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Nutrient requirements for optimal health: what does that mean?
1USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111.
The Journal of Nutrition
|September 1, 1994
Summary
For 50 years, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) have provided stable nutritional guidance. Emerging research links diet to heart disease, prompting new Dietary Guidelines and a renewed focus on RDAs for public health.
Area of Science:
- Human nutrition
- Dietary science
- Public health
Background:
- The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) were first established 50 years ago.
- Scientific advancements have led to new insights into diet and disease, particularly heart disease.
- National Dietary Guidelines and goals have emerged to inform the public on diet and disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evolution of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).
- To explore the intersection of nutrient recommendations with broader dietary guidelines and public health goals.
- To emphasize the continued importance of the scientific method in establishing sound nutritional recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and related nutritional science.
- Analysis of the development of national Dietary Guidelines.
- Examination of the scientific basis for nutritional recommendations.
Main Results:
- The scientific foundation of RDAs has ensured remarkable stability in recommendations over time.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding the relationship between diet and chronic diseases like heart disease.
- There is an ongoing need to refine and integrate RDAs with public health initiatives.
Conclusions:
- The scientific method remains the bedrock for credible nutritional advice.
- Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) continue to be a crucial reference point for public health nutrition.
- Future nutritional recommendations must integrate evolving scientific knowledge and public health objectives.