nutrition research paper samples

Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

The following are some of the best nutrition research paper topics for college students who want to learn more about the themes that directly affect them. In case you need assistance with writing any of the following topics, you can order custom research papers and receive authentic, plagiarism-free content written by nutrition experts.

Stress eating a growing problem among college students
The cause and effects of Freshman 15
How healthy foods can help deal with mental health issues
Sleep and nutrition –how they relate to each other
How healthy eating impacts a college athlete’s performance
Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?
Why women are more likely to suffer from anemia
Preventing/curing hangovers with smarter food choices
The impact of social media on students’ dietary choices
What are superfoods, and can they be beneficial?
The rising popularity of the paleo diet
What makes fast food so addictive?
Most common eating disorders among college students
Diet and mood – how they’re intertwined
Can healthy foods improve cognition and brain power?

Interesting Nutrition Topics for Research Paper

If you’d prefer a bit more exciting topic that encourages debate and gets your readers immersed, take a look at the following nutrition research paper topic suggestions.

Overcoming unhealthy emotional relationship with food
The intricate relationship between smoking and weight
How sleep moderates ghrelin and leptin levels
Cannabinoids as nutritional supplements
Prevalence of diabetes among college students
How helpful are gummy vitamins?
Genetic predispositions for becoming obese
How parents’ eating habits impact children’s dietary choices
Preventing eating disorders in teens and young adults
How the body positivity movement can be harmful to young adults
In-depth review of US school lunches – what needs to change?
Preventing chronic diseases with better food choices
Is overhydration more dangerous than dehydration?
The impact of social media on women’s body image
Hormones and nutrition – how are they connected?
Community health initiatives and their impact on nutrition

Research Topics in Nutrition and Dietetics

Analyzing diets and their impact on our health and fitness is always intriguing. Learn more about nutrition and dietetics with some of the following nutrition research topics:

Keto diet and risk considerations
Dietary changes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Nutrition vs. physical activity for healthy weight management
Methods for improving physical fitness while limiting calorie intake
In-depth analysis of yo-yo dieting
How going vegan impacts health
Dietary fats – the good and the bad
The dark side of the juice cleanse
The role of proteins in weight loss
How popular diet trends affect your health
Is intermittent fasting a good way to lose weight?
In-depth analysis of compulsive eating disorder Pica
Harmful trends that promote eating disorders
How to ensure proper nutrient intake on a plant-based diet
Are vegan foods always healthier?
Staple food: its role in global nutrition and dietary guidelines

Sports Nutrition Topics for Research

Student-athletes always want to know more about how food and nutrition impact their performance. The following topics can be just as useful to them as they are to med students.

Prevalence of eating disorders among female athletes
How plant-based diets impact athletes’ performance
How much protein you need for optimal muscle development
The role of BCAA’s in weightlifting performance among seniors
Is when you eat just as important as what you eat?
The impact of food choices on muscle recovery
Maintaining electrolyte balance during endurance training
The role of creatine in improving athletic performance
How to safely cut weight ahead of a competition
Effects of dietary fibers on carbohydrate uptake and absorption
What athletes need to know about BMI
Most effective supplements for bone and tendon health in combat athletes
How caffeine impacts athletic performance
In-depth analysis of Peri-Workout nutrition for strength athletes
Examining the effects of low-carb diet trends on athletic performance
Nutritional contributions to bone health and prevention of osteoporosis

Nutritional Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The role of diet in modulating immune response during COVID-19
Impact of nutritional status on COVID-19 outcomes
Dietary interventions to reduce COVID-19-related inflammation
Changes in physical activity levels due to pandemic restrictions
Nutritional strategies to support at-home workouts
Psychological impact of reduced sports activities and nutritional adjustments
Disruptions in food supply chains during the pandemic
Adaptations in dietary habits due to food shortages and lockdowns
Long-term implications of pandemic-induced dietary changes on health
Vitamin D deficiency: causes, effects, and solutions

Advances in Food Technology and Biotechnology

Cellular Agriculture: Biotechnology for Sustainable Food
Innovations in lab-grown meat production
Environmental benefits of cellular agriculture
Consumer perceptions and acceptance of cultured meat products
Application of Nanotechnology in Food Science
Enhancements in food safety and quality through nanotechnology
Nanoparticles in food packaging for extended shelf life
Potential health risks and regulatory challenges of nanotechnology in food
Sustainable Food Production Through Biotechnology
Genetic modifications for improved crop yield and nutrition
Biotechnological approaches to reduce food waste
Role of biotechnology in addressing global food security
Healthier alternatives to common high-calorie foods

Emerging Topics in Nutrition and Health

Potential benefits of cannabinoids in managing chronic diseases
Use of cannabinoids as nutritional supplements
Regulatory and safety considerations in cannabinoid use
Benefits of human milk for preterm infants
Challenges in breastfeeding preterm babies
Strategies to enhance the nutritional quality of human milk
Dietary approaches to promote muscle health across the lifespan
Role of proteins and supplements in muscle maintenance
Impact of nutrition on muscle recovery and performance
Food addiction: understanding and addressing the issue
The Mediterranean diet: benefits and implementation

Innovations in Food and Dietary Patterns

Technological advancements in cultured meat production
Economic and ethical considerations
Consumer acceptance and market potential
Health benefits of a predominantly plant-based diet with occasional meat
Environmental impacts of flexitarian dietary patterns
Strategies to promote flexitarianism among different populations
Interactions between diet, gut microbiota, and health
Personalized nutrition plans based on gut microbiome analysis
Future prospects for microbiome-targeted dietary interventions
The ketogenic diet: benefits, risks, and long-term effects

Climate Change and Nutrition Research Topics

Impact of climate change on global food security
Sustainable agricultural practices to combat climate change
Policy frameworks for climate-resilient food systems
Promoting plant-based diets for environmental sustainability
Reducing food waste through dietary changes
Integrating nutrition and sustainability goals in public health policies
Effects of thermal processing on nutrient retention
Innovations in food processing to enhance nutritional value
Consumer education on processed food and health
The rise of organic food: benefits and challenges

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293 Good Nutrition Research Topics & Ideas

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
Icon Page 2323 words
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Nutrition research topics encompass a wide study spectrum of explorations in dietary science and human health. They often delve into various areas like nutritional epidemiology that analyzes possible correlations between diet patterns and disease incidence. Nutrigenomics studies how specific nutrients impact gene expression, while functional foods evaluate the health benefits of particular food components. Additional study areas include research into eating disorders and how socioeconomic factors influence diet. Child and prenatal nutrition form a critical aspect, examining how early dietary habits shape long-term health. Sustainability and public health nutrition also make key research areas, investigating global food supply issues and dietary policy development. Such studies may employ methods from biochemical analysis to large-scale population surveys. Therefore, nutrition research topics underscore nutrition’s vital role in supporting human health and well-being.

