Chapter 4 Nutrition Guidelines
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For the most part, DRI values are
used by scientists and nutritionists
who work in research areas, such as
sports medicine, or academic settings.
Scientists analyze diets to determine
the levels of nutrients being supplied.
If the diet is not supplying enough of a
nutrient, a disease state can result. Too
much of some nutrients may be toxic.
DRIs can be used by nutritionists
to develop menus that meet nutritional
requirements for specifi c groups such
as the elderly, a prison population, or
the military. The DRIs also serve as a
foundation for other nutrition-related
guidance for Americans.
Dietary Guidelines for
Americans
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
is published by the United States
Departments of Health and Human
Services and Agriculture. The Dietary
Guidelines for Americans is a document
that provides information and advice
to promote health through improved
nutrition and physical activity. Revised
every fi ve years, the Guidelines serve as
• authoritative advice for people two
years and older about how proper
dietary habits can promote health and
reduce risk for major chronic diseases
• the basis of nutrition education
programs, Federal nutrition assistance
programs such as school meals and
Meals on Wheel, and dietary advice
provided by health professionals, 4-2
• aid for policymakers in designing
and implementing nutrition-related
programs
Poor diet, physical inactivity, and
overweight and obesity continue to be
issues which undermine the health of
Americans. These issues increase an
individual’s risk for a variety of chronic
diseases. As a result, the population that
the 2010 Dietary Guidelines addresses
was revised for Americans two years
and older, including those at increased
risk of chronic disease.
The goal of the Guidelines is for
Americans to meet the nutrient levels
established in the DRIs by consuming
a variety of foods. Two basic themes
summarize the message of the 2010
Dietary Guidelines.
• Maintain calorie balance over time to
achieve and sustain a healthy weight.
• Focus on consuming nutrient-dense
foods and beverages.
Maintain calorie balance over time
to achieve and sustain a healthy weight.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy body
weight throughout life is important to
good health and quality of life. Balancing
calories taken in through eating with
calories used by the body during
physical activity is the key to healthy
weight. Preventing unhealthy weight
gain is much easier than losing weight.
4-2 The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
serve as a basis for school lunch menus.
(Photo by Ken Hammond, ARS/USDA)