Dietary Guidelines for Americans


The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are recommendations of dietary intake for maintaining general health and a reasonable weight. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are established by the Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board and include nutrient intake goals for protein, fats, carbohydrates (sugars and starches), vitamins and minerals. RDAs are age and gender specific and have been established to meet the needs of approximately 98 percent of the people in a given group.

According to a survey headed by Dr. Susan M. Krebs-Smith of the American Cancer Institute, most Americans have neglected to meet the RDAs of almost every nutrient category. Reporting on the nutritional status of Americans, the survey states, “nearly the entire U.S. population consumes a diet that is not on par with recommendations.” About 88 percent of the population failed to meet the daily RDA for total vegetable. This includes RDA for both dark green and orange vegetables. About 96 percent did not meet the RDA for legumes and whole grains. The report also noted that most Americans consume more calories from solid fats than is recommended. Take for example, children 8 and under. The survey showed that more than 99 percent of children under the age of 8 ate more margarine and other solid fats than the RDA recommends. There clearly is a noticeable difference in what Americans should be eating and what they actually are eating. Combined with the alarming rate of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases, these startling figures indicate a nation in dietary crisis and in need of drastic dietary changes.1

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans focus on these critical public health concerns. The DGA are updated every five years by a 13-member Committee that relies heavily on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Report released by the Departments for Agricultural (USDA). For the first time in its history, the DGAC report addresses the health needs of children, as well as eating behaviors including breakfast consumption, fast foods and snacks, particularly in relation to weight management. The report recommends a shift in the American food intake to a more plant-based diet that focuses more on vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and cooked dry beans and peas.2

Private Label Vitamins or Supplements to Help Consumers Meet the RDA of Fruits and Vegetables


To help your customers meet the RDAs of fruits and vegetable, supplement companies may want to consider enhancing their product line with an array of private label vitamin supplements. Vitacap Labs provides you a wide choice of private label vitamin formulas that include products made from natural food sources. With their GMP-certified facility and superior formulations that are based on scientific support, Vitacap Labs can easily provide you with manufacturing solutions that meet the nutritional needs of your customers.

References:
  1. 1. Americans Do Not Meet Federal Dietary Recommendations, J. Nutr. October 1, 2010 vol. 140 no. 10 1832-1838 http://jn.nutrition.org/content/140/10/1832.abstract
  2. 2. Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-DGACReport.htm