Best Nutrition Research Topics

Balancing Macronutrients for Optimal Health
Sugar’s Influence on Obesity Rates
Vitamin D Deficiency: Consequences and Prevalence
Benefits of Probiotics and Gut Health
Ketogenic Diet and Cognitive Function
Childhood Obesity and Nutritional Interventions
Intermittent Fasting: Health Benefits and Drawbacks
Influence of Dietary Fiber on Digestive Health
Mediterranean Diet’s Correlation with Longevity
Plant-Based Diets and Cardiovascular Health
Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health
Analyzing the Nutritional Content of Fast Food
Antioxidant-Rich Foods and Their Benefits
Dietary Strategies for Managing Diabetes
Optimal Nutrition for Athletic Performance
Food Deserts and Nutrition Inequality
Effects of Caffeine on Human Health
Exploring the Health Impact of Organic Foods
Prebiotics in Dietary Interventions for Gut Health
Nutritional Implications of Food Allergies and Intolerance

Easy Nutrition Research Paper Topics

Understanding Food Labels: Nutrition Facts Explained
Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water
Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods: A Comparative Analysis
Exploring Different Types of Dietary Fats
Roles of Fruits and Vegetables in a Balanced Diet
Impacts of Excessive Salt Intake on Health
Gluten-Free Diet: Health Fad or Essential for Some?
Why Is Breakfast Considered an Important Meal?
Assessing the Nutritional Value of Dairy Products
Influence of Proper Hydration on Athletic Performance
Examining the Popularity of Superfoods
Detox Diets: Do They Really Work?
Health Consequences of Consuming Fast Food
Unpacking the Concept of Calorie Counting
Investigating the Health Benefits of Tea vs. Coffee
Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Children
Defining and Understanding the Concept of ‘Organic’ Food
Exploring the Dangers of Sugar Addiction
Demystifying the Health Claims of Popular Diets

Interesting Nutrition Research Topics

Algae as a Sustainable Source of Nutrients
Deconstructing the Paleo Diet: Benefits and Drawbacks
Nutritional Genomics: Personalizing Diets Based on DNA
Integrating Edible Insects Into Western Diets
Ayurvedic Diet Principles and Health Outcomes
Assessing the Nutritional Claims of Energy Drinks
Nootropics and Nutrition: Enhancing Cognitive Function Through Diet
Linking Mindful Eating and Nutritional Health
Food Combinations for Maximum Nutrient Absorption
Influence of the Microbiome on Nutrient Metabolism
Exploring Nutritional Differences in Various Cooking Methods
Examining Nutrient Density: The Best Bang for Your Calorie Buck
Investigating the Nutritional Pros and Cons of Food Fortification
Fasting Mimicking Diets and Longevity
Analyzing the Nutritional Value of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Investigating the Nutrition of Space Food for Astronauts
Nutritional Interventions in Managing Autoimmune Diseases
Roles of Nutrition in Aging Well
Fermented Foods and Gut Health: A Deep Dive
Unraveling the Science Behind Chocolate and Health

Nutrition Research Paper Topics for High School

Healthy Eating Habits for Teenagers
Examining Nutritional Needs During Adolescence
Junk Food Consumption and Health Consequences
Importance of Calcium Intake for Teens
Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes
Analyzing the School Lunch Program’s Nutritional Content
Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Youth Health
Understanding Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia
Debate on Mandatory Nutrition Education in Schools
Impacts of Vegetarianism on Teen Health
Influence of Social Media on Teenage Nutrition Choices
Investigating the Health Risks of Teen Dieting
Iron Needs and Deficiency in Adolescents
Body Image, Peer Pressure, and Nutrition
Relationship Between Nutrition and Acne in Teenagers
Nutrition Strategies for Managing Teen Stress
Vitamin B Complex: Importance for Teens
Why Is Protein Crucial for Teen Development?
Exploring Teenage Obesity: Causes and Prevention
Understanding Food Addiction in Teenagers

Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

Managing Healthy Eating in College
Nutritional Challenges of Vegetarian and Vegan Students
Effects of Alcohol on Nutrition and Health
Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain Function
Deciphering Food Marketing and Labeling
College Athletes and Nutritional Needs
Understanding and Avoiding the ‘Freshman 15’
Nutrition Strategies for Sleep-Deprived Students
Nutritional Contributions to Mental Health in College
Benefits of Home Cooking vs. Eating Out
Correlation Between Nutrition and Academic Performance
Effects of Coffee Consumption on College Students
Examining Eating Disorders in College Populations
Nutritional Implications of Late-Night Snacking
Vitamins and Supplements: Necessity or Luxury?
Influence of Diet on Mood and Stress
Understanding the Ketogenic Diet
Impact of Fast Food Culture on College Life
Decoding the Nutritional Value of Smoothies

Research Topics for Nutrition of Students

Student Diets and Their Effect on Concentration
Assessing the Nutritional Status of University Students
Connections Between Nutrition and Students’ Mental Health
Study Habits and Their Influence on Students’ Eating Patterns
Evaluating School Canteens for Nutritional Quality
Impacts of Excessive Caffeine Intake on Students
Prevalence of Eating Disorders Amongst University Students
Nutritional Deficiencies in College Student Populations
How Stress Affects Eating Habits of Students
Factors Affecting Healthy Eating Choices in Students
Link Between Students’ Diets and Their Physical Activity
Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Students’ Nutritional Intake
Influence of Food Advertising on Students’ Diet Choices
Benefits and Drawbacks of Dietary Supplements for Students
Food Insecurity Among University Students
Assessing the Impact of Campus Dining on Student Health
Exploring Vegan and Vegetarian Trends Among Students
Investigating Links Between Breakfast Habits and Academic Performance
Relationship Between Social Life and Eating Habits in University Students
Preventing Malnutrition in Low-Income Student Populations

Research Topics About Essential Nutrients

Exploration of Vitamin D Deficiency in Northern Climates
Analysis of Iron Deficiency Anemia in the Modern Age
Effect of High Fiber Diets on Digestive Disorders
Correlation Between B-Vitamin Intake and Cognitive Function
Decoding the Nutritional Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Significance of Vitamin K in Bone Health and Coagulation
Investigating Zinc’s Contribution to Immune System Function
Understanding the Metabolism of Water-Soluble Vitamins
Elucidating the Bioavailability of Different Forms of Calcium
How Magnesium Regulates Neuromuscular Transmission and Other Biochemical Reactions
Investigating the Correlation Between Selenium and Thyroid Function
Assessing the Contribution of Essential Fatty Acids to Mental Health
Exploring Copper Deficiency and Its Effects on Health
Examining Vitamin A and Its Contribution to Vision Health
Deciphering the Biochemistry of Essential Amino Acids
Bioavailability and Metabolic Pathways of Vitamin E
Study of Iodine and Its Importance in Thyroid Health
Nutritional Genomics: Tailoring Diets to Individual Nutrient Needs
Investigation Into Potassium’s Role in Cardiovascular Health

Food Choices and Nutrition Research Topics

Influence of Fast Food Advertising on Dietary Habits
Navigating Veganism: Nutritional Challenges and Solutions
Dietary Intake and Its Link to Chronic Diseases
Comparing Nutrient Content: Home-Cooked Meals vs. Takeout
Assessing Food Labels for Nutritional Accuracy
Rise of Plant-Based Diets: Health and Environmental Impacts
Balanced Diet for Athletes: Performance and Recovery
Eating Disorders: Nutritional Aspects and Intervention Strategies
Optimizing Diets for Aging Populations: Nutritional Needs and Limitations
Malnutrition in Developing Countries: Causes and Solutions
Organic Food Consumption: Health Benefits and Misconceptions
How Social Factors Shape Our Food Choices
Effects of Sugar Consumption on Metabolic Health
Mediterranean Diet: Health Benefits and Implementation
Cultural Diversity in Dietary Practices: An Overview
Eating Habits in College: The Freshman Fifteen Phenomenon
Food Deserts’ Impact on Community Health
Understanding the Nutritional Implications of Food Allergies
Gluten-Free Diets: Health Implications and Misconceptions

