Transparent, Actionable Framework for Food and Nutrition Research Public-Private Partnerships.

Nutrition and Food Science - An Obvious but Little-Appreciated Partnership: Lessons Learned from the Road Less Traveled.

Advances in sensory science: From perception to consumer acceptance

Recently, the Joint Task Force of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), Institute of Food Technologists, and International Food Information Council, proposed the de-facto globalisation of a ‘small changes’ approach to address the worldwide problem of obesity [1]. The basis of their argument was that ‘obesity rates are increasing because of a gradual weight gain in most populations,’ existing attempts to address obesity through so-called lifestyle changes have not succeeded, therefore for the present the alternative should be to focus not on achieving weight loss, but on promoting small changes in diet and physical activity to prevent further weight gain. By adopting this strategy, the Task Force argued, obesity rates would be ‘stabilised’ and over time decrease gradually. In attempting to define what is meant by small changes, Hill et al. [2] have suggested that minimal measures such as 2,000 more steps per day walking, expending only 100 kcal or substituting diet soda for a regular soda, which would eliminate 150 kcal per 340.2-g serving, might offer a ‘more sustainable’ strategy than the greater efforts necessary for permanent weight-loss maintenance. The problem is more complicated in children for whom a small energy surplus is necessary for growth. Preventing overweight in growing children may involve limiting this energy surplus to 46–72 kcal/day [3]. It would be a bold claim for even seasoned nutritionists to suggest they could monitor their personal energy equilibrium with such accuracy. Yet, the Task Force proposal suggests: ‘Small changes in diet and/or in physical activity, which might still fall short of optimal diet and physical activity recommendations, might be sufficient to stop the gradual weight gain of individuals and populations.’ Apart from some sweeping assumptions about the likely effectiveness of small changes, if taken seriously, this approach would necessitate the acceptance of an already high prevalence of obesity, not merely in the USA but worldwide, as a new ‘stabilised’ norm with all its consequences in terms of co-morbidities. With little or no evidence available to date to show how effective the ‘easy option’ approach might turn out to be in the USA, it seems somewhat premature, if not more than a little audacious, to suggest that the rest of the world – already committed in principle to the WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health [4] – should relax and adopt the highly speculative strategy of accepting that things continue as they are while relying on just a few little changes in the hope of avoiding further worsening in the situation. There are many factors influencing both population mean weight gain and obesity. First documented more than half a century ago, the migration of rural populations to the cities of South Africa prompted concerns about the adverse impact on health of the urban diet, and for several decades, the black African female population of the Cape Town region has suffered an obesity prevalence comparable to that in the USA [5]. In China, overweight and obesity affects 260 million adults [6], in Russia 1 in 5 women is obese [7], and in selected Middle East countries, overweight and obesity rank highest in occupied Palestine with 59% of men and 71% of women affected [8] – indicative of an aetiology more complex than merely marginal ‘lifestyle’ choices, and a reminder that obesity and under-nutrition often co-exist in the same environments. With rising childhood obesity rates now setting a consistently higher baseline, adult obesity rates are already edging towards US levels in some countries. Obesity is associated with a marked range of socio-economic inequalities, particularly amongst women; in the USA this is hardly a new phenomenon [9]. In 1965, a large study found a 6-fold variation in obesity between lowest and highest SES (socio-economic status) category females in Midtown Manhattan, with a prevalence of 37% in the very lowest SES [10]. The same study revealed an obesity prevalence of 32% among lower SES males – twice the level of the upper SES group. More recently, progressive inverse gradients reflecting the association between socio-economic conditions and health including overweight have been identified among children [11]. Thus it is important to remember that obesity, as Sir Michael Marmot notes, ‘goes to the heart of the way we live as

Can a small-changes approach help address the obesity epidemic? A report of the Joint Task Force of the American Society for Nutrition, Institute of Food Technologists, and International Food Information Council

Citation Index Identifies Highly Cited Investigators in Food Science

From the Chief Executive and News

Multiple definitions of dietary fiber have been developed and are in use around the world. The definitions vary as to which substances are considered to be fibers, the analytical methods utilized to identify and measure these fibers, and whether physiological criteria are part of the definition. A workshop entitled "Dietary Reference Intakes: Implications for Fiber Labeling and Consumption" was held by the International Life Sciences Institute North America Technical Committee on Carbohydrates to review the fiber definitions recently published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies. Presentations and facilitated discussions reviewed the rationale for the IOM definitions of dietary fiber, functional fiber, and total fiber in light of evolving nutritional science. Also discussed were potential analytical, regulatory, and consumer issues involved if the US Food and Drug Administration and/or Health Canada were to implement the IOM's recommendations. Issues, concerns, and questions to be addressed are summarized here.

In Brief There has been significant public debate about the susceptibility of research to biases of various kinds. The dialogue has extended to the peer-reviewed literature, scientific conferences, the mass media, government advisory bodies, and beyond. Although biases can come from myriad sources, the overwhelming focus of the discussion, to date, has been on industry-funded science. Given the critical role that the industry has played and will continue to play in the research process, the International Life Sciences Institute North America Working Group on Guiding Principles has, in this article, set out proposed conflict-of-interest guidelines regarding industry funding for protecting the integrity and credibility of the scientific record, particularly with respect to health, nutrition, and food-safety science. Eight principles are enumerated, specifying ground rules for industry-sponsored research. The article, which issues a challenge to the broader scientific community to address all bias issues, is only a first step; the document is intended to be dynamic, prompting ongoing discussion and refinement Nutrition and food scientists agree on funding standards to ensure scientific integrity

Contributions of Processed Foods to Dietary Intake in the US from 20032008: A Report of the Food and Nutrition Science Solutions Joint Task Force of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Society for Nutrition, Institute of Food Technologists, and International Food Information Council1–4

![Figure][1] On December 31, 2013, the scientific community lost Dr. John A. Milner, an internationally respected scientist known for his work in human nutrition and cancer prevention. John served as Chief of National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Nutritional Science Research Group in the

The cynic looking today at the inordinate capacity of the American people for self-delusion might feel that Jefferson's ideas and ideals about education and enlightenment are the only salvation of man in a democracy that has fallen on evil days. If confronted with the alternative of widespread self-deceit or the incessant brainwashing propaganda of Big Brother, we may feel justified in condoning the silly in the knowledge that the less numerous intelligent members of society must make up for widespread ignorance. As an example of the hopeful attitude that education may really combat food fads and quackery we have this booklet. It consists of the major papers presented at a symposium on nutrition research and education held in Berkeley, Calif., Jan. 15, 1959, under the joint sponsorship of the Northern California Section, Institute of Food Technologists and The Nutrition Foundation, Inc. There is a remarkable degree of unanimity in discussions

The cynic looking today at the inordinate capacity of the American people for self-delusion might feel that Jefferson's ideas and ideals about education and enlightenment are the only salvation of man in a democracy that has fallen on evil days. If confronted with the alternative of widespread self-deceit or the incessant brain-washing propaganda of Big Brother, we may feel justified in condoning the silly in the knowledge that the less numerous intelligent members of society must make up for widespread ignorance. As an example of the hopeful attitude that education may really combat food fads and quackery we have this booklet. It consists of the major papers presented at a symposium on nutrition research and education held in Berkeley, Calif., Jan. 15, 1959, under the joint sponsorship of the Northern California Section, Institute of Food Technologists and The Nutrition Foundation, Inc. There is a remarkable degree of unanimity in discussions

Nutrition research to affect food and a healthy life span

Nutrition research to affect food and a healthy lifespan.

Nutrition research to affect food and a healthy life span1,2