Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults and for Children and Adolescents

The NHMRC (revised) Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults, and Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia, were launched in June 2003. They are based on the best available scientific evidence, which can improve the health of Australians and reduce the burden of preventable diet-related death, illness and disability. These guidelines attempt to provide information about healthy eating and lifestyle choices, with the aim of promoting good nutrition and health, and preventing, reducing and minimising the risk of diet-related diseases within the Australian population.

Each guideline, which is no longer listed by number, deals with a key health issue. The prevention of obesity is a strong theme throughout the new guidelines. Changes to the guidelines also include cautions about eating too much sugar and a new section that addresses safe storage and preparation of food. Of particular interest were the recommendations of decreasing the age at which children may consume reduced fat dairy products from four to two years, and that babies be breast fed until around six months.

The guidelines are aimed at health care professionals to assist them in providing advice about healthy eating. Comprehensive information for consumers has also been prepared.

Web link:
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/