Nutritional Guidelines in the United States

Tre Rodriguez

Background: Why talk about Nutritional Guidelines?

Universal need New technology New scientific research Promote health Reduce risk of chronic disease

Thesis: Guideline to the Guidelines

Who makes them?

Who influences them?

How do they change?

What are the incentives involved?

History of Dietary Guidelines1st recorded

dietary guidelines

1st edition 4th Edition

1977 1980 1990 1995 2005

6th Edition

3rd Edition

1985

2nd edition

2000

5th Edition

So, who makes them?

USDA and HHS Committee of Nine

Diversity

Areas of Expertise

Full Disclosure

Agents of public interest

No term limits

And… who influences them?

Producers Food companies Production Processing Selling

United States Department of Agriculture Lobbyists Groups / Associations

1980 1985 1990

1995 2000

2005

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005# 7 7 7 7 10 0

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Variety Eat Eat Eat Eat Choose -

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Weight ideal desirable healthy improve aim -

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Fat Avoid too much

Avoid too much

Choose Low Fat

Choose Low Fat

Choose Low Fat -

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Starch/Fiber Eat Eat Choose Choose Choose -

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Sugar Avoid too much

Avoid too much Moderation Choose

ModerationChoose

Moderation -

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Sodium Avoid too much

Avoid too much Moderation Choose

ModerationChoose

less -

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Alcohol Moderation BeveragesModeration

BeveragesModeration

BeveragesModeration

BeveragesModeration -

How do we match up?

Not well

USDA/HHS leading Americans astray?

Mediterranean Diet

Failure to address trans-fats

Emphasis on carbs

How effective are they?

Healthful options…available?

Less if you

Educated below HS level

Not a full time homemaker

Are male

Or young

Conclusion

Influenced agents

Decreasing science

Not suitable to wide audience

Not impactful on target

Sources

USDA and HHS

Harvard Heart Letter

American Dietetic Association

Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Food Politics by Marion Nestle

Scientific American