52 Metabolic Syndrome: Animal Science’s Challenge and Opportunity

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge of the global epidemic of metabolic syndrome provides animal scientists with an opportunity to improve their health and that of their communities; increase awareness and support of their disciplines and efforts; and support truly sustainable food systems and economic development. This presentation will expand these arguments. Professionals within the disciplines of animal science must push back against those who oppose animal agriculture, particularly by refuting the dietary messaging accusing animal source foods of being health hazards. Official dietary policy for almost half a century has been explicitly anti-animal products, despite a growing body of scientific evidence refuting these recommendations. Animal science undergraduates receive more training in nutrition than medical students. Animal nutrition is a functional scientific discipline. Swine nutritionists have a more advanced understanding of amino acid nutrition in monogastrics than many human nutritionists. Human nutrition has necessarily relied on observational studies, which are widely recognized as being of low scientific quality. Serious conflicts of interests exist within the field of human nutrition. The leadership of the human nutrition community has failed to: acknowledge the weak scientific basis of their dietary guidance; incorporate the highest-quality scientific evidence available into their guidance and policies; and address a global epidemic – metabolic syndrome (hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance). According to the CDC, more than 34% of adults in the Southern US region obese (Body Mass Index ³ 30). Odds are that a significant proportion of our fellow Southern Section members are afflicted with metabolic syndrome, most of them unaware of their condition and its risks. Likewise in the communities we serve. We have an opportunity, and in light of the failures of human nutrition, a responsibility to: stop accepting their pronouncements; stop citing them in our research; and challenge their legitimacy wherever possible.