Food Groups in Nutrition Research Paper Topics

Whole Grains and Digestive Health: A Comprehensive Study
Dairy Products and Bone Health: Decoding the Connection
Analyzing Nutritional Components of Various Fruits
Exploring the Health Benefits of Different Vegetables
Redefining the Food Pyramid: An In-Depth Analysis
Meat Consumption and Its Implications for Human Health
Poultry and Fish: Comparative Nutritional Values
Legumes and Pulses: Unexplored Nutritional Goldmines
Roles of Nuts and Seeds in Reducing Chronic Diseases
Influence of Processed Foods on Modern Dietary Patterns
Understanding the Nutritional Powerhouse: Leafy Greens
Eggs: Nutrient-Dense Food or Cholesterol Culprit?
Debunking Myths Surrounding Soy Products
Seafood Nutrition: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Beyond
Mushrooms: A Forgotten Food Group With Nutritional Richness
Food Synergy in Combining Different Food Groups
Whole Foods vs. Refined Foods: Nutritional Differences
Roles of Fermented Foods in Gut Health
Deciphering the Nutritional Content of Root Vegetables
Unsaturated Fats: Health Benefits of Avocados and Olives

Healthy Nutrition Research Topics

Dietary Fibers and Cardiovascular Health: A Detailed Exploration
Probiotics for Gut Health: Understanding the Mechanisms
Antioxidants in Berries: The Shield Against Oxidative Stress
Nutritional Approaches for Managing Diabetes: A Comprehensive Study
The Interplay of Sodium and Potassium in Blood Pressure Regulation
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Key to Heart Health
Minerals in Human Health: Exploring the Underrated Components
Examining the Health Benefits of Polyphenols
Vitamin D and Bone Health: Going Beyond Calcium
Holistic Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Relevance of Hydration in Physical Health and Performance
Nutrition’s Influence on Mental Health: Decoding the Gut-Brain Axis
Unraveling the Connections: Obesity and Nutritional Imbalances
Iodine, Thyroid Health, and Metabolism: A Detailed Investigation
Importance of Amino Acids in Muscle Health and Recovery
Iron Deficiency: Anemia and Beyond
Magnesium: An Essential Nutrient for Nervous System Functioning
Power of Zinc in Immune Health and Disease Resistance
The Link Between Nutrition and Skin Health: An In-Depth Analysis

Nutrition Research Topics on Dietetics

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension: A Dietitian’s Perspective
Understanding the Science Behind Ketogenic Diets
Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: Nutrient Adequacy and Health Implications
Clinical Nutrition in Managing Chronic Kidney Disease
Intervention Strategies in Pediatric Obesity: A Dietetic Approach
Effectiveness of Mediterranean Diet in Chronic Disease Prevention
Influence of Low-FODMAP Diet on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nutrition Therapy in Cancer Management: Dietetics in Action
Low Carbohydrate Diets and Type 2 Diabetes Management
Examining Nutritional Issues in Geriatric Populations
Dietary Management in Celiac Disease: Beyond Gluten-Free
Micronutrient Requirements in Pregnancy: A Dietetic Approach
Nutritional Interventions in Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients
Pediatric Nutrition: Addressing Failure to Thrive
Decoding the Nutritional Management of Eating Disorders
Balancing Nutrition and Palatability in Dysphagia Management
Managing Food Allergies: A Dietetics Perspective
Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition: Practical Issues and Challenges
Influence of Plant-Based Diets on Cardiovascular Health
Nutrition Support in Critically Ill Patients: The Role of Dietetics

Research Topics About Nutrition for the Treatment of Eating Disorders

Recovery Nutrition Strategies for Anorexia Nervosa
Implementing Mindful Eating in Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
Food Phobia and Its Nutritional Consequences in Eating Disorders
Orthorexia Nervosa: Where Health Consciousness Crosses the Line
Nutrient-Dense Diets in the Management of Eating Disorders
Balanced Diet Plans for Binge Eating Disorder Patients
Ketogenic Diets: A Possible Intervention for Eating Disorders?
Addressing the Nutritional Deficiencies in Anorexia Athletica
Understanding Refeeding Syndrome in Severe Anorexia Nervosa Cases
Carbohydrate-Centric Approach to Treat Bulimia Nervosa
Exploring the Nutritional Implications of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Macro and Micronutrients Management in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
Assessing the Role of Dietary Fats in Bulimia Nervosa Recovery
Managing the Nutritional Challenges in Night Eating Syndrome
Food Variety and Its Importance in Eating Disorders Treatment
Bariatric Surgery for Severe Binge Eating Disorder: Nutritional Challenges
Influence of Veganism on the Progression of Eating Disorders
Postprandial Timing: Its Influence on Binge Eating Disorder
Nutritional Rehabilitation in Hospitalized Eating Disorder Patients

Sports Nutrition Research Paper Topics

Optimization of Protein Intake in Endurance Athletes
Micronutrients’ Importance for Athletic Performance
Carbohydrate Loading: A Tool for Marathon Runners
Ketogenic Diet and Its Effect on Athletic Performance
Hydration Strategies for Long-Distance Athletes
Nutritional Strategies to Enhance Recovery in High-Intensity Sports
Effects of Caffeine on Athletic Performance
Iron Requirements in Female Athletes: Meeting the Demand
Dietary Supplements and Performance in Elite Athletes
Bone Health and Nutrition in Weightlifting Athletes
Optimizing Pre-Game Nutrition for Competitive Athletes
Nutritional Implications of Aging on Athletic Performance
Creatine Supplementation in High-Intensity Training
Influence of Plant-Based Diets on Athletic Performance
Gut Health and Performance in Athletes: The Link
Nutrition Strategies for Managing Injuries in Athletes
Understanding Energy Availability in Endurance Sports
Probiotics and Their Potential Benefit for Athletes
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Relevance to Athletic Performance
Alcohol and Its Consequences on Sports Performance

Nutrition Research Topics About Veganism & Vegetarianism

B12 Deficiency in Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
Plant-Based Diets: Protein Quality and Quantity
Bone Health Among Vegans and Vegetarians
Exploring Iron Bioavailability in Plant-Based Diets
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Achieving Adequate Intake on a Vegan Diet
Veganism, Vegetarianism, and Cardiovascular Health
Effect of Plant-Based Diets on Blood Glucose Control
Zinc Absorption in Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
Evaluating Vegan and Vegetarian Diets for Athletes
Nutrient Density in Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
Challenges of Meeting Calcium Needs on a Vegan Diet
Plant-Based Diets and Gut Microbiota
Weight Management in Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyles
Influence of Vegan Diet on Inflammatory Markers
Plant-Based Diets: Effect on Mental Health
Comparison of Antioxidant Intake: Vegans vs. Omnivores
Influence of Veganism on the Ageing Process
Plant-Based Diets and All-Cause Mortality
Perception of Hunger and Fullness in Vegans vs. Omnivores

Food Science Research Paper Topics

Microbial Safety of Fermented Foods
Structural Changes in Proteins During Cooking
Antioxidant Properties of Spices and Herbs
Functional Foods and Gut Health
Bioavailability of Nutrients From Different Cooking Methods
Flavor Chemistry and Perception in Food Development
Effects of Processing on Phytonutrient Content
Metabolic Pathways Involved in Fermentation
Novel Techniques in Food Preservation
Food Texture and Its Effect on Satiety
Influence of Food Structure on Nutrient Absorption
Bioactive Compounds in Functional Beverages
Chemical Changes in Food During Storage
Advancements in Food Packaging Technologies
Understanding Maillard Reaction in Different Food Products
Innovative Techniques in Food Fortification
Sustainable Food Processing Techniques
Potential Health Benefits of Probiotic Foods
Food Allergens: Detection and Quantification Methods
Sugar Substitutes: Health Benefits and Risks

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248 Popular Nutrition Research Topics That You Can Write About

A balanced diet can make you more productive in your tasks each day. However, how sure are you that the diet that you take is what is required? If you are doing a course in Nutrition and Dietetics, you need to do thorough research. There are certain steps you need to take before diving into the research work.

