American Institute for Cancer Research Proposes Radical Changes in U. S. Dietary Guidelines

American Institute for Cancer Research
Monday, 7 June 1999

Current Guidelines Faulted for Confusing the Public

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is proposing a sharp shift in the way Americans think about a healthy diet. In comments submitted to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the Institute called for shifting emphasis away from reducing intake of fat to increasing intake of vegetables and fruit.

"We are proposing that the guidelines approach the reshaping of the American diet in a positive manner. Vegetables and fruit, along with other plant-based foods, should be moved to the center of the plate - at breakfast, lunch and dinner," said AICR President Marilyn Gentry.

U.S. law requires the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to issue a report on revising the guidelines before the end of the year 2000. The guidelines have great influence on a broad number of public education and government food programs. nutrients as well.

The heavy emphasis on fat reduction may have confused consumers and may be in part responsible for the high level of obesity in the country. More than half of all Americans are now considered overweight.

"Eliminating a small amount of fat has been excessively advocated instead of making more serious efforts to choose the right type of foods in the first place. Minimally adjusting an already poor diet 1) has little or no supporting data, 2) diverts attention away from the benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables, and 3) causes great confusion among the public…," the AICR comments say.

A diet high in vegetables and fruit is low in fat (total and saturated), cholesterol-free, low in salt and low in calories, the AICR comments point out. Such a diet not only protects against cancer and diabetes, but is the best means of reducing cardiovascular risk as well.

AICR conducted a four-year review of the scientific literature on the link between diet and cancer. A panel of 15 world-renowned scientists reviewed 4,500 studies. Their conclusions were published in the 670-page report, Food, Nutrition and Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, in 1997.

The panel reviewed 200 case-controlled studies on the link between vegetables and fruit and cancer prevention. An astounding 78 percent of these studies showed a statistically protective effect in regard to one or more kinds of cancer. Only 22 percent showed no significant link, and none showed an increase of cancer risk with consumption of those foods.

According to AICR's comments, the great number of substances and mechanisms involved suggests there is no "magic bullet," no single substance or food that impedes cancer development. Rather, a wide variety of phytochemicals, protective substances found in vegetables and fruit, interact in the body to decrease risk of cancer and other illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

"The end result we seek is not eliminating food of animal origin, but the movement toward a predominantly plant-based diet. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines should lead to new proportions in the American diet," said Ms. Gentry.

The four revisions of the guidelines recommended by AICR are stated as follows:

- Give first priority to plant-based foods;
- Emphasize variety and minimal processing;
- Emphasize consumption of whole foods and caution against use of nutrient supplements as a primary strategy for disease prevention.
- In place of recommendations on fat, caution against use of excessive added fat, salt and sugar.

The American Institute for Cancer Research is the only major cancer charity focusing exclusively on the link between diet and cancer. The Institute provides a wide range of consumer education programs that have helped millions of Americans learn to make changes for lower cancer risk. AICR also supports innovative research in cancer prevention and treatment at universities, hospitals and research centers across the U.S. The Institute has provided nearly $50 million in funding for research in diet, nutrition and cancer. AICR's Internet Web address is http://www.aicr.org

For more information, or to contact American Institute for Cancer Research, see their website at: www.aicr.org