CHICAGO -- Upper nutrient limits to prevent chronic disease, dietary needs of the rapidly aging population, usefulness of low-fat foods in the American diet, and ways food fortification can combat global vitamin A deficiency will be key nutrition topics at IFT's 1999 Annual Meeting.
Last year, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board replaced the old Recommended Dietary Allowances, which targeted nutrient deficiency, with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) that aim to prevent chronic diseases. "Impact of the New Daily Reference Intakes on Industry, Academia, and Public Policy" (Symposium 28, July 26, 9 AM) will examine how well these new recommendations are being absorbed by the public and food sector. The impact of DRIs on nutrition labeling, the Food Guide Pyramid, and food assistance programs will be discussed with emphasis on intake of calcium and antioxidant vitamins.
"Looking Toward the New Millennium: 1999 is the Year of the Older Adult" (Symposium 58, July 27, 9 AM) will address the nutritional needs of the estimated two million people that currently turn age 65 each year. This number will increase significantly between 2010 and 2030 as Baby Boomers age. Older adults are at increased risk for nutrient deficiency as a result of decreased food intake, lowered resting metabolic rate, and less physical activity. Calcium and vitamins D, B6, and B12 deficiencies are of greatest concern and will be discussed.
"The Use of Modified Foods to Meet Dietary Guidelines" (Symposium 69, July 27, 1:30 PM) will cover the history of federal dietary guidelines, consumer acceptance of foods designed to meet these guidelines, affect of fat-modified products on American diets, and technical challenges in developing no/low-fat, reduced-calorie, and no/low-sodium foods.
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders in the world, resulting in thousands of preventable childhood deaths and other medical consequences each year. "A Global Look at Vitamin A Fortification: Stability, Quality and Cost Benefit" (Special Forum 6, July 27, 1:30 PM) will present food fortification technologies to combat VAD and their applications for widely consumed products, such as cereal and vegetable oils.