Characteristics Of A Good Nutritional Research Paper Topic

To prosper in your research, you need to find an ideal topic that won’t be too stressful for you.

Clarity of the topic: If you want to write a great nutritional research paper. The topic needs to be clear. This will make it easy to do the research and also others to understand what you are doing. It should be something common that people will be interested in, even taking part in the research or reading it. Well-defined research paper: The research paper topic needs to be well-phrased for successful research. The topic needs to be direct. So that even when someone tries to read it, they can conclude what the research should bring out. Simple language: If you want to prosper in your nutritional research. Just ensure that you use simple language that most people can understand. You are writing research so that people can benefit from it. There is no need to use too much complex language that won’t help anyone. Simple title: The title should follow the right procedure. It should be written perfectly. Also, ensure that your research aligns with your nutritional research topic. In the case that you want to research various used chemicals, try and stick to the topic as it is. The work: Ensure your research paperwork has an introduction, body, and conclusion. This is critical for any essay, research paper, or assignment

Nutrition Research Topics

Different farming practices lead to low or high production. The amount of food that you are consuming can have an impact on your overall weight. Here are some of the best nutrition research topics that you can start with.

Evaluate some of the most common abdominal fat and health risks.
The major causes of adolescent and childhood obesity or weight gain.
The high risks of obesity in children. Which ingredients should be avoided?
Evaluate the most common allergies and food sensitivities.
The importance of maintaining child nutrition and health.
Evaluate the digestive diseases and associated disorders
Evaluate the disordered eating habits in different age groups.
The best way to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
The best intervention that can be put in place is to reduce obesity.
Evaluate the best way to increase fruit and vegetable intake in different households.
How can diabetes be reduced in different age groups?
The best intervention ways to increase fruit and vegetable intake in the elderly.
The best way to provide good nutrition is in rural public schools.
Does coffee consumption help in stress reduction?

Informative Nutrition Topics to Write About

You need to provide high-quality work when submitting the research work to your professor. Here are some of the best informative nutrition topics to write about. You can even get some details in other scholarly articles.

The impact of cooperative extension in diabetes education and how to carry out self-care.
The common perceptions of students who eat organic food to health.
The relation between BMI and waist circumference in health indications.
The link between environment and dietary intake among rural teens.
The relationship between emotional brain formation and weight variation.
Factors that need to be considered when mothers are breastfeeding.
The common reasons for low fidelity to education programs in patients with gestational diabetes.
The best approaches to take when maintaining weight loss.
The eating habits disorders among athletes.
Evaluate the diet quality of university students.
Evaluate celiac disease in individuals.
The various perceptions about school feeding programs.
The impact of obesity on the health of individuals.
How can the media be used in providing nutrition education for individuals?

In-Depth Nutrition Research Paper Topics

If you want to write an amazing research paper, make use of the various resources. You can even get relevant information from documentaries, scholarly articles, books, pdf, and much more.

The relation between cigarette consumption and weight loss.
The perceptions of nutritional screening tools for the elderly.
The effectiveness of school welfare policies.
The parental perception of the nutritional status of children that have autism.
The major causes of stress eating among the youth.
The relation between healthy food and mental health issues.
The relation between sleep and nutrition.
How healthy eating impacts athletes’ performance.
The impact of breakfast on someone’s productivity during the day.
How social media impacts students’ dietary choices.
The benefits of superfoods to our bodies.
The rising popularity of the paleo diet.
The major causes of various food addictions
The relation between diet and someone’s moods.

Comprehensive Nutrition Research Questions

Are you looking for the best comprehensive nutrition research questions? You can start with these. They are also not that hard to understand.

Which are the genetics that causes obesity?
How do children’s eating disorders impact children’s dietary choices?
The best way to prevent chronic diseases is through better food culture choices?
Do you think overhydration is worse than dehydration? Give reasons
Which are the major impacts of social media on women’s body image?
Which is the relationship between hormones and nutrition?
What are the risk considerations of the keto diet?
Which are the best methods for improving physical fitness?
Are the dietary fats good or bad?
Which are the major roles of proteins in weight loss?
How do diet trends affect human health?
Do you think fasting can help in weight loss?
Which are the bad eating habits that cause disorders?
How to ensure proper nutrient intake in our day-to-day lives?

Interesting Nutrition Topics

Would you want some of the most interesting nutritional topics? Start with these! They are all based on common things that happen that you can easily relate to.

The role of creatine in improving athlete’s performance.
How a mother’s diet impacts the breast milk quality.
The major symptoms of malnutrition among kids.
The components that make GMO food.
The major effects of thermal processing on nutrients.
The factors that contribute to obesity among students.
The various dietary differences between different income level households.
The major foods that boost serotonin levels.
The connection between the immune system and diet.
The development of ketosis.
The component found incomplete proteins.
The different functions of minerals and vitamins.
The negative effects of too many vitamins.
The transformation of carbohydrates to energy.

Engaging Nutrition Topics For Presentation

Is your assignment meant to be made as a presentation? These are some of the best topics that you can use. They are all diverse and you will get all the required answers on books, pdfs, or any other credible source.

How does nutrition impact one’s connective tissue strength?
The major advantages and disadvantages of fats in our bodies.
How do lipids make a meal feel satisfying?
The difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
The interrelations between vitamins and other food components.
The influence of nutrition on hormones.
The consequences of zinc deficiency on our bodies.
The nutrients that help to improve your skin and hair.
The function of amino acids on our bodies.
Do you think you could survive on dietary supplements only?
Compare the effectiveness of gummy vitamins and pills.
The various ways that the body produces vitamin D from sunlight.
The reasons behind more women suffering from anemia than men.
What influences the presence of minerals in food?

Engaging Nutrition Essay Topics

Taking a balanced diet can help prevent you from getting these common nutritional diseases. Would you want to know more? Try any of these nutrition essay topics.

Is there a difference between the health benefits of white and brown bread?
The major benefits of cereals in our meals.
The best substitutes for white sugar.
The nutrients found in fresh and dried fruit.
The versatile uses of coconuts and benefits to our bodies.
Comparison between white and red meat.
What components are in sugar that make it a good preservative?
How does milk help in strong bone development in children?
The pasteurization process of milk.
Meat is a staple food in most cultures.
The chemical compounds found in margarine and butter.
The healthier alternatives to coffee.
Does taking a glass of wine daily have health benefits at all?
The major causes of hangovers in individuals.

Nutrition-Related Topics

What is the kind of food that you take? Are they beneficial to your body? These are some of the best nutrition-related topics that you can ever come across.

The impact of food safety in different institutions
Evaluation of nutrition in preschools for children.
The positive and negative effects of training and nutrition on football players.
The nursing habits of college-age students.
The major effects of caffeine in tea and coffee that you take.
The importance of eating a variety of foods.
The most energizing foods for a healthy body.
The major characteristics of multiple grain types.
The factors that impact mineral absorption.
The myth and facts behind the food pyramid.
The major foods that belong to the legumes food groups.
The advantages of taking various milk types.
The importance of glucose on our bodies. How often should we take glucose?
The major effects of selenium on health.

