The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is pleased with the work of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee for drafting a strong, evidence-based Scientific Report outlining recommendations and rational for the forthcoming 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These recommendations should improve how and what Americans eat.
“The Academy applauds the evidence-based systematic review of the literature, which is vital to the DGAC’s assessment of the science,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Sonja L. Connor in a press release.
“We commend the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture for their commitment to the Nutrition Evidence Library and their ongoing efforts to strengthen the evidence-based approach for assessing the scientific literature for future dietary recommendations.”
Dietary cholesterol has been dropped from the nutrients of concern list, bringing praise and the Academy also recommends it deemphasize saturated fat from nutrients of concern, given the lack of evidence connecting it with cardiovascular disease.
“Despite some criticism suggesting that changed recommendations illustrate concerns about the validity of the nutrition science upon which the Dietary Guidelines are based, the DGAC should change its recommendations to be consistent with the best available science and to abide by its statutory mandate,” Connor said in the press release.
The group has concerns over blanket sodium restrictions that are recommended and supports an increased focus on the reduction of added sugars as a health concern. And finally the group emphasizes that any changes cannot be implemented without enhanced nutrition education.
The final 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are expected to be released at the end of this year.
