11. Calories in general are associated with weight, certain macro-nutrients (i.e. sat fat) are associated with disease and others health (omega 3 fats), while physical activity and decreases in sedentary behavior are related to overall health and well being.
12. In noting our over consumption, the report identifies likely culprits to be SoFAS, sodium, saturated fat (as well as cholesterol for males) and refined grains. These issues need to be addressed and total EI (energy intake) decreased without compromising nutrition. Therefore the suggestion is to decrease the above mentioned food types. It is noted that sat fat be replaced with MUFA and PUFA and that refined grains be replaced with whole. (mono and poly unsaturated fats)
13. Note that the DGAC makes a point, several times, to say that adding positive food elements must be done with regard to TEI and that new components should be in PLACE of others, not in addition to them.
14. We do not consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables which are nutrient rich low calorie foods. We are also deficient on whole grains, good oils (noted above) and low/no fat milk and milk products.
15. On page E1-7 it is noted that nutrients should come from our foods on a plate and not in pills. They go so far as to suggest that a daily multi vitamin is not needed. “A fundamental premise of the DGAC is that nutrients should come from foods”…. “For the general, healthy population, there is no evidence to support a recommendation for the use of multivitamin/mineral supplements in the primary prevention of chronic disease.”
16. The only concern for the general population in regard to nutrient deficiency is for vitamin D, potassium and fiber. These can be consumed through a balance diet, with attention to overall caloric intake.
17. As indicated in this blog post, SFA is associated with disease markers and adverse health outcomes. If replaced with MUFA and PUFA while holding calories even with need and total fat percent below 10% this could have a significant positive impact on cardiovascular health and T2D incidence and management.
18. This same indication applies to children for which the intermediate markers of disease are also present.
19. Understanding the committee’s concerns on the different fats and that the public is confused by the term total fat, makes the IOM FOP suggestion of SFA on front of pack labels make good sense.
20. Though discussed separately in the report, intake of seafood, alcohol , nuts and chocolate was addressed. The benefit of seafood is related to the type of fat that it contains which may be associated with lowering inflammation (a marker of disease), as well as it being a low calorie high nutrient food (when cooked wisely). That is to be balanced by attention to the type of seafood - avoiding or limiting intake according to MeHg and POP - Persistent Organic Pollutants. Chocolate got a relatively small nod of favor, due to its high caloric properties and nuts received special attention - first due to their often being salted and second because of a lack of understand in the general public that - “nuts should be consumed in small portions as they are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.” Alcohol is protective of heart disease and can be consumed in moderation without leading to weight gain, if calories are controlled and of course, the drinks aren’t high calories ones.
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