Nutrient density is a long-standing dietary principle and is a cornerstone of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid. In 2005, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), after a comprehensive review of the current literature on diet and health, called for more research in developing a scientifically valid definition for nutrient density that could be useful on the food label and in determining what criteria are necessary for foods to meet this definition.
The Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition (NRFC) – a partnership that brings together leading scientific researchers, communications experts and agricultural commodities – is dedicated to helping answer the DGAC’s call-to-action on nutrient density.
The NRFC is working to bring the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid to life by collaborating with scientific researchers and health professionals to help people identify and enjoy nutrient-rich foods among all basic food groups. The Coalition does this through:
- Scientific research: The Coalition’s efforts are based in science, and the NRFC is working with leading researchers to develop a scientifically based definition and nutrient density food score.
- Consumer research: The Coalition is also working with consumer experts to develop and test nutrition tools and messages that effectively educate people about how to choose and enjoy nutrient-rich foods first.
- Health professional education: The Coalition has created a comprehensive Live Well! tool kit to help professionals educate consumers about how to follow the recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid and “get more nutrition from their calories.” In addition, the Coalition is discussing nutrient density’s role in nutrient profiling systems at educational symposia and scientific and health professional conferences across the country.
- Communications outreach: The Coalition has developed resources, including a Web site (www.NutrientRichFoods.org) that shows how to help people live a nutrient-rich lifestyle with recipes, meal ideas, shopping lists, and information on nutrient-rich options in each food group. The Coalition intends to develop a scientifically supported tool that will help people easily identify nutrient-rich foods to incorporate into a healthy diet.
Through research and education, the Coalition aims to shift the way people choose foods and beverages, from focusing on calories alone, “good or bad foods” or “nutrients to avoid” to understanding the complete nutrient package as a way to build better diets and improve overall diet quality.
The following food organizations are members of the Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition: California Avocado Commission, California Kiwifruit Commission, California Strawberry Commission, Egg Nutrition Center, Florida Department of Citrus, Grain Foods Foundation, The Beef Checkoff Program through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Dairy Council, National Pork Board, U.S. Potato Board, Wheat Foods Council, and the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. The Coalition works closely with a Scientific Advisory Committee to help guide nutrient density research and a Consumer Communications and Nutrition Behavior Advisory Committee to effectively communicate the nutrient-rich approach to consumers and health professionals.
Live Well! Nutrition Communicator's Tool Kit
Related Links
Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition Home Page