National dietary goals. Are they justified at this time?
Weil, W.B.
American Journal of Diseases of Children 133(4): 368-370
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-922X PMID: 433849 Document Number: 151694
The Dietary Goals for the United States, published in 1977, includes Recommended Dietary Allowances for macro-nutrients, sodium and cholesterol. They suggest an increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; decreased consumption of refined sugars, saturated fat, salt, and cholesterol; and (except for children) the use of low-fat dairy products. Food Disappearance Data was used to estimate daily food consumption without taking into consideration losses due to trimming, spoilage, wastage, and storage. The dietary goals are too general and do not take into consideration differences of region, sex, age, weight, and life-style. The goals are untested for safety and lack proven efficacy. Other dangers include disillusionment of the public with major health programs, reduction of individual freedom, and possibility of undiscovered health hazards for some segments of the population. The McGovern Committee seeks to alter the American diet on the basis of correlations, animal experimentation and opinions.