Newswise — CHICAGO – The report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, released Thursday, February 19, offers realistic, science-based recommendations that can be translated into practical and easy-to-follow guidance for consumers, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Four Academy members served on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which provides the scientific basis for the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be released later this year.
“In the best tradition of the nutrition and dietetics profession, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee followed an evidence-based process for evaluating the current science surrounding healthful diets for Americans, including foods and nutrients,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Sonja L. Connor.
The committee’s review was patterned after the Academy’s evidence-based approach, in which nutrition researchers and analysts use objective, transparent methodologies to assess food and nutrition-related science.
“Following the science leads to the best and most useful recommendations for individuals and families on ways to eat healthfully,” Connor said. “The Academy thanks all members of the committee, in particular those who are also members of the Academy, for their time, their expertise and their commitment to helping people eat right.”
The cornerstone of federal food policy in the United States, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are especially important in developing nutrition education programs and strengthening food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the School Lunch and WIC Programs.
The release of the Advisory Committee’s report will be followed by a public comment period. “The Academy looks forward to providing our comments to the committee,” Connor said. “We are committed to helping create evidence-based Dietary Guidelines that are easy for consumers to use in their daily lives.”
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All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy’s Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.