Overview of nutrition reference and dietary recommendations in Japan: application to nutrition policy in Asian countries.

The nutritional needs of Asian populations have changed dramatically in the last century. The role of nutrition, not only in preventing diseases associated with deficiency, but also in preventing lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, has become increasingly clear. Japan established the world's first nutrition institute almost 100 years ago, and initially focused on combating malnutrition and food insecurity. The current focus is prevention of lifestyle diseases, and along with revised dietary reference intakes, Japan has launched a program of Shokuiku (eating education) for children and families. As developing countries are simultaneously facing continuing undernutrition and increasing obesity and lifestyle diseases, collaboration in research and programs is urgently needed to prevent disease through nutrition intervention. This symposium and the Asian network are initial steps toward integrating nutriology into Asia-wide nutrition-based public health research and programs such as Japanese Shokuiku (eating education).