BETHESDA, Md., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) will host its Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology during April 26-30 in San Diego, CA. ASN has programmed more than 1,900 scientific abstracts and dozens of symposia, on topics ranging from malnutrition to the food-brain connection. Media, bloggers, and science writers can pre-register to attend for free (email media@faseb.org). Interviews with speakers can also be arranged for those not attending in person. Program highlights include:

Energy Drinks: Current Knowledge and Critical Research Gaps
As energy drinks become an increasing part of Americans' diets, health questions arise. Researchers will discuss caffeine intake in U.S. children and teens, disparities in energy product use, sleep and health outcomes, and the risks of energy drinks mixed with alcohol.
Saturday, April 26
3:00-5:00 pm

Unscientific Beliefs about Scientific Topics in Nutrition
What beliefs are being distorted in nutrition and why isn't the scientific evidence enough? Speakers will report on findings about non-financial biases in research and strategies to improve the reliability of how nutrition science is reported. Featuring an introduction by LA Times journalist Mary MacVean, MS, recipient of the 2014 Nutrition Science Media Award.
Sunday, April 27
3:00-5:00 pm     

Optimizing Protein Quantity and Distribution to Improve Health Outcomes
This symposium will examine the latest research on increased dietary protein and key health outcomes to establish an optimal amount of protein needed to improve health throughout the lifecycle. Attendees will learn about recommendations for how much and when to consume high quality protein.
Monday, April 28
3:00-5:00 pm

Beyond Blood Pressure: New Paradigms in Sodium Intake Reduction and Health Outcomes
The latest science on sodium intake and risk of cardiovascular disease will be presented, along with data of sodium consumption over time.
Tuesday, April 29
8:00-10:00 am

Sustainable Diets for Healthy People, Healthy Planet
This session will bring to life the role of diet and nutrition in the context of meeting the challenges of feeding a growing population and coping with global climate change. Given the multifaceted nature of consumer decision-making, advancing our knowledge base through research within the broader social and cultural context will require interdisciplinary collaborations.
Wednesday, April 30
10:30 am-12:30 pm

Speaker Highlights

• Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th U.S. Surgeon General (2002-2006), will speak on Friday, April 25, during the sponsored satellite program "The Global Nutrition Transition: Interaction of Nutrition and Physical Activity." This live, in-person educational event will take place at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront, Indigo Ballroom D, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Dr. Carmona's talk will address the importance of nutrition and physical activity from a public health perspective.
• The ASN Award Lectures feature experts in maternal health, inflammation and obesity.

ASN is the authoritative voice on nutrition and publisher of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, The Journal of Nutrition, and Advances in Nutrition. Established in 1928, ASN's more than 5,100 members in more than 80 countries work in academia, practice, government, and industry. ASN advances excellence in nutrition research and practice through its publications, education, public affairs and membership programs. Visit us at www.nutrition.org.

Contact: Suzanne Price
(301) 634-7235
sprice@nutrition.org

SOURCE American Society for Nutrition