Nutrition Topics for Research

Research should be done systematically. First, you need to plan out how you are going to carry out the research. After you are done, be sure to start your research using different resources.

The health benefits of non-digestible compounds.
The major causes of lactose intolerance.
Why is there an increase in eating disorders among female athletes?
Which is the amount of protein that you need for muscle development?
Do you think the time you eat is equally as important as what you eat?
What is the importance of knowing your BMI?
Evaluate whether the best way to overcome unhealthy emotional relationships is with food.
How sleep regulates leptin levels in the body.
The major causes of the prevalence of diabetes among college students.
What are the major benefits of gummy vitamins?
The various beliefs are accustomed to whole grains.
The trends of breast cancer among women.
Evaluate the various environmental contaminants globally.
Why do you think people opt to be vegetarians?

Nutrition Presentation Topics

These are some of the best nutrition presentation topics that you can start with. They are simple, engaging, and straightforward. They will help you to make the best presentation you have ever made.

How can you consider a certain food as being energizing? What criteria are used?
The major characteristics of grains.
The origins of potatoes in the ecosystem.
The health benefits of avocados on our bodies.
How do some foods work as home remedies?
Which are the best ways to prepare scrambled eggs to ensure they provide full nutritional benefits.
The impact of globalization on our diet.
The different diet adaptations in different seasons.
The positive impact of breast milk on infants.
The dietary requirements for someone with HIV/AIDS.
The best food to take when you want to lose weight.
The major consequences of malnutrition.
The major causes of celiac diseases.
The advantages of organic food consumption.
Can alcohol be considered to be part of a healthy diet?

Nutrition Topics For College Students

Are you in college and wondering where you will get the best nutritional topics for your course using? All these topics are ideal for that.

The process of energy production from food nutrients in our bodies.
Make a comparison of the heterotrophs and autotrophs feeding behavior.
How is food converted to simpler substances in the body?
The duration in which animals can convert complex food substances into simpler ones.
How are proteins broken down in the body to be beneficial?
How blood carries nutrients in the body.
How high cholesterol levels can lead to body issues
The importance of diet supplements to busy people.
How does the body use electrolytes in the body?
How certain diets expose people to cancer.
Which is the best way to modify a diet to combat a certain disease?
The role of nutritional knowledge in making informed decisions.
The major causes of chronic diseases in human beings.
The negative effects of depression on nutrition.

Engaging Topics In Nutrition

Nutrition is quite advanced. Both harmful and beneficial foods should be taken in moderation. These are some of the best engaging topics in nutrition.

Which foods lubricate body joints?
The importance of fats in hormone production in the body.
Why do different fats have varying impacts on people’s bodies?
The major roles of unsaturated fats in the body.
The role of fats in preserving the health and brain development in humans
The negative effects of being a vegetarian for too long.
How does taking too much sugar cause diabetes?
The major causes of allergies on people with health conditions?
The importance of eating fiber-rich foods.
What amount of water do adults have in their bodies
The relation between eating and sleeping habits.
How taking sugary foods leads to loss of memory and inactivity?
How taking too many snacks is not healthy for the body?

Food and Nutrition Essay Topics

Are you planning to do an essay? These are some of the best food and nutrition essay topics that you will ever stumble upon. Always strive to eat a healthy diet at all times.

The long and short-term effects of food on our health.
How does water absorption occur in the body?
Does weather impact the amount of water we can take in a day?
The influence of weather on digestion.
The negative influence of fast food selling hotels on some lifestyle diseases.
The major determinants on whether an animal feeds on simple or complex inorganic compounds.
How are nutrients converted into minerals?
When should someone use a nutrient supplement?
The impact of alcohol intake by pregnant women.
Why do pregnant women crave different food?
The necessary nutrients after doing a hard workout.
The role of carbohydrates in an athlete’s body.
The importance of energy management on brain development
The importance of calcium to sportsmen and women.
How good nutrition maintains a great athletics record.

Research Topics in Nutrition and Dietetics

When doing your thesis, you need to do thorough research to ensure that your professor will give you top grades. If you are doing a dietetics course, these topics will serve the purpose.

How athletes can easily manage hunger cues.
The role of Vitamins to people that engage in sports.
The effect of chili on our bodies.
Which are the best ways to deal with obesity?
The disadvantages of obesity on children below 18 years.
The social and economic effects of poor nutrition.
How is healthy aging important for active aging?
How nutrition determines the body’s immunity.
The best way to make nutrition reforms & policies for the benefit of residents in different regions.
The role of proteins in sustainability and health.
The negative and positive impact of moods on eating well.
The role of nutrition in determining a body’s immunity.
Does ingredient dosage matter in food and nutrition?
The role of misinformation on unhealthy eating habits.
The myths related to plant-based proteins.

Ideal Nutrition Thesis Topics

When given a writing task, it can be hard to know where to start. However, teachers don’t quite require a lot from students. Just try to do what you can and give it your best shot.

The best eating habits that you can embrace.
The difference between red and white meat.
Evaluate the milk pasteurization process.
The advantages of milk consumption every morning.
The various beneficial components found in milk.
What are the best foods that the elderly should take?
How eating patterns affect the sleeping pattern.
The major causes of different eating patterns.
The effects of homemade food and intuitive eating habits.
The nutritional problems for pregnant women.
The relation between income and nutrition.
The major evidence-based nutrition.
Evaluate nutrition and blood pressure.
The advantages of organic food consumption

Health and Nutrition Topics

Our health plays a huge role in how effective we can be on different tasks. If you are fatigued or hungry, it can have adverse effects on your body.

How is nutritional profiling used?
The point of counting calories found in the body.
The major health benefits of vitamin water.
Why does the younger and older generation require different nutrition?
The major methods of projects that promote proper nutrition.
The relation between diet and one’s moods.
The major causes of teenagers developing an unhealthy attitude towards food.
The role of hunger and control in anorexia.
How malnutrition can cause an issue with an unborn child.
How poor eating habits lead to physical conditions.
The best way to maintain an active lifestyle for proper health.
The biological factors surrounding eating disorders.

Sports Nutrition Topics for Research

These are some best sports nutrition topics for research that you can start with. You can use them for your homework, assignment, thesis, or dissertation.

How different food varieties help athletes.
The role of carbohydrates in the mental development of athletes.
Explain the water cycle in an athlete’s diet.
Why do athletes need calcium?
How does trans-fat affect an athlete’s performance?
The importance of supplements in the diet.
How supplements and diets help in weight management.
What capacity of food should athletes eat before and after training?
The amount of water athletes should take before and after running.

Requiring Help With Your Nutrition Dissertation?

Are you looking for the most ideal writing service assistance? We provide nothing but the best. We have expert writers that will ensure you get custom work at an affordable price. All the planning is done online to ensure your work is delivered on time. Whether you are in university or college, these topics will help you.

