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Challenges in harmonizing energy and nutrient recommendations in Europe
Mirjana Pavlovic1, Ann Prentice, Inga Thorsdottir
1Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. mirjana.pavlovicmd@gmail.com
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|May 10, 2007
Summary
Harmonizing European dietary reference values is complex due to varied methods and genuine national differences. This Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) symposium explored challenges and future steps for consistent nutritional guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Significant diversity exists in European dietary reference values (DRVs) and recommendations, impacting policy, trade, and public health.
- Harmonizing DRVs across Europe presents challenges due to differing methodologies, assumptions, and genuine variations in diet, lifestyle, and geography.
Framework:
- The Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) symposium addressed the complexities of harmonizing DRVs.
- Discussions included current terminology, variations in reference values for specific age groups (children, adolescents), and regional disparities.
Implementation:
- Exchanging views and identifying necessary steps for future DRV harmonization was a key focus.
- The symposium aimed to foster consensus on approaches to align nutritional guidelines across European nations.
Implications:
- Successful harmonization could simplify nutritional policy and trade, and improve public understanding of diet-health relationships.
- Recognizing and accommodating genuine national differences may be essential for effective and accepted European DRV guidelines.
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