Systematic review methods for the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project

Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Mar 1;109(Suppl_7):698S-704S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy226.

Abstract

The USDA's Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review (NESR) team specializes in conducting systematic reviews (SRs) to inform federal nutrition policy and programs. The NESR's dedicated staff collaborate with leading scientists to answer important food- and nutrition-related public health questions by objectively reviewing, evaluating, and synthesizing research using state-of-the-art methodology. NESR uses a rigorous, protocol-driven methodology that is designed to minimize bias; to ensure availability of SRs that are relevant, timely, and high quality; and to ensure transparency and reproducibility of findings. This article describes the methods used by NESR to conduct a series of SRs on diet and health in infants, toddlers, and women who are pregnant as part of the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project.

Keywords: infants; nutrition; pregnancy; public health; systematic review; toddlers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Diet*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Nutrition Policy
  • Pregnancy
  • Public Health*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design*
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic
  • United States
  • United States Department of Agriculture