In Wake of New Studies, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Reinforces Importance of Food As Key Provider of Vitamins and Nutrients

For Release December 17, 2013

CHICAGO – While dietary supplements can help some people meet their nutrition needs, eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way for most people to obtain the nutrients they need to be healthy and reduce their risk of chronic disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Two newly published studies in Annals of Internal Medicine, and an accompanying editorial, indicate there is no clear benefit for most healthy people to consume vitamin supplements.

“These findings support the evidence-based position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that the best nutrition-based strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to wisely choose a wide variety of foods,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Heather Mangieri. “By choosing nutrient-rich foods that provide the most nutrients per calorie, you can build a healthier life and start down a path of health and wellness.”

The Academy’s position on supplements also acknowledges that nutrient supplements may be necessary in special circumstances. “Additional nutrients from supplements can help some people meet their nutrition needs as specified by science-based nutrition standards such as the Dietary Reference Intakes,” Mangieri said.

Mangieri offered tips for developing a nutrient-rich eating plan:

·   Start each day with a healthy breakfast that includes whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy for calcium and vitamin D, and vitamin C-rich foods.

·   Replace refined grains with whole grains like whole-grain breads and cereals and brown rice.

·   Pre-washed salad greens and pre-cut vegetables make great quick meals or snacks.

·   Eat fresh, frozen or canned (without added sugar) fruit for snacks and desserts.

·   Include at least two servings of omega-3 rich seafood per week.

·   Don’t forget beans, which are rich in fiber and folate.

The increase in sales of supplements may not have been accompanied by an increase in consumers’ knowledge about what they are taking, according to the Academy’s position.

“Registered dietitian nutritionists have the knowledge and experience to educate consumers on safe and appropriate selection and use of supplements,” Mangieri said. “RDNs make evidence-based recommendations for consumers, while helping them develop a healthful eating plan that takes into account all of their dietary and lifestyle needs and tastes.”

To find a registered dietitian nutritionist, visit www.EatRight.org/RDFinder. And for more information about getting the nutrients the body needs through food, visit the Academy’s healthful eating website.

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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 (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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. To locate a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

This New Year Be a Good Role Model And Help The Whole Family Eat Right And Get Active, Says Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics

For Release December 17, 2013

CHICAGO – Each New Year brings family pledges of adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle. For 2014 and beyond, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages parents to help their kids learn to make healthier food choices and engage in regular physical activity by being a good role model.

 “As a parent or guardian, you are the most influential role model in your child’s life,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Kim Larson. “Modeling healthy eating behaviors encourages children to adopt and choose healthy behaviors that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

 A study by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation showed parents have more potential to influence their children's behavior, including their eating habits, than anyone else. In fact, parents outrank sports celebrities as the person the child would like to be most, according to the survey. “By eating healthy foods and making sure to offer them to their children, parents can give their kids opportunities to learn to like a variety of nutritious foods,” Larson said.

“You may not be a perfect health model for your kids, but if they see you making a real effort to improve your own habits, they will start to realize that being healthy is important,” Larson said.

Setting Realistic Goals

Small steps add up, and Larson recommends making healthy lifestyle changes that are realistic and easy to stick with for the long-haul. Try adopting healthy changes for the entire family, such as:

•         Make sure your kids know they are part of the team and that health and fitness are a family affair.

•         Encourage your children to help plan meals, from developing the menu to shopping, preparing and serving the meal.

•         Serve regular, balanced meals and snacks with a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

•         Eat breakfast every day.

•         Enjoy family dinner together each night or as often as possible.

•         At each meal, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.

•         Make at least half of the grains you eat whole grains.

•         Get active. Fit in physical activity where you can in your day, whether taking a family walk after dinner or hitting the gym. Remember, children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults should get two and a half hours per week.

Focus on Overall Health, Not Weight Alone

“Remember to focus on health, not weight. You don’t want your kids to think that a healthy lifestyle is only about how much they weigh,” Larson said.

“Concentrate on delicious nutrition and fun physical activity. Children don’t need to work out – they need to play with family and friends. Children shouldn’t be counting calories or restricting their food; they need to enjoy regular meals and learn how to make smart, tasty snack choices. And remember to stay positive.”

“Nutrition and fitness are great goals because they give us energy to do all things that we want to do. Whatever our age or size, we feel better when we take care of our bodies,” she said. “And by role modeling healthy behaviors, you’ll have the added benefit of seeing your children adopt a healthier lifestyle as well.”

For a personalized plan tailored to your lifestyle, food preferences and the unique needs of your family, Larson recommends consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist. Find one in your area at www.EatRight.org.

For media interviews with weight loss experts and registered dietitian nutritionists, contact media@eatright.org. Learn more about healthy weight loss by visiting www.eatright.org/healthyweight or www.KidsEatRight.org.

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 (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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. To locate a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Holiday Guests May Be Vulnerable to Food Poisoning: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Holiday Guests May Be Vulnerable to Food Poisoning: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Offers Food Safety Tips to Keep All Holiday Guests Happy and Healthy

CHICAGO – Whether you’re preparing a holiday dish or a holiday feast, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to practice safe food handling and keep in mind the needs of those who may be vulnerable to food poisoning.

“While you should always practice safe food handling, some guests might be particularly vulnerable to food poisoning, such as older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems,” said Academy spokesperson Libby Mills. “This may also mean taking special precautions and keeping certain high-risk foods off the menu.”

Celebrate a happy and healthy holiday season with a bit of preparation and tips from the Home Food Safety program – a collaboration between the Academy and ConAgra Foods.

Who is Vulnerable?

Food poisoning can affect anyone who eats food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or other substances, but certain groups of people are more susceptible to food poisoning and can be at far greater risk of developing serious illness with long-term effects or even death, including:
· Infants and young children
· Pregnant women and their unborn babies
· Older adults
· People with weakened immune systems and chronic illness, such as diabetes, kidney disease, those with HIV/AIDS and some cancer patients.


Food Safety Tips, Foods to Avoid

According to Mills, four simple steps may help significantly reduce your risk of food poisoning: 1) wash hands often; 2) separate ready-to-eat foods from raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs; 3) cook to proper temperatures; and 4) refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below.

Take special care during the holidays to ensure that vulnerable guests avoid high-risk foods, such as raw or undercooked eggs, raw or unpasteurized dairy products, raw fish or shellfish, raw or rare meat or undercooked poultry.

“You might be surprised to learn that French toast, tiramisu, some puddings and even eggnog are on the list of less safe food options for those vulnerable to food poisoning. So be sure to carefully plan your menu and shopping list this holiday season to avoid certain foods if necessary,” Mills said.

And as you’re preparing for the holidays, download our Holiday Helper guide and the Kitchen Safety Checklist to ensure you’re ready for a happy and healthy holiday.

To learn more about the Home Food Safety program, visit www.HomeFoodSafety.org, or download the free Is My Food Safe? app for mobile devices.

For media interviews with registered dietitian nutritionists, contact media@eatright.org.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program is dedicated to raising consumer awareness about the seriousness of food poisoning and providing solutions for easily and safely handling food in their own kitchens. More information can be found at www.HomeFoodSafety.org.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.EatRight.org.