The article discusses why and how nutrition science has been so controversial. Research debates continue to rage unabated. There are opposing view-points among nutritionists and the focus of researches and studies as well as food advertisements tend to center on single nutrients and not on dietary patterns. Nutrition advice from scientists, agencies and nutrition associations are not consistent and sometimes contradict each other. However, the basic dietary principles have always remained undisputed. The principles are; consume fewer calories, eat fruits, vegetables as well as whole grains and finally avoid consuming junk food. These principles have not been advocated for by most studies due to conflicting interests. Each company is only interested in sponsoring research on single nutrients that helps it market its products. Most companies manufacture food which contains high calories and hence increasing the level of obesity among the population.
The studies that have focused on one nutrient without taking care of dietary patterns have always aimed at explaining symptoms which are caused deficiencies of either vitamins or minerals. However, such studies have not been able to explain the causes of chronic conditions like diabetes as well as coronary heart disease which are caused by a combination of various factors which include dietary, genetic, behavioral as well as social factors.
Organic foods produced under the conventional standards are as nutritious as and safe as conventional foods. However, studies have not been done to establish these beliefs. Earlier studies show that organic foods are more nutritious and contain larger quantities of vitamins. Again there has not been a conclusive research that establishes the reason as to why those who do not usually consume dairy products are less likely to experience bone fracture as compared to those consume dairy products despite dairy products containing a lot of calcium since studies have only concentrated on single nutrients found in the dairy products. Although nutritionists recommend 20g of saturated fatty acids per day for beef eaters, again they have not been able to explain why meet increases cancer risks despite the numerous researches that have been done. This also applies to omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. Researches that have been done to prove the influence omega-3 fatty acids on heart diseases have been interpreted differently thereby presenting different conclusions.
Likes
One thing that has not changed over time is the basic dietary principles. Researches sponsored by independent agencies have always presented unbiased results on which foods contain high calories and which foods to be classified as junk food in order to encourage a healthy society. Earlier researches have also shown that organic foods are safe and more nutritious. Besides, they have also shown that consuming omega-3 fatty acids from fish could help protect individuals against heart diseases. In addition, the food pyramid developed by the US Department of Agriculture provides a simple triangular nutrition guide which suggests the quantity of each food category to be taken.
Dislikes
It is unfortunate that food manufacturing companies sponsor organizations and journals to carry out research that focuses on nutrition-related topics that help them sell their products. This creates ambiguity in nutrition advice to consumers. These research organizations and journals therefore criticize even the best nutrition result of other researches. Again, there is normally no consensus in interpretations of research results as each organization offer a different perspective.
Recommendations
Future researches should not just focus on one nutrient while isolating other related nutrients. It should involve a study in the dietary patterns as well as other related factors useful in explaining certain health conditions. The government should also act tough on organizations, journals as well as companies that provide non-scientific and misleading nutrition information to consumers.