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Upcoming Dietary Guideline Revisions Uncover Nutrients of Concern; Potassium, Included in List, is Easily Provided By Potatoes

Posted on: Friday, 7 January 2005, 09:00 CST

DENVER, Jan. 7 /U.S. Newswire/ -- An announcement about revisions to the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans is expected next week, and, based on the scientific report issued by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in August, 2004, consumers should be aware of several nutrients of concern. The under-consumption of potassium, fiber, vitamins A, C and E, calcium, and magnesium reported by the committee certainly influenced the recommendations that will be set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for adults. Vitamins A and C are low for adults but not for children.

The challenge now lies in educating Americans about what foods are good sources of these vital vitamins and minerals. The good news is there are many simple and tasty ways to add these nutrients into the diet.

Nutrients Low Enough to Be of Concern - And How to Get More of Them

Potassium

-- Make "smashed" potatoes -- mashed in their jackets

-- Blend a smoothie with nonfat yogurt, a banana and orange juice

Fiber

-- Turn the family on to whole-grain cereals

-- Serve their favorite - baked potatoes eaten with the skin

-- Add beans to salsas and soups

Vitamin E

-- Serve up a snack of sunflower seeds or almonds

-- Mix in a little wheat germ when making oatmeal or baking

Calcium

-- Encourage 2-3 servings of non or low-fat dairy products daily

Magnesium

-- Offer whole-wheat breads and pastas

-- Smear peanut butter on celery sticks and apple wedges

Source: U.S. Potato Board

It might surprise some to learn that potatoes top the list of the 20 top-selling fruits and vegetables, ranked by amount of potassium they contain according to AC Nielsen (see entire chart, following). One medium potato contains 720 mg of potassium, followed by one medium stalk of broccoli at 540 mg and one medium banana at 400 mg. Foods that are a good source of potassium and low in sodium - such as potatoes -- may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

"High potassium content is just one more smart reason to include potatoes in a healthful diet," explains Katherine Beals, PhD, RD, FACSM, nutrition consultant for the United States Potato Board. "Potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C and bring important B vitamins and fiber. A 5.3-ounce potato has a mere 100 calories and contains no fat or sodium. What's even better is that people love them and want to eat them!"

To get healthy recipe ideas using the potassium-packed potato or more potato nutrition information, visit http:// www.healthypotato.com.

Guideline Revisions Are Nothing New, But This Time They Are Different

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are charged with creating Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Guidelines provide advice for all healthy Americans aged 2 years and older about how to make food choices that promote health and prevent disease.

Ever since the Dietary Guidelines were created in 1980, they have been reviewed and revised every five years. Next week, the USDA and DHHS will be unveiling the newest version of the Dietary Guidelines and the corresponding Food Guidance System -- formerly known as the Food Guide Pyramid -- is expected to be released in February 2005. The procedure employed to develop the new Guidelines differs from those undertaken previously in that it wasn't simply an "update" but a true recreation based on an extensive review of current scientific literature. To accomplish this task, an Advisory Committee of 13 well-known and respected nutrition scientists was assembled. These experts examined scientific research, studied American eating habits, and held public meetings to gather input on how the Dietary Guidelines and Food Guidance System should be revised.

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Interview Opportunity: Dr. Katherine Beals has a PhD in exercise science and nutrition, she's a registered dietitian, and a consultant to the United States Potato Board. She provided oral and written testimony to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, has read the entire 600-plus page report issued by the DGAC in August, and she understands the rationale behind each guideline. In addition, Dr. Beals will be chairing a session about the new Dietary Guidelines at the upcoming National Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to be held in Nashville in early June 2005. Please contact Kris Caputo Hurley at 916-492-5337 or caputok(At)fleishman.com to schedule an interview.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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