BIO 117 Basic Consumer Nutrition Links

The following categories contain links to various sources on the web relating to the topics covered in the Bio 117 Basic Consumer Nutrition course. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these websites, the usual evaluation measures should be taken by the researcher.

General Nutrition Sites

Government Related Sites

Professional Associations & Organizations

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Nutrition Tools - Standards and Guidelines

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 - "Published every 5 years by the DHHS (Dept. of Health & Human Services) and the USDA (Dept. of Agriculture), the Guidelines provide advice for people age 2 yrs and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases."

• Dietary Guidance: Food Pyramid Resources - This page from the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center provides links to access USDA Food Guide Pyramid Resources, Cooperative Extension and University MyPyramid Resources, Ethic/Cultural Food Guide Pyramids, Special Audience Food Guide Pyramids (older adults, children, and individuals following vegetarian diets), as well as past Food Guide Pyramid Materials.

• The Food Label & You - This page from the Food Products Association features links to 10 fact sheets that explain the different elements of the food label.

• Food Labeling and Nutrition Education Tools - This page from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides links to food labeling nutrition information and includes historical/background information on food labeling.

• National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) - "A survey report containing nutrition monitoring data that are used for food fortification policy, establishing dietary guidelines, and assessing government programs and initiatives."

• Nutrient Data Laboratory - From the USDA Agricultural Research Service, a searchable database which provides access to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (Release 21) which includes nutrient content of over 7,412 different foods.

• Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI's) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA's) - Links to tables, reports, and other information about DRI's and RDA's.

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Systems of the Body

• Information on GI Health & Disease - From the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), this page provides provides links to access information on gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, organ systems, procedures and treatments.

• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAN) - This site serves as a resource for those who need the straight facts on food allergies. It Includes FAQs, and categories of information on Common Food Allergens, Anaphylaxis, and Special Allergy Alerts.

• Immunology & Allergic Disorders - Content discussed in this section of The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition, 2006, includes the Biology of the Immune System.

• National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - This site provides links to information on digestive, endocrine, metabolic, kidney, and urologic diseases.

• American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) - Select the "Patient Center" link to learn more about digestive conditions and various procedures/tests used to diagnose digestive disease.

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Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Amino Acids

• The Nutrition Source - This site from the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health provides categories of information on: Carbohydrates, Fats & Cholesterol, Protein, Fiber, Alcohol, and Vitamins.

• A Primer on Fats and Oils - Facts on fat from the American Dietetic Association including information on saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, trans fatty acids, and cholesterol.

• Dietary Proteins - This page from MedlinePlus® provides an overview of dietary proteins including links to nutrition information.

• MeatPoultryNutrition.org - This site provides information on dietary fats, the relationship between protein and health, sensible portion management, and recipes.

• Carbohydrates and Sugars - Dietary guidelines and recommendations on carbohydrate and sugar intake from the American Heart Association (AHA).

• American Diabetes Association - This site provides information for health professionals and the public on the different types of diabetes. It also includes a diabetes dictionary.

• Vegetarian Resource Group - Here you will find information on vegetarian nutrition, guides & handouts, and featured articles from The Vegetarian Journal.

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Vitamins, Supplements, Water, Minerals, Alternative Medicine

• Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) - One of the office's of the National Institute's of Health, the ODS explores the role of dietary supplements in the improvement of health.

• Fortify Your Knowledge About Vitamins - A consumer update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which provides information about water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin safety, regulation, and special nutrient needs.

• Antioxidants: Working Towards a Definition - An article from the Food Insight newsletter of the International Food Information Council Foundation, which discusses the scientific rationale for the development of definitions for these dietary components.

• Functional Foods - From the International Food Information Council Foundation, a Backgrounder on Functional Foods including examples of functional components.

• National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
  NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. The "Health Info" section of this site provides links to access evidence-based information on treatments and conditions, plus fact sheets about specific herbs and botanicals.

• NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
  Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Resource Center provides health professionals, patients, and the public learn about and find current information on metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hyperparathyroidism.

• Phytochemicals - This site from Dole-5-A-Day provides a definition and summary of phytochemicals, and includes interactive charts of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables.

• Macronutrient Information Center - Information on fat and water soluable vitamins, minerals, other nutrients, foods, and phytochemicals from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

• Water and Electrolytes - This chart adapted from the "DRI Reports" lists Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI's) for water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic sulfate).

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Physical Activity, Weight, Diet and Health

• American Obesity Association - This site provides access to factsheets, statistics, and guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults.

• Weight Control information Network (WIN) - An information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the National Institutes of Health, WIN provides science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutritional issues.

• CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity - "This site offers easy access to guidelines, consumer handouts, backgrounders, and websites related to obesity, bone health, and other nutrition-related topics."

• National Eating Disorders Association - "The largest not-for-profit organization in the United States working to prevent eating disorders and provide treatment referrals to those suffering from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder and those concerned with body image and weight issues."

• Ergogenic Aids - Links to information on anabolic steroid abuse and athletic supplements from the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC).

• Gatoraid Sports Science Institute (GSSI) - This Sports Science Library on this site provides information on hydration, sports nutrition and dietary supplements.

• Nutrient-Drug Interactions and Food - This site from the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension provides information on food and drug interactions/guidelines for generic and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

• The DASH Eating Plan - From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, information on the Dietary to Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan which helps prevent the development of high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Foods That Fight Cancer - From the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), this site provides information on different types of foods that can help lower your risk for developing cancer.

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Mother and Infant Nutrition

• Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Resource Library - Located at Georgetown University the MCH Library provides accurate and timely information on a broad range of topics. Materials include the weekly newsletter MCH Alert, resource guides, full-text publications, databases, and links to quality MCH sites.

• Nutritional Needs of Pregnancy - This factsheet from Family and Consumer Services at Ohio State University contains information about the Food Guide Pyramid for Pregnant Women.

• Gestational Diabetes - This page from the American Diabetes Association provides a general overview of gestational diabetes, how it can affect a baby, and treatment information.

• National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - This site provides information and resources on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) for educators, health care professionals, and expectant mothers.

• March of Dimes - The March of Dimes organization through research and advocacy, works to help babies affected by prematurity, birth defects, and low birth weight.

• La Leche League International - Founded in 1956, the La Leche League is an organization whose sole purpose is to help breastfeeding mothers.

• Beechnut.com - This site provides information about Beechnut baby food products, caring for baby, and feeding by age.

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Child, Teen, and Older Adult Nutrition

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - This site provides information on developmental stages from prenatal - infancy through adolescence, and links to additional featured topics.

• Kidsnutrition.org - Based at the Baylor College of Medicine, the Children's Nutrition Research Center provides access to many resources about nutrition for pregnant and nursing women, infants, children, and adolescents.

• Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ - This page from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service offers materials and ideas that educators and families can use to promote healthy eating and physical activity among children and adolescents.

• My Pyramid for Kids - This site provides access to MyPyramid food pyramid resource materials and worksheets designed specifically for children aged 6 to 11.

• National Network for Child Care (NNCC): Nutriton and Diet - This site provides links to numerous resources on such topics as: best practices, childhood obesity, meals and snacks, mealtime and behavior, and special dietary needs.

• Adolescent Nutrition - This site from the Maternal Child Health Program at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, provides information on adolescent nutrition for eating disorders, pregnancy, puberty, risky eating behaviors, and weight management.

• GirlsHealth.gov - Part of the National Women's Health Information Center, this site provides nutrition and health information for girls ages 10 through 16.

• TeensHealth - This site sponsored by the Nemours Foundation provides information for teens on a wide range of topics such as: food & fitness, diseases & conditions, drugs & alcohol, and infections.

