NOTES FROM THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT.

VRG in the News

VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, was interviewed by the Boston Globe for an article about vegetarian babies and young children. Nutrition Advisor Suzanne Havala, MS, RD, was a guest on KBOO community radio in Portland, Oregon, discussing vegetarian diets for beginners. She was also interviewed for a new women's health book to be published by Rodale Press, as well as by Parenting magazine for a story about feeding soy foods to children.

Note from Nancy Berkoff, RD:

"Did I tell you about the [regional food service meeting at the University of Montana]? I was sandwiched in between two beef council presenters.

"The response to the veggie information was fantastic--food service directors from colleges in Calgary, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah have lots of kids asking for veggie foods. They loved the VRG material and got to do a hands-on lab to prepare vegan snacks, entrees, and beverages. It was a really good experience."

Dietary Guidelines 2000: Proposed Recommendations Released for Public Comment

The Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (DHHS) have released the report of the Dietary Guidelines Committee, detailing the Committee's recommendations for revision of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The DGA serve as the cornerstone for all federal food and nutrition policies and programs. A copy of the report and recommendations can be viewed online at <www.ars.usda.gov/dgac>.

During a public comment period that closed on March 15, VRG submitted written comments concerning the Committee's recommendations. The full text of VRG's statement follows. The USDA and DHHS will complete final revisions and issue the Dietary Guidelines 2000 sometime this summer.

March 8, 2000

Shanthy Bowman, PhD US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service BHNRC/CNRG 10300 Baltimore Boulevard Building 005 Room 125, BARC-West Beltsville, Maryland 20705

Dear Ms. Bowman:

On behalf of the nonprofit Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), I submit the following comments regarding the proposed revision of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

1. VRG strongly supports the Committee's recommendation to include calcium-fortified soymilk and soy beverages in the `dairy group.'

Recognition of these wholesome alternatives to dairy products is an important step in ensuring that the nutritional needs of those who do not consume dairy products are met. The public deserves to be educated about these practical dairy-free options.

2. If the Committee's recommendation to include fortified soy beverages in the "dairy group" is adopted, VRG recommends changing the name of the food group to the "Calcium-Rich Foods Group" or the "Milk, Yogurt, Cheese & Soymilk Group."

Such a change would more accurately reflect the options available to Americans for calcium-rich foods. The change should also be reflected in the Food Guide Pyramid.

3. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000 should include a clear statement acknowledging the nutritional adequacy and health advantages associated with vegetarian lifestyles. Such a statement should support and encourage a vegetarian eating style for those who choose to follow this lifestyle.

Research overwhelmingly supports the health advantages of a vegetarian lifestyle. Americans are entitled to complete information about the choices available to them for reducing their risk of disease and disability through their eating habits.

4. The guideline, "Choose beverages and foods that limit your intake of sugars" should be revised to read "Choose beverages and foods that limit your intake of added sugars."

Naturally-occurring sugars in such foods as fruits and vegetables are generally associated with a high nutrient density. In contrast, the addition of simple sugars dilutes nutrient values of foods. Considering problems of excessive calorie intakes for many Americans, care should be taken to encourage a reduction in the intake of added sugars while encouraging greater intakes of such sources of naturally-occurring sugars as fruits and vegetables.

Thank you for considering these comments.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Havala, MS, RD, LDN, FADA Nutrition Advisor