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Increased Social Support and Maintained Weight Loss Among Post Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients Following a Support and Nutrition-Based Program , Sydney Mae McIntosh

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

MILK THISTLE SUPPLEMENTATION AND EXERCISE TO INFLUENCE BILIRUBIN AND BODY WEIGHT OUTCOMES , Don Arthur Matutina

IDEAL BODY WEIGHT AND BODY FAT PERCENTAGE PREDICT RELATIVE ENERGY DEFICIENCY IN SPORT (RED-S) SCORES IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES , Emily Norman

EXAMINING THE UTILITY OF A KENTUCKY FCS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CURRICULUM ON COMMUNITY MEMBERS’ HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE DIET-RELATED BEHAVIORS , Catharine Pickford

SEX DIFFERENCES IN CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK FACTORS IN YOUTH WITH OBESITY , Lucrecia Valdez

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-BASED PLAN FOR AN EFFECTIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION TO REDUCE CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN A RURAL APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY , Jennifer Stacy Wells

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Maximal Strength Training Increases Metabolic Energy Expenditure in Sedentary Adults Classified as Obese , Robert E. Anderson III

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EXTENSION AGENTS PERCEPTION OF A SUSTAINABLE EATING CURRICULUM FOR KENTUCKIANS , Lindley Barker

“It’s just part of our hospitality:” Examination of cultural factors that may inform future initiatives to improve health outcomes in a rural Appalachian community , Lauren Cassidy Batey

Farmers’ Market Incentive Program as an Intervention for Improving Behavior Regarding Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Children and Adolescents , Madison Blades

PILOT STUDY: THE ROLE OF ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING IN MEAL PLANNING & PREPARTION: UTILIZING TEXT MESSAGE BASED BEHAVIORAL NUDGES , Brittany Nikole Cox

Nutritional Status in Critical Care of COVID-19 Patients , Dolph Lewis Davis III

THE EFFECT ON INCORPORATING FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES INTO AN EMERGENCY FOOD BOX PROGRAM IN RURAL APPALACHIA KENTUCKY , Zixuan Li

ATTENTIONAL BIAS, INHIBITORY CONTROL, AND FOOD REINFORCEMENT AS MECHANISMS PROMOTING EATING BEHAVIOR AFTER EXERCISE , Kylie F. L. McFee

EXAMINING MOTIVATIONS AND BARRIERS FOR ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING AMONG URBAN AND RURAL POPULATIONS OF KENTUCKY, NORTH CAROLINA, AND MARYLAND , J.B. Pitts

Leveraging Community Health Workers’ Expertise in the Community to Address Food Insecurity in Appalachia , Alexis Kimbro Scott

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

PROCURING PRODUCE IN A RURAL, APPALACHIAN COUNTY: A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY MEMBER EXPERIENCES , Caroline Blincoe

In-store Marketing Campaign to Promote the Purchase of Healthy Foods and Beverages at Convenience Stores in Rural Kentucky , Brynnan Nicole Jacobs Dunaway

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CULTURAL VALUES AND DIET PATTERNS AMONG MEXICAN AND CUBAN IMMIGRANTS IN KENTUCKY , Nasreen Omran

Assessing Self-Perceived Nutrition-Related Lifestyle Behaviors and Knowledge of University Music Students Following a Targeted Presentation , Gretchen Trumbo

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Evaluation of Kentucky Grown Soft Red Winter Wheat with Sensory Evaluation for Bread-making Capabilities and Quality , Asa Conkwright III

CARDIAC EFFECTS OF OBESITY DURING PREGNANCY IN C57BL/6J MICE , Kayla Lynn Dudick

Examining Cultural Influences on Dietary Behaviors among Mexican Americans with Low Acculturation , Austyn Erickson

Energy Compensation with Exercise is not Dependent on Dose , H. Michael Hays

AN EDUCATIONAL PILOT INTERVENTION TO INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AMONG RURAL KENTUCKY YOUTH ATTENDING SUMMER CAMP , Ashley Rose Mattingly

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Page 1 of 38

Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and birth weight: a prospective cohort study

Existing data on maternal dietary patterns and birth weight remains limited and inconsistent, especially in non-Western populations. We aimed to examine the relationship between maternal dietary patterns and b...

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Evolution of dietary patterns in Flanders: an ecological trend study on best-selling cookbook recipes (2008–2018) and their correlation with household purchases

With rising obesity rates in Western societies, analyzing changes in dietary patterns is paramount. While nutritional surveys have been informative, traditional cookbooks have historically shed light on nation...

The inverse associations of glycine and histidine in diet with hyperlipidemia and hypertension

Amino acids are crucial for nutrition and metabolism, regulating metabolic pathways and activities vital to organismal health and stability. Glycine and histidine act as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammato...

Environmental impact of infant feeding type, accessories used and maternal dietary habits: The GREEN MOTHER-I project, a cross-sectional study protocol

Breastfeeding (BF) is the healthiest form of nutrition for babies and is recommended exclusively (EBF) for at least the first six months of life. The carbon footprint of formula feeding (FF) has been studied, ...

Exploring the impact of women-specific reproductive factors on phenotypic aging and the role of life’s essential 8

Aging is an inevitable biological process. Accelerated aging renders adults more susceptible to chronic diseases and increases their mortality rates. Previous studies have reported the relationship between lif...

Dietary antioxidant and inflammatory potential in asthmatic patients and its association with all-cause mortality

The occurrence and progression of asthma can be influenced by the components in food. Our study aims to determine whether dietary antioxidant and inflammatory potential are associated with the risk of mortalit...

Socioeconomic inequality in breakfast skipping among Norwegian adolescents

Skipping breakfast is associated with negative health-related and school-related outcomes. Breakfast is the most frequently skipped meal among adolescents. Thus, there is a need to explore the reasons for brea...

Insights into the cardiovascular benefits of taurine: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the foremost cause of mortality globally. Taurine, an amino acid, holds promise for cardiovascular health through mechanisms such as calcium regulation, blood pressure redu...

Optimal methods of vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: a systematic review, dose–response and pairwise meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Vitamin D supplementation may prevent acute respiratory infections (ARIs). This study aimed to identify the optimal methods of vitamin D supplementation.

Association between dietary diversity changes and frailty among Chinese older adults: findings from a nationwide cohort study

Dietary diversity has been suggested as a potential preventive measure against frailty in older adults, but the effect of changes in dietary diversity on frailty is unclear. This study was conducted to examine...

Dietary niacin Intake and its association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates in individuals with metabolic syndrome

Individuals with metabolic syndrome face elevated cardiovascular and mortality risks, and there is ongoing debate regarding the cardiovascular effects of niacin and its impact on the prognosis of metabolic syn...

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with gout and hyperuricemia

We aimed to probe the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among patients with gout and hyperuricemia (HUA).

Methodology and challenges for harmonization of nutritional data from seven historical studies

Collection of detailed dietary data is labor intensive and expensive, harmonization of existing data sets has been proposed as an effective tool for research questions in which individual studies are underpowered

Associations between dietary total antioxidant capacity and sarcopenia: a cross-sectional study

No study has investigated the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity and sarcopenia so far.

Artificially sweetened beverage consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) are consumed globally, but their impact on overall health remains uncertain. We summarized published associations between ASB intake with all-cause and cause-specific mor...

Validation of an web-based dietary assessment tool (RiksmatenFlex) against doubly labelled water and 24 h dietary recalls in pregnant women

Digital technologies have enabled new possibilities to assess dietary intake and have shown promise in terms of decreased participant burden, improved accuracy and lower costs. However, their potential and val...

Disproportionately higher cardiovascular disease risk and incidence with high fructose corn syrup sweetened beverage intake among black young adults–the CARDIA study

The black/white heart disease mortality disparity began increasing in the early 1980’s, coincident with the switch from sucrose to high-fructose-corn-syrup/(HFCS) in the US food supply. There has been more fructo...

