: Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition® [PEN]. Last Updated: 2022-10-26 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: http://www.pennutrition.com.

How do I cite a PEN System client handout?

Use the handout-specific citation format, which includes the parent Knowledge Pathway title.

Dietitians of Canada. [Handout Title]. Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition® [PEN] Knowledge Pathway [Pathway Title]. [Date last updated] [cited date]. Available from: http://www.pennutrition.com.

Can I print or share PEN System content with clients?

Yes, with limits — client handouts can be freely duplicated, but other content is for personal, non-commercial use only.

Client Handouts: download and duplicate freely for client education

Knowledge Pathways, Practice Questions, Backgrounds, Recommendations, and Evidence Summaries: download and print for personal, non-commercial use or research — selling, lending, storing, transmitting, or modifying is not permitted

External linked documents: governed by the copyright terms of the originating website

Saving hard copies isn't encouraged — the PEN System updates regularly, so the digital subscription always reflects the current version.

Can I post PEN System content on social media?

No — instead, share a link so others can access the content with their own credentials.

Copying and pasting PEN content directly into social media breaches the PEN copyright agreement

Linking keeps content current and respects subscriber access.

Can I use PEN System content for a university course?

Yes — PEN supports coursework use, with site licenses available for class-wide access.

Licenses permit downloading or printing single copies for personal, non-commercial use

Institutional site-license rates are available for assignments and class use

Students can access PEN through a site license or their own account — no need for class sets.