Guiding Stars® Welcomes Three New Members to Scientific Advisory Panel

PORTLAND, Maine, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Guiding Stars today announced the appointment of three new members to its Scientific Advisory Panel, a team of leading nutrition science, food science and public health experts responsible for maintaining and updating the Guiding Stars patented algorithm as dietary guidelines change.

The Advisory Panel provides Guiding Stars with thoughtful expertise on a wide range of food, nutrition and health-related topics. The new members include:

Kitty Broihier, M.S., L.D., R.D. a registered dietician with a wide variety of experience in helping businesses, public relations agencies, trade associations and the media navigate the ever-changing nutrition landscape. Broihier is skilled in nutrition consultation, the development of corporate tools, and consumer and opinion-leader outreach and is owner and president of NutriComm, Inc. She is also an adjunct faculty member of Southern Maine Community College's Dietetic Technology Department. She is currently serving a second term as president of the Maine Dietetic Association and has held prior nutrition-centric positions at Ajinomoto U.S.A., Inc. and Good Housekeeping Magazine.

Alison M. Duncan, Ph.D., R.D., also a registered dietitian, is a professor and associate director of research at the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences (HHNS) at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Duncan earned an undergraduate degree in Applied Human Nutrition from Guelph, a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto and holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Minnesota. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in functional food and nutraceuticals, and she coordinates the M.Sc. coursework program in HHNS. Her research relates to the biological effects of functional foods and nutraceuticals on chronic diseases. Duncan has been instrumental in adapting the Guiding Stars nutrition rating algorithm to meet the specific dietary standards of Canada.

Kelley Fitzpatrick, M.Sc., R.D., is a widely recognized nutritional expert in Canada and a frequent television guest, presenter and author on nutrition, health foods and dietary supplements. Fitzpatrick has spent more than twenty years working with government agencies, trade associations, the media and industry throughout her career, focused on the development and marketing of healthy foods and dietary ingredients. Along with Duncan, Fitzpatrick has also played a vital role in adapting the Guiding Stars nutrition rating algorithm to Canadian dietary standards, while leading her own nutrition, science and regulatory company, NutriTech Consulting in Winnipeg, Canada.

"Our Scientific Advisory Panel works hand-in-hand to ensure the Guiding Stars algorithm and nutrition guidance program maintain their integrity in evolving national and international dietary standards," said Betts FitzGerald, managing director, Guiding Stars Licensing Company. "The high standards these women have set throughout their careers make them excellent additions to our team, as we expand our footprint and work to increase awareness about Guiding Stars in grocery stores, corporate cafeterias, on college campuses, in hospitals, through health plans and health providers, as well as online."

For more information about the Guiding Stars program, visit www.guidingstars.com.

About Guiding Stars Licensing Co.

Since 2006, Guiding Stars has been leading the way in helping consumers make nutritious food choices and has received a U.S. Patent for the Guiding Stars nutrition rating algorithm. The Guiding Stars nutrition guidance program is a simple, easy-to-understand tool for making good nutrition choices and is designed to make a positive and lasting impact on public health. Guiding Stars is currently found in more than 1,700 supermarkets including Hannaford, Food Lion, Sweetbay, Homeland, Kings Super Market, Marsh and Loblaw's Supermarkets. Guiding Stars has also expanded into public schools, colleges and hospitals and appears on the Shopper mobile iPhone application. Additional information can be found at www.guidingstars.com.

SOURCE Guiding Stars Licensing Co.