What are the best strategies for achieving optimal nutrition?
Defining “optimal nutrition” has become more complicated with the growing awareness that a healthy diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other diseases as well as avert nutritional disorders. In contrast to the previous federal government's...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
2000-09-01
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| Series: | California Agriculture |
| Online Access: | http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v054n05p12 |
| Summary: | Defining “optimal nutrition” has become more complicated with the growing awareness
that a healthy diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other
diseases as well as avert nutritional disorders. In contrast to the previous federal
government's recommended dietary allowances (RDA), the newer dietary reference intake
(DRI) committees are basing nutrient requirements on the contemporary concept of reducing
disease risks as well as preventing nutrient deficiencies. Even when USDA food pyramid
guidelines are followed, it can be difficult to meet current recommended intakes for
essential nutrients. Rather than being rare, marginal nutritional deficiencies in
the United States may in fact be quite common. For example, “suboptimal” maternal
nutrition can be a significant factor underlying some pregnancy complications such
as birth defects, yet a significant proportion of women of child-bearing age do not
get sufficient nutrients from their diets. New programs are needed to improve the
diets of pregnant women, as well as those of women who are planning pregnancy. In
addition to recognized essential micronutrients, if protective dietary phytochemicals
are identified, should we try to modify the content of foods, take dietary supplements
or simply alter our diets? In the near future, a combination of the three may be the
best strategy. Even if new food fortification and supplement policies are promulgated,
they should complement, not replace, educational and economic programs designed to
improve the public's overall diet. |
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| ISSN: | 0008-0845 2160-8091 |