The NNR 5 website has now been launched. On this website you can find more information on the revision of the Nordic nutrition recommendations. The work will focus on a review of existing scientific evidence in order to enable an update of NNR dietary reference values in the context of a balanced diet which, when part of an overall healthy lifestyle, contribute to good health through optimal nutrition and decrease the risk for lifestyle related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer, diabetes type 2 and related risk factors.

Background

The Nordic countries have for several decades collaborated in setting guidelines for dietary composition and recommended intakes of nutrients. The first official Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) were issued in 1980. Since then, the recommendations have been revised every 8 years.

Aim of the project

The NNR 5 project, financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers has now started. The aim of the project is to review, and where necessary, update the 4th edition of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) issued in 2004 (Nord 2004:13). The work will mainly focus on a revision of those areas in which new scientific knowledge has emerged. This includes energy balance, fat and carbohydrate quality, protein, alcohol, vitamin D, calcium, folate, iron, iodine, food based dietary guidelines and eating patterns. Chapters on nutrition in specific groups (e.g. children, overweight) will be incorporated and the need for new areas, e.g. alternative diets and population groups in dietary transition will be considered.

The working process

The revision is led by a working group nominated by the Nordic Council of Ministers. A great number of experts have been engaged to review the scientific literature on the associations between different nutrients and specific health outcomes. The working group will be responsible for the revision process and for the final proposal for the 5th edition of the NNR. The plan is to present the revised 5th edition at the 10th Nordic Nutrition Congress in Reykjavik, Iceland, in June 2012. The major part of the review will thus be carried out in 2010 and 2011.

Systematic literature reviews

Systematic literature reviews will be performed to minimise potential reporting bias through comprehensive and reproducible searches using clearly defined search strategies together with clearly defined and described selections and reporting protocols. Established criteria for evaluating the methodological quality of the included studies and the overall strength of the scientific evidence will be used and the work process will include several stakeholders in a transparent process. This will be ensured through detailed documentation of the decision making process. The appointed experts for each subject/area will, in collaboration with a methodologist (specialised in performing systematic literature searches), be responsible for developing search strategies.

About the NNR 5 project on the Nordic Council of Ministers´website