Shortly before Thanksgiving, I came across Michael Pollan's list of the seven most powerful voices shaping America's food systems. It wasn't surprising that Pollan included First Lady Michelle Obama as well as some vocal journalists with platforms from which their views can be heard. But I was struck by who was missing from the list - the nutrition authorities who have dedicated their professional lives to helping people eat well for health and enjoyment.
While I admit I have a bias, I do wonder about the 70,000 registered dietitians who focuses on helping people - healthy, sick, young, old - make food choices that meet their needs. And what about the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokespersons who interact with the media everyday, providing context and guidance on the day's issue or controversy. What about leading nutrition scientists in government and universities. Are their messages not as dramatic?
We're all aware that confusion over food and health abounds. Not only is nutrition a very complex area of study, effective nutrition-related advice must take individual preferences and behavior into account. While I have no objections to Pollan's choices, I think he stopped short of the mark. Number eight on his list should be the registered dietitian.
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