The following collection of websites has been reviewed by members of the National Association of College and University Foodservices Nutrition Forum. Please be advised that the information contained in these websites is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice and should be obtained from a licensed medical professional. Discretion is recommended when using any information found on the internet.
Links
Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diets
- American Celiac Sprue Association - This site is dedicated to individuals struggling with celiac disease, their families and professionals interested in celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and the gluten-free diet. This site includes description of conditions, basic diet choices, gluten-free recipes, and a very useful and comprehensive list of grains and flours and whether or not they are allowed in a gluten-free diet.
- Canadian Celiac Association - Purpose of the site is to inform people about celiac disease and provide help and support to those with the disease and their families.
- Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diet - Website provides information about celiac disease. Also provides services such as a gluten-free diet on-line resource center for individuals with celiac and their families.
- The Gluten-Free Mall - Provides information, resources, and gluten-free products.
- The Gluten-Free Pantry - Company sells specialty products for wheat and gluten intolerance diets. Includes a wholesale customer link, on-line ordering guide, and recipes.
Crohn's and Colitis
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) - This website was created with the purpose of curing and preventing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research; and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. The site is intended for patients and their families as well as health care professionals.
- National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - The purpose of the NIDDK is to conduct and support research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The Institute supports much of the clinical research on the diseases of internal medicine and related subspecialty fields as well as many basic science disciplines. The "Health Information" part of the site can be very helpful. It includes easy-to-follow information on diabetes, Celiac Sprue and Crohn's disease.
Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association - This site includes advice from diabetes experts to provide information to the public. There are topics such as diabetes prevention, diabetes research, weight loss and exercise, nutrition and recipes, community programs and local events.
- The National Diabetes Education Initiative - This is a resource for diabetes treatment and information. It provides articles, publications, and a glossary of common terms. This site provides good information for patients and professionals.
- Cooking and Foods for People with Diabetes - This website is directed toward individuals interested diabetic recipes. It provides information on carbohydrate counts and exchanges for a variety of recipes. In addition, it gives a variety of recipes ranging from entrées to diabetic-friendly desserts.
Eating Disorders
- Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Inc. - This is a national organization promoting public awareness and understanding of eating disorders and a way to access treatment. It also gives the professional resources and an opportunity to join a national organization on eating disorders.
- Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. - There are over 50 different topics on eating disorders including topics of general information and statistics; and how eating disorders affect groups of people such as: women, athletes, males, people with diabetes, and older people. It also includes areas dedicated to self-help, frequently asked questions, research and much more.
Food Allergies
- The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network - Good general food allergy information, including a helpful Allergy Alert section, FAQ's, resources, recipes, and much more.
- Gateway to Asthma, Allergy, and Intolerance Information on the Web - Website provides links to useful allergen, additive, and preservative search. Can also link to a large allergen database, organizations, publications, events, articles, and other databases. Allows user to search websites by audience.
- Allergy Dietitian - Comprehensive food allergy and intolerance information site from Australia. Easy to navigate and all information pertains to food allergies. Also contains basic nutrition facts in easy to read charts.
Lactose Intolerance
- Lactose Web Links - Long list of web links providing information about Lactose Intolerance, food allergies, nutrition, diets, calcium alternatives, dairy-free recipes, lactose-free vitamins and foods.
MyPyramid
- USDA - Comprehensive site detailing the government's new Pyramid called "My Pyramid"." Site has complete descriptions of food groups and serving sizes, and tips and resources including downloadable posters. Users can individualize their pyramid plan on-line and track their diet and activity on "MyPyramid Tracker."
Nutrient Database and Product Information
- USDA/ARS Nutrient Database Laboratory - Good search engine for a food composition database.
- Nutrition Data - Purpose of the site is to make food nutritional information more accessible and understandable to all. This powerful, interactive website utilizes USDA's nutrient database and allows you to create and maintain your own personal "Pantry" of foods and their nutritional information. Allows for custom food entry for foods not included in USDA's database.
- The Fast Food Nutrition Facts Explorer - Tracks and presents nutritional data of foods from the most popular fast food restaurant chains in the world.
Nutrition and Health: Consumer Information
- Mayo Clinic - Reliable health and nutrition information provided in easy-to-find categories.
- Web MD - Provides accurate health and wellness information. Can search for detailed information regarding a disease or condition.
- Ask the Dietitian - Site is run by Joanne Larsen, MS, RD. She answers common nutrition-related questions sent in by the public.
Nutrition and Health: Government Agencies
- National Nutrition Resource - A website providing easy access to all online federal government information on nutrition. This national resource makes obtaining government information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety, easily accessible in one place. Comprehensive and useful website.
- Healthfinder® - Your Guide to Reliable Health Information - A federal website developed with the purpose of helping consumers find the best government and non-profit health and human services information on the Internet. Includes links to information and websites from over 1,700 health-related organizations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) Home Page - Search for health and food safety information. Includes a section of relevant, timely topics. A-Z index is recommended for use.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Home Page - Covers all government activities related to agriculture. Has a very powerful search engine, useful for locating other sites and information on desired topics. Includes links to Interactive Healthy Eating Index and numerous Food and Nutrition topics, including food safety and security, product labeling, reports, publications, and events.
- USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) - Includes the Interactive Healthy Eating Index (IHEI), an online dietary and activity level assessment tool that provides a quick measure of a person's dietary quality and activity level.
- The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) - One of several information centers at the National Agricultural Library (NAL), part of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Very easy to navigate with enhanced user interface and graphics support. Includes resources to locate nutritional composition of dishes, clip art, and job openings. Very comprehensive and in a friendly format for general users.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Home Page - The NIH is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the nation. It's mission is science in pursuit of fundamental knowledge regarding the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. This site provides health information, news and events, scientific resources, and links to all of the NIH Institutes. Suitable for consumers, professionals, educators, and the media.
