Nutrition Science and Consumer Literacy

Vocabulary and key concepts from the lecture on nutrition science, professional credentials, and distinguishing facts from misinformation.

Nutrition

The sum of all processes involved in how organisms obtain nutrients, metabolize them, and use them to support all of life’s processes.

Nutrition (as a discipline)

A dynamic and constantly changing science that fairly recently began in the $1930's$.

Nutrition Facts Label

A reliable source of information about the nutrients contained in food that is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A nutrition expert who has completed a specialized degree in dietetics, nutrition, public health, or related sciences, and has met specific accredited practice and examination requirements.

Fad Diet

A diet that promotes quick weight loss without taking into effect the nutrients your body needs.

Health Fraud

Fraud involving the selling of drugs, devices, foods, or cosmetics that have not been proven effective.

Health Claim

Claims reviewed by the FDA allowed on food products showing that a food or food component may reduce the risk of a disease or a health-related condition.

Nutrition Misinformation

Information that is not supported by science and may be misleading or incomplete.

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

The organization that administers the national exam required for individuals to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)

An organization whose website ($www.eatright.org$) can be used to find referrals for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in a specific area.

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

Scientific standards for nutrient intake; reliable sources will only make recommendations for vitamin and mineral doses that align with these values.

Credible Web Addresses

Websites ending in $.edu$ (educational institution), $.gov$ (government agency), or $.org$ (non-profit).

Supervised Practice Program

An accredited program required for RDN certification, typically lasting between $6-12$ months.

Red Flags of Nutrition Claims

Indicators of misinformation including promises of a quick fix, conclusions based on a single study, lists of "good" and "bad" foods, or testimonials that are not science-based.