Abstract
A key step toward developing appropriate evidence-based public health nutrition policies is determining exactly how that evidence should be collected and assessed. Despite this the extent to which different evidence bases influence policy selection is rarely explored. This article presents an epistemological framework which offers a range of considerations affecting this process generally and with particular implications for both micronutrient requirements and the role of behavior in the policy-making process. Qualitative case study data covering 6 European countries/regions (Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Nordic countries, Poland, and Spain), and three micronutrients (folate, iodine, and vitamin D), have been presented to illustrate the relevance of the Framework.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work has been carried out within the EURRECA Network of Excellence (http://www.eurreca.org), financially supported by the Commission of the European Communities, Specific Research Technology and Development (RTD) Programme Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources within the 6th framework programme, contract no. 036196. This does not necessarily reflect the Commission's views or its future policy in this area. The contributions of authors were as follows: L. Timotijevic, J. Barnett, K.A. Brown, L. Lähteenmäki, and M.M. Raats were responsible for the study concept. L. Timotijevic, K.A. Brown, L.D. Wit, A.M. Sonne, J. Ruprich, I. Řehůřková, M. Jeruszka-Bielak, E. Sicinska, N.B. García, and A. Guzzon carried out data collection and basic data analysis. L. Timotijevic completed analysis and prepared the draft of the final article. Editing was carried out by L. Timotijevic, K.A. Brown, L. Lähteenmäki, M.M. Raats, J. Barnett, and R. Sheperd. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions made to this body of work by Wojciech Roszkowski and DR Matthew Peacock. The preparation of this article was coordinated by Mandy Claessens from ILSI Europe and the copy editing by EUFIC.