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Health Corner

Revamping Some Old Friends

This year we’ll be saying goodbye to some old friends. Both the Recommended Dietary Allowances (which are used to set the  daily values of vitamins and minerals we see on all food packaging), and the Food Guide Pyramid will be getting a makeover. At 37 years old and 12 years old respectively, they have become outdated with all the new research now available.

            Years ago, the daily values were set to meet the goals of the most nutritionally challenged. Depending on your age, as well as your gender, you may need only half as much of some nutrients as the guidelines suggest.

            A year from now, we’ll be seeing another change to the nutrition labeling. In addition to our old friends saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, the amount of trans fat will also be broken out.

            The new food guide (which may or may not remain in pyramid form) is being overhauled as well. The Department of Agriculture’s statement, “one size does not fit all for nutrition guidance”, is being take seriously.  New plans to make more detailed information available will allow individuals to review and understand what’s right for their nutritional needs. The hope is to develop a program so people can enter their personal criteria:  age, sex, height and weight, activity level, etc, and get a custom profile of recommended daily servings of each food group. Check out www.usda.gov/cnpp/pyramid.html for more information.

Resource: Health and Fitness newsletter