Dietary Risk Evaluation System

In the eighties and early nineties, the USEPA evaluated dietary risk with an analysis method known as the Dietary Risk Evaluation System (DRES) (USEPA, 1991), which was based on the USDA s 1977 to 1978 National Food Consumption Survey. Consequently, dietary exposure assessments became genetically referred to as DRES analyses. Currently, the USEPA is using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM , Version 7.87) (Exponent, 2000), which allows exposure to be calculated from 1994 to 1996 CSFII along with the 1998 supplemental children s survey information. 

USEPA (1991). Dietary Risk Evaluation System (DRES) [computerprogram]. Washington, DC US Environmental Protection Agency. 

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). The MAOls work in a unique fashion by blocking the activity of an enzyme that degrades each of three key brain transmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These widespread effects on several brain transmitter systems make the MAOls a potentially very effective class of medications for a variety of disorders. A few small studies have evaluated the usefulness of the MAOls in the treatment of BPD and found them moderately helpful for the impulsivity associated with this illness. Unfortunately, the requirements for strict dietary restrictions due to a risk of hypertensive crisis severely limit the usefulness of MAOls in the treatment of BPD. These restrictions are a particular concern when treating patients who have problems with impulsivity and are therefore likely to have difficulty maintaining the dietary regimen. For this reason, although they may theoretically be helpful, MAOls should only be used to treat BPD after other more easily tolerated medications have been tried and have failed. In the near future, so-called reversible MAOls that appear to avoid the need for diet restrictions may become available. If so, this will allow us to reconsider their use in the treatment of BPD. For more information regarding the use of MAOls, please refer to Chapter 3. 

Lutein has been assumed to play a role in protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract (e.g., O Donovan and Beatty 2006). Therefore, supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin have been reconunended. However, an evaluation using the Food and Drug Administration s (FDA) evidence-based review system for health claims concluded that no credible evidence exists for a health claim [on conventional foods and dietary supplements] about the intake of lutein or zeaxanthin (or both) and the risk of AMD or cataracts (Trumbo and Ellwood 2006). Thus, this topic is stiU discussed controversially. 

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