#United States #Bethesda #CDC #ASN #NHANES

Urgent Call from the American Society for Nutrition

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has issued a critical plea for the immediate reinstatement of personnel from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whose roles are vital to the ongoing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The recent layoffs within the entire Planning Branch of the CDC's Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys pose a significant threat to forthcoming NHANES cycles and the United States' capacity to track and interpret crucial health and nutrition trends.

Importance of NHANES

NHANES stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s public health framework. This unique survey assesses the health and nutritional status of both adults and children across the country through a combination of personal interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. It gathers extensive data on various factors, including demographic, socioeconomic, dietary, and health-related information, as well as medical and physical measurements.

Despite being administered by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the information gathered through NHANES is invaluable and utilized by multiple federal agencies, private sector companies, and researchers across the nation. NHANES plays a key role in influencing federal policy on crucial issues such as dietary guidelines, food safety, and nutrition research priorities.

Impact of Staff Layoffs

The recent firings have raised alarms among public health experts and organizations, with ASN emphasizing that without the skilled workforce of the Planning Branch, the future of NHANES is at risk. The staff is responsible for not only designing but also for executing and coordinating each survey cycle essential to the survey’s success. Their expertise is irreplaceable and integral for maintaining the high standard and reliability of NHANES data.

The information gathered through this survey serves numerous purposes:

• - It helps identify food, nutrition, and health needs to prolong life and minimize chronic diseases among the American populace.
• - The survey characterizes eating patterns, food preferences, and dietary intake, providing essential insights for public health officials and commodity groups.
• - NHANES data is instrumental in shaping national nutrition policies, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes.
• - Beyond nutrition, this research has ramifications for medical advancements, including the development of medications and growth charts.

The Call to Action

With the severity of the situation, ASN insists on the urgent need to restore the staffing levels critical for the NHANES operation. Their absence jeopardizes the reliability of an indispensable resource that informs science, enhances public health strategies, and aids policy decisions. ASN's message underscores the imperative of preserving scientific integrity in nutrition research to support a healthier future for Americans.

About the American Society for Nutrition

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) is a leading professional organization uniting nutrition researchers and clinicians globally since its establishment in 1928. The Society collaborates to advance nutritional science, presenting high-quality, peer-reviewed research and providing educational opportunities for the progression of nutrition field practices. ASN also hosts NUTRITION, the premier annual meeting for nutrition professionals, fostering ongoing dialogue and innovation in the field.

For further information about ASN and their initiatives, please visit www.nutrition.org.