Redesigning the Process for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Redesigning the Process for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 287
Release: 2017-12-16
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 030946482X

What foods should Americans eat to promote their health, and in what amounts? What is the scientific evidence that supports specific recommendations for dietary intake to reduce the risk of multifactorial chronic disease? These questions are critically important because dietary intake has been recognized to have a role as a key determinant of health. As the primary federal source of consistent, evidence-based information on dietary practices for optimal nutrition, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have the promise to empower Americans to make informed decisions about what and how much they eat to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The adoption and widespread translation of the DGA requires that they be universally viewed as valid, evidence-based, and free of bias and conflicts of interest to the extent possible. However, this has not routinely been the case. A first short report meant to inform the 2020 review cycle explored how the advisory committee selection process can be improved to provide more transparency, eliminate bias, and include committee members with a range of viewpoints. This second and final report recommends changes to the DGA process to reduce and manage sources of bias and conflicts of interest, improve timely opportunities for engagement by all interested parties, enhance transparency, and strengthen the science base of the process.

Progress Made in Federal Human Nutrition Research Planning and Coordination

Progress Made in Federal Human Nutrition Research Planning and Coordination
Author: United States. General Accounting Office
Publisher:
Total Pages: 96
Release: 1982
Genre: Grants-in-aid
ISBN:

Abstract: An overview of progress in coordinating Federal nutrition research efforts and identifying areas in need of improvement are provided. Much progress has been made within and among Federal human nutrition research departments and agencies since Congress called for improved coordination in the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977. It is recommended that such coordination efforts continue and that agencies and departments plan their research efforts in conjunction with other Federal supporters of nutrition research to avoid duplication or inadequate coverage. The director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy should direct the Joint Subcommittee on Human Nutrition Research to develop a Federal nutrition research plan with input from agencies and departments which engage in human nutrition research. (ds)