As the general public has become more aware of advances in nutrition, consumer demands for advice on matters of diet and disease have grown. This book offers recommendations to upgrade what were found to be largely inadequate nutrition programs in U.S. medical schools in order that health professionals be better qualified to advise and treat their patients. A comprehensive study of one-third of American 4-year undergraduate medical schools provided information on the current status of nutrition programs at each school. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made from analysis of this gathered information. Questions examined in this volume include: Has medical education kept pace with advances in nutrition science? Are medical students equipped to convey sound nutritional advice to their patients? What strategies are needed to initiate and sustain adequate teaching of nutrition in medical schools?

Abstract: Selected papers from a 1982 conference address various federally-supported human nutrition research programs, organized by agency. The papers describe programs under the USDA at 5 different USDA human nutrition research centers; DHHS, covering the health extramural program in human nutrition, NIH-supported U.S. clinical nutrition research units, the NIH extramural program, and FDA nutrition programs; VA medical centers conducting nutrition research; DOD programs; and AID programs. A special paper on the impact of clinical nutrition research on medical education is indicated. Overviews of the agency nutrition research programs are included under the sections for the various agencies. The charter of the Joint Subcommittee on Human Research and a report of a 26-year followup of the Framingham obesity-cardiovascular risk study, are appended. (wz).

Abstract: An overview of progress in coordinating Federal nutrition research efforts and identifying areas in need of improvement are provided. Much progress has been made within and among Federal human nutrition research departments and agencies since Congress called for improved coordination in the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977. It is recommended that such coordination efforts continue and that agencies and departments plan their research efforts in conjunction with other Federal supporters of nutrition research to avoid duplication or inadequate coverage. The director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy should direct the Joint Subcommittee on Human Nutrition Research to develop a Federal nutrition research plan with input from agencies and departments which engage in human nutrition research. (ds)

Questions and answers concerning HHS and USDA, and 1982 e valuation report of clinical nutrition research units, are appended.