USDA Nutrition Evidence Library: methodology used to identify topics and develop systematic review questions for the birth-to-24-mo population.

The USDA's Nutrition Evidence Library (NEL) specializes in conducting food- and nutrition-related systematic reviews that are used to inform federal government decision making. To ensure the utility of NEL systematic reviews, the most relevant topics must be addressed, questions must be clearly focused and appropriate in scope, and review frameworks must reflect the state of the science. Identifying the optimal topics and questions requires input from a variety of stakeholders, including scientists with technical expertise, as well as government policy and program leaders.

Modeling dietary patterns to assess sodium recommendations for nutrient adequacy.

Background: The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report contained dietary patterns developed by using nutrient-dense foods. In most cases, low-sodium forms of foods were incorporated into the patterns.

Objectives: We wanted to determine whether choosing lower-sodium foods could lower the sodium content to 1500 mg without compromising nutrient adequacy.