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.
###
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.
