Download Vice Chair - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Position on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate
All nutrition and food programs developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUE) are
based on the recommendations and guidelines provided in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)
and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. These resources
have been developed by experts and are founded in credible scientific evidence.
The DGA are based on the recommendations put forward by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory
Committee (DGAC). The 2010 DGAC was established jointly by the Secretaries of the USDA and the US
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and was comprised of 13 nationally recognized experts in
nutrition and health who provided broad based perspective and representation from the scientific community.
Appendix A provides the complete list and affiliations of the Committee members.
The DGAC used a methodology, known as the Nutrition Evidence Library (NEL), to answer the
scientific questions posed relative to the role of diet in health. Over 1900 manuscripts were reviewed with 900
used in the systematic reviews; 100 were systematic reviews or meta-analyses representing a larger number of
studies. In addition to the NEL, additional data analyses, food pattern modeling analyses, and consideration of
other evidence-based reviews or existing reports, including the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
were used in development of the DGA. This comprehensive review and analysis of the most current information
on diet and health resulted in the scientific, evidence-based 2010 DGA.
The DGA establish the scientific and policy basis for all Federal nutrition programs, including research,
education, nutrition assistance, labeling, and nutrition promotion and therefore provide a consistent, sciencebased foundation for nutrition efforts by the various government agencies. All federally-issued dietary guidance
for the general public is required by law to be consistent with the DGA. Therefore, the DGA and corresponding
graphic consumer message MyPlate, serve as the foundation of nutrition and health programming provided by
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUE).
Four major findings that emerged from the DGAC’s review of the scientific evidence, which are articulated
in the following action steps to help all Americans adopt health-promoting nutrition and physical activity
guidelines:

Reduce the incidence and prevalence of overweight and obesity of the US population by reducing
overall calorie intake and increasing physical activity.
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Shift food intake patterns to a more plant-based diet that emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and
peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. In addition, increase the intake of seafood, fat-free and lowfat milk and milk products and consume moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry, and eggs.
o

Talking point: Approximately two-thirds of all Iowans are overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity
is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and causes of death including heart disease, hypertension, type 2
diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Current estimates suggest Iowa will spend $128 per capita on
obesity-related health care ($34.8 million dollars) in 2013 if obesity rates remain at 2008 levels (AARP,
2010).
Talking point: Iowans currently consume too much sodium and too many calories from solid fats, added
sugars and refined grains. Conversely, four nutrients including potassium, fiber, calcium and Vitamin D,
tend to be consumed in inadequate amounts. Increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and
cooked dry beans and peas will improve the intake of potassium and fiber. Consumption of fat-free and
low-fat milk and milk products will improve the intake of calcium and Vitamin D. Lean meats, in
moderation, are an excellent source of iron which may be inadequate in the diet of women of childbearing
age.
Significantly reduce intake of foods containing added sugars and solid fats because these dietary
components contribute excess calories and few, if any, nutrients. In addition, reduce sodium intake and
lower intake of refined grains, especially refined grains that are coupled with added sugar, solid fat, and
sodium.
o
Talking point: Added sugars and solid fats currently comprise 16% and 19% of the total calories in
Iowan’s diets, respectively. Thus, over one-third of current caloric intake is contributed by foods with
few essential nutrients and no dietary fiber. Current sodium intakes average 3400 mg daily in contrast to
the recommended 2300 mg daily. Over half the population would benefit from further sodium restriction
of 1500 mg daily.

Meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
o
Talking point: Presently, less than half of all Iowans meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines (150
minutes of moderate intensity of 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week).
The DGA 2010 also identifies change needed in the overall food environment to support the efforts of all
Americans to meet the key recommendations of the 2010 DGAC. ISUE is engaged in programming which
addresses the italicized items below.
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Improve nutrition literacy and cooking skills, including safe food handling skills, and empower and
motivate the population, especially families with children, to prepare and consume healthy foods at
home.
Increase comprehensive health, nutrition, and physical education programs and curricula in US schools
and preschools, including food preparation, food safety, cooking, and physical education classes and
improved quality of recess.
For all Americans, especially those with low income, create greater financial incentives to purchase,
prepare, and consume vegetables and fruit, whole grains, seafood, fat-free and low-fat milk and milk
products, lean meats, and other healthy foods.
Improve the availability of affordable fresh produce through greater access to grocery stores, produce
trucks, and farmers’ markets.
Increase environmentally sustainable production of vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich whole grains.
Ensure household food security through measures that provide access to adequate amounts of foods that
are nutritious and safe to eat.
Develop safe, effective, and sustainable practices to expand aquaculture and increase the availability of
seafood to all segments of the population. Enhance access to publicly available, user-friendly
benefit/risk information that helps consumers make informed seafood choices.
Encourage restaurants and the food industry to offer health-promoting foods that are low in sodium;
limited in added sugars, refined grains, and solid fats; and served in smaller portions.
Implement the US National Physical Activity Plan, a private-public sector collaborative promoting
local, state, and national programs and policies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary
activity (http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/index.htm). Through the Plan and other initiatives,
develop efforts across all sectors of society, including health care and public health; education; business
and industry; mass media; parks, recreation, fitness, and sports; transportation, land use and community
design; and volunteer and non-profit. Reducing screen time, especially television, for all Americans
also will be important.
Appendix A
Chair
Vice Chair
Linda V. Van Horn, PhD, RD, LD
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois
Naomi K. Fukagawa, MD, PhD
University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Members
Cheryl Achterberg, PhD
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, PhD
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
Lawrence J. Appel, MD, MPH
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Baltimore, Maryland
F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer, MD, MPH
Columbia University
New York, New York
Roger A. Clemens, DrPH
University of Southern California Los
Angeles, California
Eric B. Rimm, ScD
Harvard University
Boston, Massachusetts
Miriam E. Nelson, PhD
Tufts University
Boston, Massachusetts
Joanne L. Slavin, PhD, RD
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minnesota
Sharon (Shelly) M. Nickols-Richardson,
PhD, RD
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Thomas A. Pearson, MD, PhD, MPH
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Christine L. Williams, MD, MPH
Columbia University (Retired)
Healthy Directions, Inc.
New York, New York