USDA Nutrition Evidence Library: Support to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Abstract

The USDA Nutrition Evidence Library (NEL) aims to be a trusted national source of evidence‐based research to inform nutrition policies and programs. NEL is also an on‐line resource that empowers scientists and decision makers by illuminating the strength of the evidence supporting nutrition policy and identifying research opportunities to facilitate improvement of Americans’ health and well‐being. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) is charged with reviewing current science related to nutrition and health, and providing recommendations for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. An integral part of NEL's mission is to provide ongoing support for the DGAC's scientific review process. This presentation describes the evidence‐based methodology used to support the 2010 DGAC effort. The 2010 DGAC divided the broad Dietary Guidelines into seven major topic areas, which paralleled seven subcommittees. NEL staff managed the systematic review process for each. This included assisting with question formulation; developing and implementing literature search plans; evaluating methodological rigor of studies; preparing portfolios of evidence worksheets, overview tables, and evidence summaries; and ensuring compliance with the NEL methodology each step of the way. NEL ensured that the 2010 DGAC scientific review process was consistent, rigorous, transparent, unbiased, and reproducible.