Nation’s Food and Nutrition Experts Encourage Public Attention to 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Report

CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association’s food and nutrition experts, working daily on the front lines of nutrition and health, encourage Americans in all walks of life to focus attention on the newly released report of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
The report was issued Friday, August 27, by the U. S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. The committee’s report will serve as a basis for development of the actual 2005 Dietary Guidelines, which in will turn set policy direction for the next five years for all government nutrition programs, including research, education, food assistance, labeling and nutrition promotion.
"It is important for people to pay close attention to the recommendations," said registered dietitian and ADA President Susan H. Laramee. "Statistics show that nutrition and diet are associated with seven of the top 10 leading causes of death in this country today, including the ‘Big Three’ – heart disease, cancer and stroke.
"Diet and nutrition also are a factor in pulmonary disease, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, liver disease, arteriosclerosis, kidney disease, septicemia and perinatal conditions. Giving the public fact-based recommendations and encouraging people to implement them may be our largest public health challenge today," Laramee said.
"The report provides nine significant recommendations, based on scientific findings, that if incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, would help people reduce risks of poor nutrition and aid in improving the health and well-being of all Americans," Laramee said.
The report’s nine key scientific findings are:

1. Consume a variety of foods within and among the basic food groups while staying within energy needs
2. Control calorie intake to manage body weight
3. Be physically active every day
4. Increase daily intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and non-fat or low-fat milk and milk products
5. Choose fats wisely for good health
6. Choose carbohydrates wisely for good health
7. Choose and prepare foods with little salt
8. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation
9. Keep food safe to eat.

For more than a year, a federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee of 13 nutrition and health professionals – five of whom are ADA members – has reviewed the latest nutrition science and considered nutrition and health information presented to them in public hearings.
From the work of this expert committee, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be developed. Additional work will be necessary to help Americans incorporate these key findings into their everyday lives.
"The Dietary Guidelines process embodies the values, knowledge and skills of dietetics professionals in translating sound science into information that consumers can use," Laramee said.
With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition and well-being.