• Aging: Lifecycle Nutrition - This page from the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center provides access to resources on healthy eating, nutritional challenges related to aging, food safety issues, Meals on Wheels and other assistance programs, as well as links to organizations focused on aging issues.

• Tufts Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults - Modified in January 2008 this Food Guide Pyramid addresses the nutrient needs of persons age 70 and over. It contains icons depicting packaged fruits and vegetables in addition to providing images of fresh foods representing different food groups. Added to the new pyramid is a foundation showing physical activities characteristic of older adults, such as walking, yard work and swimming.

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Food Safety and Food Technology

• FightBAC! ^TM - This site is sponsored by the Partnership for Food Safety Education and provides guidelines to the general public about safe food handling to help reduce foodborne illness.

• FoodSafety.gov - This site is maintained by the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and includes sections on Foodborne Pathogens, National Food Safety Programs, Consumer Advice, News & Safety Alerts.

• Food Safety Information Center (FSIC) - This site provides links to information on: Pathogens and Contaminants, Sanitation and Quality Standards, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Food Preparation and Handling, Food Processing and Technology, and access to the Food Safety Education and Training Materials Database.

• Food Products Association (FPA) - This section of the FPA website provides information on food labeling, processed foods, and fact sheets covering a wide range of topics such as food security and organic foods.

• Biotechnology - The Economic Research Service (ERS) of the United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) provides information on research on biotechnology in crops and livestock production.

• Food Irradiation - From FoodSafety.gov, this site provides links to Federal, State, and Local Government websites that discuss the topic of food irradiation.

• National Organic Program - "The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products."

• Pesticides and Food: What You and Your Family Need to Know - This online brochure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information about pesticide residues on food, how the government regulates pesticides, and offers guidelines for healthy, sensible food practices to reduce the amount of pesticides you consume.

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Hunger and the Global Environment

• USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse - "The USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse collects and distributes information about community-based resources and government programs that address the immediate and long-term needs of struggling families and individuals."

• United Nations World Food Programme - The United Nations frontline agency in the fight against global hunger.

• Nutrition Assistance Programs - This page from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service provides access to information on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the National School Lunch program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - This site provides information about FAO international efforts to defeat hunger.

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Online Publications

Some online publications available on the web include:

• FDA Consumer Updates - "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Updates are timely articles that cover product approvals, safety warnings, and other health information for you and your family."

• Food and Nutrition Research Briefs - The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the USDA publishes this online nutrition newsletter 4 times/year.

• Tufts Health & Nutrition Newsletter - The online version of the print publication provides access to select full-text articles from the most recent year.

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Food Industry Associations, Trade Organizations, and Food Companies

• Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute at MCC - This site provides information on local, regional and national agriculture. The "Buy Local" section of this site provides links to maps which illustrate the locations of farm markets and stands, community farmers' markets, growers/u-pick farms, and specialty farms in Monroe County. Addresses and telephone numbers are also provided for each listing.

• Link to Food Industry Trade Associations through the following sites:
  A Comprehensive Directory for Food Industry Associations,
  Food and Beverage Trade Associations,
  Commodities & Products - This page developed by the Agricultural and Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) at Iowa State University contains links to information about fruits, grains and oilseeds, nuts, specialty crops, vegetables, and links to related websites.

• The Cranberry Institute - This site provides information about the history of cranberries and discusses health aspects of the fruit pertaining to various diseases and conditions.

• ConAgra Foods, Inc. - This site contains links to information on ConAgra brands such as Chef Boyardee, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's and Hunt's.

• General Mills - This site contains links to information on over 100 General Mills brands such as Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Green Giant and Yoplait.

• Kraft Foods - Choose the "Products" link to look up nutritional information and ingredients of Kraft products.

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Contacting the Teacher

Instructors vary for this course held both on-campus and online.

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P. Czaja, Revised 9/2009, http://www.monroecc.edu/go/library