2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Update
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee (DGAC) is scheduled to hold its seventh meeting on Dec. 15.
The DGAC is currently reviewing diet-related research. Recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are intended for Americans ages 2 years and over, including those at increased risk of chronic disease, and provide the basis for federal food and nutrition policy and education initiatives.
The Florida citrus industry monitors such proceedings very closely, due to the potential impact the guidelines could have on consumer perception of and demand for the industry’s products. The Florida Department of Citrus monitoring program is led by Gail Rampersaud, the Department’s chief nutritionist and registered dietician.
The DGAC is expected to finalize its report by the end of this calendar year or soon thereafter. The report will be open for public review and comment as well as provided to the United States Department of Health and Human Services where it will be used as the scientific basis to develop the 2015 Dietary Guidelines policy document.
The DGAC meetings can be viewed by the public via webcast.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is expected to review and revise their 100 percent fruit juice intake guidelines for children and release new recommendations sometime early next year. Currently, AAP recommends limits on 100% percent fruit juice intake of 4 to 6 ounces/day for children ages 1 through 6 and 8 to 12 ounces/day for children age 7 and older.
About Gail Rampersaud, MS, RDN, LDN
Gail Rampersaud’s position includes developing nutrition education materials for the Florida Department of Citrus, University of Florida, community, and other state agencies. Her interests include the health benefits of citrus, the health benefits of the vitamin folate, nutrient density, children’s health and nutrition issues, and the health benefits of breakfast.
Ms. Rampersaud has a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Florida. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
She has served as the lead or co-author on peer-reviewed articles relating to the benefits of the vitamin folate, beverage consumption in children and adolescents, nutrient density of 100% fruit juices, and two comprehensive review articles concerning the health benefits of breakfast for children and adolescents. She has made numerous presentations to consumer and health professional groups, including the American Society for Nutrition, National PTA, American Dietetic Association and Florida Dietetic Association.