Validation of a digital food frequency questionnaire for the Northern Sweden Diet Database

Dietary habits strongly influence health, with poor diets contributing to numerous deaths annually. Addressing this requires improved dietary habits and consistent monitoring thereof. In northern Sweden, a val...

Reply to Ghobadi and Jafari: diet quality in relation to the risk of hypertension among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Fasa PERSIAN cohort study

Ghobadi and Jafari have mentioned some points about our article titled “Diet quality in relation to the risk of hypertension among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Fasa PERSIAN cohort study” which w...

The association between serum phosphate and length of hospital stay and all-cause mortality in adult patients: a cross-sectional study

Data is limited on the prevalence of hypophosphatemia in general hospitalized patients, and its association with length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality remained unclear. We aimed to investigate the preval...

Effects of a cafeteria-based sustainable diet intervention on the adherence to the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet and greenhouse gas emissions of consumers: a quasi-experimental study at a large German hospital

Sustainable diets contribute to improving human health and reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Here, we established the effects of a facility-based sustainable diet intervention on the adher...

Very high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment in older adults

Previous studies have shown that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are positively associated with cognitive function across a range of concentrations. However, recent studies have suggested t...

Is the frequency of breakfast consumption associated with life satisfaction in children and adolescents? A cross-sectional study with 154,151 participants from 42 countries

The promotion of daily breakfast consumption and the importance of making appropriate breakfast choices have been underscored as significant public health messages. The aim of this study was to examine the rel...

Seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity: results from a Nationwide Cohort Study

Obesity has been linked to various detrimental health consequences. While there is established evidence of a negative correlation between seafood consumption and obesity in adults, the current research on the ...

Serum levels of vitamin B12 combined with folate and plasma total homocysteine predict ischemic stroke disease: a retrospective case-control study

This study aimed to identify and quantify the association and investigate whether serum vitamin B12 alone or vitamin B12 combined with folate and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels could be used to predic...

Lower energy intake associated with higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease patients on a low-protein diets

An increasing number of studies shown that inadequate energy intake causes an increase in adverse incidents in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on low-protein diets (LPD). The study aimed to investigate t...

Experiences participating in federal nutrition assistance programs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation in Vermont

Federal nutrition assistance programs serve as safety nets for many American households, and participation has been linked to increased food security and, in some instances, improved diet quality and mental he...

Brief instruments for measuring nutrition literacy - the Nutrition Health Literacy Scale and the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale Short Form

A healthy diet is a critical factor in maintaining long-term health. In addition to a health-promoting food environment, the nutrition health literacy (NHL) and food literacy (FL) of the population are importa...

Adverse events profile associated with intermittent fasting in adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

There is little evidence to comprehensively summarize the adverse events (AEs) profile of intermittent fasting (IF) despite its widespread use in patients with overweight or obesity.

Differences in the cost and environmental impact between the current diet in Brazil and healthy and sustainable diets: a modeling study

While healthy and sustainable diets benefit human and planetary health, their monetary cost has a direct impact on consumer food choices. This study aimed to identify the cost and environmental impact of the c...

Correlation between serum trimethylamine-N-oxide and body fat distribution in middle-aged and older adults: a prospective cohort study

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is linked with obesity, while limited evidence on its relationship with body fat distribution. Herein, we investigated the associations between serum TMAO and longitudinal change ...

Identifying the barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption in rural Australian adults: a mixed methods analysis

Low fruit and vegetable consumption is a leading contributor to non-communicable disease risk. However, understanding of barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable intake in rural settings is limited. Th...

Dietary choline intake in European and non-european populations: current status and future trends—a narrative review

Choline is a nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of the body with a multidimensional impact on human health. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the dietary intake of choline are limited. The a...

Association of maternal ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy with atopic dermatitis in infancy: Korean Mothers and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study

Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders. There are few studies on the association between processed food intake and infant atopic dermatitis (AD) during p...

Assessing the relative validity of a web-based self-administered 24-hour dietary recall in a Canadian adolescent’s population

Healthy eating habits at a young age are crucial to support growth and development and good general health. In this context, monitoring youth dietary intakes adequately with valid tools is important to develop...

Effects of DASH diet with or without time-restricted eating in the management of stage 1 primary hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Time-restricted eating (TRE), a popular form of intermittent fasting, has shown benefits for improving metabolic diseases and cardiometabolic health. However, the effect of TRE in the regulation of blood press...

A comprehensive approach to lifestyle intervention based on a calorie-restricted diet ameliorates liver fat in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD: a multicenter randomized controlled trial in China

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a globally increasing health epidemic. Lifestyle intervention is recommended as the main therapy for NAFLD. However, the optimal approach is still unclear. This stud...

Fish oil supplementation and risk of incident systemic lupus erythematosus: a large population-based prospective study

Although fish oil has been considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect and has been proven to play a beneficial role in the incidence of numerous diseases, the association between fish oil supplementation a...

Association of weight-adjusted waist index with all-cause mortality among non-Asian individuals: a national population-based cohort study

The Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) is a new indicator of obesity that is associated with all-cause mortality in Asian populations. Our study aimed to investigate the linear and non-linear associations betwe...

Relationship between sex, APOE genotype, endocannabinoids and cognitive change in older adults with metabolic syndrome during a 3-year Mediterranean diet intervention

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing age-related cognitive decline and modulating plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids (eCBs) and N- acylethanolamines (NAEs, or eCB-like co...

Association between serum vitamin D level and Graves’ disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aims to analyze the relationship between serum vitamin D (VD) levels and Graves’ disease (GD).

Gardening and subjective cognitive decline: a cross-sectional study and mediation analyses of 136,748 adults aged 45+ years

Given the benefits of gardening for physical and psychological health, we explored whether gardening was associated with lower risks of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a precursor of dementia, and SCD-rela...

Association between watching eating shows and unhealthy food consumption in Korean adolescents

Eating habits formed during adolescence greatly influence the maintenance of health in adulthood. With the recent development of social media and easy access to the Internet, adolescents watch plenty of food v...

Diet quality from mid to late life and its association with physical frailty in late life in a cohort of Chinese adults

It is unclear if improving diet quality after midlife could reduce the risk of physical frailty at late life. We aimed to associate changes in diet quality after midlife with physical frailty at late life.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its association with sustainable dietary behaviors, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle: a cross-sectional study in US University students

Promoting healthy and sustainable diets is increasingly important and the Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been recognized as an appropriate example that can be adapted to different countries. Considering that the ...

Trends in the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions from food and beverage purchases in Mexico: 1989–2020

Assessing the trends in dietary GHGE considering the social patterning is critical for understanding the role that food systems have played and will play in global emissions in countries of the global south. O...

Higher oxidative balance score was associated with decreased risk of erectile dysfunction: a population-based study

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that is thought to be significantly impacted by oxidative stress. The oxidative balance score (OBS) has been built to characterize the state of antioxidant/pr...

Correction: Effect of soy isoflavone supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The original article was published in Nutrition Journal 2024 23 :32

National trends in nine key minerals intake (quantity and source) among U.S. adults, 1999 to march 2020

Changes in economy and dietary guidelines brought a great shock to diet quality and meal behaviors, but if these transformations have extended to minerals intake and their sources was still poorly understood. ...

Causal relationship of interleukin-6 and its receptor on sarcopenia traits using mendelian randomization

Previous research has extensively examined the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in sarcopenia. However, the presence of a causal relationship between IL-6, its receptor (IL-6R), and sarcopenia remains unclear.

