June 22, 2009

PORTLAND - A group of the world's leading experts on nutrition will meet May 18-21 in Portland, concluding with a free public session on Saturday, May 21, called "What Should Americans Eat to be Healthy?" They will examine the much-discussed food "pyramid," plus diet and weight loss issues.

The professional conference is titled "Diet and Optimum Health," organized by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. It will attract a diverse group of experts to explore their latest findings on health and disease prevention related to diet, lifestyle, oxidative stress, vitamins and other micronutrients - topics ranging from exercise to bone health, antioxidants and the benefits and risks of alcohol consumption. More details on registration, fees, speakers and agenda can be obtained on the web, at http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/conf2005/index.html

Another highlight of the conference will be presentation of the third Linus Pauling Institute Prize for Health Research, one of the leading honors in the world for excellence in research in the field of nutrition and health. It includes a medal and $50,000.

On Saturday morning, however, the conference will be opened to the public for several presentations between 8 a.m. and noon. They will be at the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, at 921 S.W. Sixth Ave. in Portland.

David Heil, a Portland business executive and former host of the television show Newton's Apple, will moderate a discussion on American's eating habits. Presenters include:

  • 8 a.m.: "Rebuilding the Food Guide Pyramid," by Meir Stampfer, Harvard School of Public Health;
  • 8:30 a.m.: "The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans," by Janet King, University of California at Berkeley;
  • 9 a.m.: "What Do We Know About Dietary Fats and Health?" by Martijn Katan, Wageningen University in The Netherlands;
  • 9:30 a.m.: "What Should Americans Eat to Lose Weight or Prevent Weight Gain?" by Barbara Howard, MedStar Research Institute in Maryland.

    A panel discussion will be held following these presentations, which will include an extended period for taking questions from the audience.

    "This year's conference will have a very distinguished group of experts to explore some of the most critical issues in the field of diet and health," said Balz Frei, professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute. "There should be some important discoveries and new therapeutic strategies to explore."

    • Source: 

    Balz Frei, 541-737-5078

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