Full Title: Nutritional Research Series: Advancing the Role of Evidence-based Reviews in Nutrition Research and Applications
Volume 1: Application of Systematic Review Methodology to the Field of Nutrition
January 2009
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Abstract
Systematic reviews represent a rigorous and transparent approach of synthesizing scientific
evidence that minimizes bias. They evolved within the medical community to support
development of clinical and public health practice guidelines, set research agendas and formulate
scientific consensus statements. The use of systematic reviews for nutrition related topics is more
recent. Systematic reviews provide independently-conducted comprehensive and objective
assessments of available information addressing precise questions. This approach to
summarizing available data is a useful tool for identifying the state of science including
knowledge gaps and associated research needs, supporting development of science-based
recommendations and guidelines, and serving as the foundation for updates as new data emerge.
Our objective is to describe the steps for performing systematic reviews and highlight areas
unique to the discipline of nutrition important to consider in data assessment. Steps involved in
generating systematic reviews include identifying staffing and planning for outside expert input,
forming a research team, developing an analytic framework, developing and refining research
questions, defining eligibility criteria, identifying search terms, screening abstracts according to
eligibility criteria, retrieving articles for evaluation, constructing evidence and summary tables,
assessing methodological quality and applicability, and synthesizing results including performing
meta-analysis, if appropriate.
Unique and at times challenging, nutrition related considerations include baseline nutrient
exposure, nutrient status, bioequivalence of bioactive compounds, bioavailability, multiple and
interrelated biological functions, undefined nature of some interventions, and uncertainties in
intake assessment. Systematic reviews are a valuable and independent component to decision
making processes by groups responsible for developing science-based recommendations and
policies.
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Nutritional Research Series, Volume 1: Application of Systematic Review Methodology to the Field of Nutrition
Evidence-based Practice Center: Tufts EPC
Topic Sponsor: Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health
Current as of January 2009
Internet Citation:
EPC Technical Papers Series: Advancing the Role of Evidence-based Reviews in Nutrition Research and Applications. Volume 1: Application of Systematic Review Methodology to the Field of Nutrition, Structured Abstract. January 2009. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/nutritntp.htm
540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850 