Register today for this webinar and learn about the holistic approach to connective tissue, joint and skin health.
BioCell Technology, LLC
Nutrient profiling is a way to class foods based on their perceived healthfulness, in an attempt to promote healthier eating amongst consumers.
The system is largely based on the idea that foods high in fat, salt, sugar and certain other nutrients should be prevented from bearing health claims even if they also contain healthy ingredients that would otherwise qualify them to make such claims.
A symposium on nutrient profiling will be held on April 7 as part of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology 2008.
"Nutrition profiling is rapidly becoming a tool used around the world to help consumers build better diets. The PIC symposium breaks new ground in bringing leading experts from around the globe together to discuss science-based development and application of nutrition profiling," said Dr Gregory Miller, co-chair of the symposium along with Dr Roger Clemens.
Miller is executive vice president of science and research at the National Dairy Council and Clemens is associate director of the regulatory science program at the USC School of Pharmacy.
According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, "over the past decade, a widespread concern has been that some foods may be classified as less nutrient dense than others and these foods may be eaten at the expense of other foods that are, by comparison, better sources of essential nutrients".
"To assist consumers in making wise food choices, a method is needed to convey the nutrient density of a food on the label," it had said.
The Committee's recommendation was that researchers help "develop a scientifically valid definition for 'nutrient density' that could be useful on the food label, and determine what criteria are necessary for foods to meet this definition."
The upcoming symposium aims to monitor progress toward that goal.
The symposium will include an evaluation of nutrition profiling systems as they are being introduced in the US, the European Union, and in other countries around the world. The advantages and disadvantages of different approaches will be examined.
The symposium will also aim to define current global perspectives on the 2005 recommendation of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to develop a scientifically valid definition for 'nutrient density'.
The implications of nutrient profiling in regulatory, industry, and the consumer settings will also be considered, including labeling, education and dietary guidance.
The symposium will take place Monday, April 7 at 10:30 am in the San Diego Convention Center.
