Let me introduce you to NEL

Posted by Hannah Sinemus on February 27th, 2016 Posted in: The MAReport
Tags: 2016 Issue 1

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Michelle Burda, Network and Advocacy Coordinator

NEL is the Nutrition and Evidence Library composed of nutritionists and librarians who specialize in performing systematic reviews within the USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). NEL is supported by the Office of Nutrition Guidance and Analysis within the Center.

Using a formal systematic method for appraising and synthesizing food and nutrition related research, the systematic review is designed to minimize bias, maximize transparency and deliver relevant timely research that can be used to provide the scientific foundation for federal policies, programs and recommendations for future research.

For Americans, NEL is a key government resource that makes free, current and reliable food and nutrition information available to everyone.

What you can find on NEL

Users can access documentation from each step of the systematic review process for topics related to the relationships between diet and nutrient intakes and health outcomes that may impact federal policy and programs.

This includes:

• Research questions
• Literature selection criteria (both inclusion/exclusion criteria)
• Search strategies
• List of included and excluded studies
• Assessment of the risk of bias included studies
• Evidence summaries and tables
• Key findings
• Graded conclusion statements
• Research recommendations

Popular NEL systematic review topics include:

• 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s systematic reviews
• Foods and Beverages (foods/dietary patterns)
• Birth to 24 Months & Pregnancy
• Nutrition Education

Also useful is the A-Z index of systematic review questions.

The following question was answered using the scientific evidence found using one of NEL’s systematic reviews. This question can be found under the A- Z index Topic: Energy balance (Body Weight).

What Is the Relationship Between Eating Out and Take-away Meals and Body Weight in Children and Adults?

Conclusion

Among adults, moderate evidence from prospective cohort studies in populations 40 years of age or younger at baseline indicates higher frequency of fast-food consumption is associated with higher weight, BMI and risk for obesity.

Among children, limited evidence from prospective cohort studies in populations eight to 16 years of age at baseline suggests that higher frequency of fast-food consumption is associated with increased adiposity; BMI Z-score; or risk of obesity during childhood, adolescence and during the transition from adolescence into adulthood.

Insufficient evidence is available to assess the relationship between frequency of other types of restaurant and takeout meals and body weight outcomes in adults and children.

Grade

Moderate: Adults and fast-food consumption
Limited: Children and fast-food consumption
Not assignable: Non-fast-food consumption in adults and children

Click here for more information about grading.

To read the full report click here.

Not only does NEL provide excellent information but it is a good reference tool for those who are new to performing systematic reviews or for librarians or other educators who want to introduce their students or the general public to the use and purpose of systematic reviews in research.