The USDA Nutrition Evidence Library: An Evidence‐Based Resource for Development of National Nutrition Policy

Abstract

The USDA Nutrition Evidence Library (NEL) plays an integral role in the development of national nutrition policy. The public health community uses a systematic, evidence‐based approach to review scientific literature for developing health promotion and prevention guidelines. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide science‐based advice to promote health and reduce chronic disease risk. They also serve as the foundation of national nutrition policy, programs, and educational efforts. USDA developed the NEL as a web‐based system with a set of tools to support the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and other efforts to improve the nutritional well‐being of Americans. The NEL provides portfolios of evidence worksheets and management tools to support each step in the evidence‐based process, including research question formulation, literature search and sort plan development, evidence analysis and quality assessment, and rating the strength of the conclusion and recommendations. Completed reports and supporting documents will be archived in the NEL and made accessible to stakeholders and the public. This library will ensure that the relevant, timely, high‐quality, and understandable presentation of evidence is available to support translation of nutrition research into policies that promote the health of the US population.