American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 27, 1071-1078, Copyright © 1974 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Food faddism: a challenge to nutritionists and dietitians

¹ From the National Dairy Council, Division of Nutrition Research, Chicago, Illinois 60606

The increase in the "health" food movement has rendered it necessary for nutritionists and dietitians to become cognizant of some of the current forms of food faddism. These dietary regimes advocate the use of "health" foods, "organically grown" foods, "natural" foods, Zen Macrobiotic diets, and vegetarianism. Some forms of food misinformation are very subtle but nevertheless can be classified as faddism. Claims for the nutritional superiority of such diets have not been substantiated and while there is concern about the safety of our food supply, the use of additives and pesticides is regulated by law. Many of the organic, health, and natural foods cost twice as much as their conventional counterparts without a concomitant nutritional benefit. There is concern about the mislabeling of organic, health, and natural foods as these terms are not legally defined. The Zen Macrobiotic Diet is the most dangerous form of food faddism. There are many forms of vegetarianism with a wide spectrum of food avoidances. With the exception of vitamin B₁₂, vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate depending on the dietary composition. Unfortunately, some types of vegetarianism can be extremely restrictive in nutrient concentration. Subtle sources of nutrition misinformation can be the most rampant and difficult to combat. The most serious problem with food faddism is the advocation that the individual be his own diagnostician and physician. As a result of several studies, advice is offered to health professionals to more effectively communicate with food faddists. It is necessary to listen to the followers of the above dietary regimes, understand their attitudes and beliefs, and avoid interference with the integrity of their culture. The involvement of the nutritionist and dietitian in counteracting food faddism is imperative.

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