Nutrition Systems Introduces "NutritionPedia.com"

Call me skeptical.  I love this idea -- complete nutritional information for every food sold in the US all available in one place.  But part of the rationale is to help overweight and obese people make better food choices.  I just have a hard time believing that sitting in front of a computer will help anybody.  But here's the story:

Atlanta - Monday, June 18, 2007
Nutrition Systems Introduces NutritionPedia™

Today Nutrition Systems, LLC announced the launch of NutritionPedia.com™,  a free online searchable database and wiki, which allows health-conscious individuals to easily access Nutrition Facts Labels on over 50,000 branded food products plus up-to-date information on dieting and wellness. NutritionPedia.com makes it easy and convenient to research and compare nutritional information (calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrate content) on a wide variety of food items including Peter Pan Chunky Peanut Butter, Atkins Breakfast Bars or Tropicana Orange Juice.

“With more than two-thirds of the U.S. adult population either overweight or obese, it’s essential that we develop new tools to help the American public manage their weight,” said Michele M. Doucette, PhD, Division of Nutrition, Georgia State University.  “I believe NutritionPedia is one such tool.  Research has shown that one of the most effective methods to enhance both weight loss and weight maintenance is by keeping a daily food record.  NutritionPedia is an innovative and expanding nutrition information resource that will help users keep track of their daily food intake,” she added. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that nutrition labels be placed on most foods but this information is difficult to use and retain without locating and reading the small print of the food label on the actual physical product, time and time again.

“NutritionPedia's goal is to provide easy access to nutrition information for all foods consumed in the United States. The launch of NutritionPedia is our first step in assisting users with achieving their health and wellness goals, and we’re adding new items daily,” said Marvin R. Johnson, president, of Nutrition Systems.

The site also includes a wiki or online editing tool which allows users to add new items to the NutritionPedia database. Once the accuracy of the item is verified by Nutrition Systems it is added to the NutritionPedia database for use by all consumers.