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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #342705
Title: Applying nutrition science to the public's health

Author
item O'NEIL, CAROL - Louisiana State University Agcenter
item NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/14/2016
Publication Date: 1/1/2017
Citation: O'Neil, C.E., Nicklas, T.A. 2017. Applying nutrition science to the public's health. In: Edelstein, S. editor. Nutrition in Public Health. 4th edition. Burlington, MA: Jones & Barlette Learning. p. 3-37.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Complaints that nutrition recommendations are conflicting and confusing are common; however, these recommendations are remarkably similar across agencies, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Institute, and therapeutic diets such as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Why? Because the recommendations are based on what the evidence behind the programs dictates. The challenges for all nutritionist professionals is to critically evaluate the scientific evidence before it is translated into public health practice. Nutrition professionals need to use this information to design, execute, and evaluate programs and policies so that positive recommendations are communicated to the public in unified way. Doing so assures that consumers are getting the most accurate and comprehensive information available, which allows them to make positive lifestyle changes. This chapter reviewed the science behind public health policies, programs, nutrition education materials, and legislation.