Implementing the NACNE report. 1. National dietary goals: a confused debate
Robbins, C.
Lancet 2(8363): 1351-1353
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6139682 Document Number: 215838
The report of the National Advisory Committee on Nutrition Education working party is discussed. This is the first statement of practical dietary goals from a government body in the UK for 40 yr. Dietary goals are defined as statements of desirable dietary compositions for the whole population (or subpopulations) of healthy people; goals must be quantified to be useful. Guidelines are defined as expressing goals in terms of foods (or combinations of foods) which are to be eaten by individuals or groups of consumers; guidelines need not be quantified. Recommended daily allowances (RDAs) are a special type of dietary goal. While most industrialized countries have adopted RDAs, few have adopted dietary goals. Political, economic and scientific objections to dietary goals are discussed. Methods of modifying dietary composition in preparing dietary guidelines include changing the intake of particular foods, substituting more healthy foods (e.g. poultry and fish for red meat, low-fat milk for high-fat milk), changing the composition of processed foods and introduction of new foods.