Researchers looked at how often scientists use data from a major U.S. government program that tracks what Americans eat. They found over 2,200 studies published between 2013-2023 that used this food data, with usage growing four times over this period. Scientists from 60 countries have used this information to study nutrients like calories, fats, and sodium. This shows how important government food tracking is for helping researchers understand nutrition and create better health policies for everyone.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How often scientists use data from America’s main food tracking program in their research studies
  • Who participated: They reviewed 2,203 research studies published by scientists from 60 countries between 2013 and 2023
  • Key finding: The use of this government food data in research studies increased nearly four times over the 10-year period
  • What it means for you: This government food tracking program provides valuable data that helps scientists better understand nutrition and create health recommendations

The Research Details

The researchers conducted a systematic review, which means they carefully searched through multiple scientific databases to find every study that used data from the ‘What We Eat in America’ program. They looked through over 12,500 studies and narrowed it down to 2,203 that met their specific criteria. Two independent reviewers examined each study to make sure it qualified, and a third reviewer helped resolve any disagreements.

This type of research helps us understand how valuable government food tracking programs are for science. By seeing how often researchers use this data, we can better appreciate why it’s important to keep funding these programs.

This was a thorough review that used multiple databases and had independent reviewers check the work. The large number of studies found shows this government data is widely trusted and used by the scientific community.

What the Results Show

The study found that use of this government food data grew dramatically over time, from fewer studies in 2013 to nearly four times as many by 2023. The most commonly studied nutrients were calories (found in 78% of studies), saturated fats (42%), and sodium (38%). Scientists also frequently looked at protein, different types of fats, fiber, and carbohydrates. More than half of the studies examined minerals, while about one-third looked at vitamins.

Nearly one-third of studies used special diet quality scores that combine multiple nutrients into single ratings. Scientists from 60 different countries used this American food data, showing its global importance for nutrition research.

This appears to be the first comprehensive look at how widely this government food data is used in research. The dramatic increase over time suggests the data is becoming more valuable and accessible to researchers worldwide.

The study only looked at research published in English and may have missed some studies. It also only covered research through 2023, so more recent trends aren’t captured.

The Bottom Line

This research supports the continued importance of government food tracking programs. The data appears highly valuable for nutrition research and policy-making.

Anyone interested in nutrition research, public health policy, or understanding how government programs contribute to scientific knowledge should find this relevant.

The benefits of this food tracking program appear to compound over time, with research usage growing significantly over the past decade.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the same key nutrients that researchers study most: calories, saturated fats, sodium, protein, and fiber intake daily
  • Focus on monitoring the nutrients that scientists find most important to study - this suggests they’re key for health outcomes
  • Use the app to track nutrient patterns over time, similar to how the government program tracks national eating habits

This research analyzes how scientific data is used rather than providing direct health recommendations. Consult healthcare providers for personalized nutrition advice.