- The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - Provides very extensive information on a wide array of topics. The Office of Public Health and Science, the Office of the Secretary, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services coordinate the site, which is a gateway to websites of a number of health initiatives and activities.
Nutrition and Health: Newsletters
- Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter - Site provides consumers with honest, reliable and scientifically authoritative health and nutrition advice that not only can be trusted but can have a direct and often immediate effect on their health. Publication, available for a subscription fee, is useful for anyone looking for detailed, scientifically based articles on current health and nutrition issues. It is intended for users from various backgrounds and helps all those seeking an educational approach to healthcare.
- Environmental Nutrition - Award-winning, respected nutrition newsletter is available for a subscription fee. Site and newsletter answer questions on new nutrition information, gives advice on balancing your diet, minimizing risk from pesticides, and living a long, healthy life. Intended for anyone looking for answers to the mountains of conflicting diet and nutrition advice. Newsletter archives with useful search engine available on-line to subscribers for an additional fee.
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) - This organization has three main goals: (1) to provide useful, objective information to the public and policymakers and to conduct research; (2) to represent citizen's interests regarding food and health before regulatory, judicial, and legislative bodies; and (3) to ensure that science and technology are used for the public good. For a subscription fee, Nutrition Action Health Letter monthly publication is available. This publication is suitable for the general public, health care professionals, and foodservice employees. Each issue includes brand-named product health ratings.
- Nutrition News Focus - Sign up for a free daily e-mail newsletter written to help readers make sense of confusing nutrition information. Provides a daily dose of advice regarding nutrition.
- University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster Count - Website provides link to a free, on-line newsletter subscription about food, nutrition and food safety. Also provides a "how-to" message on food, nutrition, and food safety geared towards health professionals, educators, and consumers.
Nutrition and Health: Organizations
- International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) - Purpose of the site is to communicate science-based nutrition and food safety information to professionals, educators, consumers, and students. Includes timely information, several topics of interest, and informational brochures that can be downloaded at no charge.
- American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) - Consumer education focusing on issues related to food, nutrition, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, lifestyle, environment, and health.
- The American Dietetic Association (ADA) - Purpose of the site is to improve nutrition and public health. Includes a "Recommended Good Reading List," National Nutrition Month information and link to materials, current nutrition topics of interest, articles, and free, reproducible Nutrition Fact Sheets and ADA Position Papers on a wide variety of topics.
- National Dairy Council - Focus is on dairy nutrition education and research. Nutrition communication and education materials are available, including fact sheets and an electronic newsletter. Some educational materials are free and others are for purchase. Catalogs are available.
Sports Nutrition and Fitness
- The Presidents Council on Fitness and Sports - Provides information on the importance of exercise and gives ideas as to how to include exercise in your life. Content is applicable to all ages. Provides fact sheets for nutrition professionals, coaches, parents and fitness experts. Follows the American Dietetic Association's Position Paper on sports nutrition.
- The Physician and Sports Medicine - Provides information on sports medicine and injury prevention for athletes. Also provides free handouts on a variety of topics such as sports nutrition, obesity, chronic disease and women's health and nutrition.
- American Heart Association - Provides a plethora of information on exercise and cardiovascular health benefits to all ages. Good ideas on promotions for your school. Table tents and handouts are available.
- Sport Science - Good site if you are looking for sports nutrition research information.
- Nancy Clark, R.D. - Valid sports nutrition information for athletes of all ages and sports. She is the pioneer of sports nutrition and continues to lead the way with excellent resources that you can purchase to help you educate clients or students who are active.
Vegetarian and Vegan Information
- The Vegetarian Resource Group - Purpose of the website is to educate the public on vegetarianism and other issues related to it, such as health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. They also publish the Vegetarian Journal and produce and sell cookbooks, other books, pamphlets, and article reprints. They also offer recipes and ingredient information for vegetarians.
- Vegetarian Times - Website informs readers as to how to live a healthier lifestyle. It provides a monthly magazine (subscription fee required), which provides vegetarian recipes, cooking tips, entertaining suggestions, and the latest news on fitness, health, nutrition, and supplements. Free on-line resources include recipes, featured articles, the vegetarian pyramid, and message boards. One of the most useful parts of the site is a free comprehensive guide of cooking substitutes: including substitutes for vegan; low fat; ethnic; and yeast, allergen, and alcohol-free recipes.
- Vegan Society - This website provides free information on veganism, healthy eating, food and drink, animal-free shopping and ethical and compassionate lifestyle factors that benefit humans, animals, and the environment. They have detailed information on nutrition as it relates to vegans and provides information about essential nutrients that may be lacking in a vegan diet.
Weight Management
- The Partnership For Healthy Weight Management - A coalition of representatives from science, academia, the health care profession, and government, commercial enterprises and organizations whose mission is to promote sound guidance on strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
- The Weight-Control Information Network (WIN) - A national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH). WIN raises awareness and provides health professionals and consumers with science-based information on obesity, weight control, and related nutritional issues.
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) - NHLBI's Aim for a Healthy Weight program provides guidelines and key recommendations in a promotion to help people lose weight to help prevent and control diseases.
- Healthy Weight Network - Site provides access to weight management books and resources written by recognized experts. Purpose of the site is to "provide authoritative research on dieting, the failure of weight loss programs, eating disorders, obesity, overweight, size acceptance, diet quackery, and moving ahead with the non-diet Health at Any Size approach - also known as Health at Every Size." Site is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about the resources available on weight, eating, and dieting. It focuses on acceptance of size and health - not on the famous "Thin is In" shown on most diet websites. Sign up for free Healthy Weight Network updates.
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