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Nutrition Journal

ISSN: 1475-2891

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Nutrition Essay Examples and Topics

Why you should not eat pork, coffee and why it is good for you, digestion of a cheeseburger.

Words: 1170

Coffee: Benefits and Disadvantages

The bread making process: main steps.

Words: 1161

Carbohydrate Consumption and Its Importance

Chocolate ice-cream: food product case, argument for removing vending machines in schools, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, food culture and obesity.

Words: 2200

Obesity and Healthy Eating

Why is pizza popular.

Words: 1687

Dieting: Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind

Words: 1424

An Onion: An Important Vegetable

The common factors that causes bad eating habits, nutrition education: its importance and promotion, parental responsibility for childhood obesity, how can societal marketing concept be used to influence children to eat a healthier diet, health effects of junk food intake.

Words: 2472

Minerals’ Importance for Human Health

Importance of health diet for modern person, importance of vitamin c for the human body.

Words: 1116

Rational Nutrition: The Key Elements

The disadvantages of canned food.

Words: 1136

Diet and Water as an Overlooked Essential Nutrient

Words: 1189

Benefits of Energy Drinks

Chocolate’s positive and negative effects.

Words: 1195

Nutrition: Chemical Composition of the Food

Intermittent fasting: a path to improved well-being, sports nutrition: term definition.

Words: 1904

Nutritional Status of Students: Anthropometric Data

Words: 1149

Child Malnutrition: Term Definition

Food and beverage services: “moments of truth”.

Words: 1449

Rice: Food Ingredient as a Currency

Words: 1727

Food: How Technology Has Changed the Way We Eat?

Words: 1159

Obesity: An American Epidemy

The gluten-free diet: advantages and disadvantages, nutritional information on restaurant menus.

Words: 1244

Vitamins and Dietary Supplement

Moist and dry heat cookery.

Words: 1586

The 24-Hour Dietary Recall Interview

Words: 1668

How Fried Foods Affect Nutrition for Young Adults

Words: 2079

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Influence of modelling in teenager’s eating disorders.

Words: 2326

Analysis of Health Diet Benefits

Sugar: forms & uses and health effects.

Words: 1119

Childhood Obesity and Nutrition

Words: 2450

Bread: Origin, Usage, and Preservation

Pollo guisado and arroz con leche.

Words: 2190

The Concept of Carbohydrates

Dietary intervention in teenagers with obesity, personal reflection of the book “in defense of food”, vegetarianism and its causes, unhealthy lifestyle among the singapore youth.

Words: 1061

Parents Attitude Towards the Importance of Childhood Nutrition

Words: 1846

Impacts of Fast Food on Childhood Eating Habits

The pleasures of eating: food and consumer culture, obesity as a form of malnutrition and its effects, food diary: nutrition opportunities and challenges, mindful eating experience and its description, nutritional needs of an older adult: lifecycle nutrition and fitness, using food preservatives ethical.

Words: 5120

A Healthy Diet While Attending College

Words: 1512

The Egyptian Diet: Sociology of Food and Nutrition

Words: 1576

Comprehensive Analysis of Diet

Words: 1120

Pros and Cons of Different Diets

Food and taste process issues.

Words: 1517

The World’s Food Problems’ Solving

Words: 1156

Obesity: Psychological/ Sociological Issue

Words: 1437

What Kind of Diet Do You Prefer?

Main reasons for establishing food banks, dietary record of seven days of food intake, nutrition: a day’s dietary intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Words: 1072

Lifespan Nutrition Needs

Words: 1550

Nutritional Science: Diets Overview

Words: 1141

Creatine and Strength Improvements

Words: 1494

Energy Drinks: Is It Bad Energy?

Words: 1121

Problem of Food Overconsumption

Words: 1628

Sports Nutritionist: Position, Role and Requirements

Words: 1151

Fast Foods More Harm Than Good

Words: 1898

Snacking: Positive and Negative Health Effects

A nutrition guide for early childhood, reflection essay: aging and sugar, a universal maximum calorie intake for an adult.

Words: 2207

Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Healthier Diet

Words: 2023

Health and Fitness Workout Plan

The ethical issues facing the nutriset company.

Words: 1767

Pork Meat as a Human Nutrition

School-based nutrition health promotion program.

Words: 1144

Atkins Diet: Pros and Cons

Words: 1444

The Effects of Capitalism on People’s Diet

Words: 1773

Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program

Words: 1243

The Ketogenic Diet: Positive and Negative Influences

Creating specific nutrition analysis, fallacy analysis: the harm of meat consumption, food security: environmental impact, malaysian malnutrition problems.

Words: 1484

India Pale Ale: The Beer Style History

Food insecurity among students, diverse insights on diabetes diets, dietary diversity and childhood obesity, mediterranean diet and its effect on the cardiovascular system.

Words: 1439

Symptom Management, Nutrition, and Hydration at End-of-Life

Words: 1259

Healthy Eating: Menu for a Preschooler

Human diet and its historical background, “scientific” assertions on the paleo diet, industrial meat business and environmental issues, should we start eating insects, mindful eating: searching for information, the “in defense of food” book by michael pollan, food choices in the united states, the dining out culture in america, the bowl of oatmeal components inspection, adding molasses in the dairy cow diet, analyzing personal diet and intake pattern, dietary intake aspects analysis, the aspects of the ketogenic diet, role of nutritional genetics in health.

Words: 1132

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Nutrition Essays

The best nutrition essay prompts to kickstart your writing.

Embarking on the journey of writing a nutrition essay begins with understanding the prompt. A well-chosen prompt can illuminate the path to a compelling narrative, enriched with insightful analyses and groundbreaking conclusions. Here are examples to ignite your creativity:

Explore the impact of vegan diets on athletic performance.
Analyze the role of micronutrients in preventing chronic diseases.
Discuss the socio-economic barriers to healthy eating in urban areas.

Strategies to Brainstorm and Select a Captivating Nutrition Essay Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for your essay's success. Consider these points to spark a brainstorming session that leads to the selection of a compelling topic:

Relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant to current trends and research in nutrition.
Interest: Pick a subject you are passionate about to maintain motivation throughout your writing process.
Originality: Aim for a unique angle or perspective to stand out from commonly discussed topics.
Resources: Ensure there are enough resources and research available to support your essay.

Exploring Unique Nutrition Essay Topics for an Engaging Read

To captivate your audience, veer away from the beaten path and explore these thought-provoking topics:

The effects of gut microbiota diversity on mental health.
Nutritional strategies for managing autoimmune diseases.
The influence of cultural practices on dietary habits across the globe.
Future trends in nutrition: The rise of personalized diets.

Inspiring Examples of Paragraphs and Phrases for Your Nutrition Essay

Let these samples inspire your writing, enhancing the flow and depth of your essay:

"As we delve into the intricate relationship between diet and mental health, it becomes evident that the gut-brain axis serves as a critical communication pathway. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of nutritional choices in maintaining mental well-being."

"The concept of personalized nutrition, tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment, heralds a new era in dietary science. This bespoke approach promises to revolutionize our understanding and management of nutrition-related health outcomes."

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Nutritional Influences of Carbohydrates and Proteins on Depressive Symptoms

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Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life.

Nutrition process includes ingestion, absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion.

Human nutrition deals with the provision of essential nutrients from food that are necessary to support human life and good health. In humans, poor nutrition can cause deficiency-related diseases such as blindness, anemia, scurvy, preterm birth, stillbirth and cretinism, or nutrient excess health-threatening conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Undernutrition can lead to wasting in acute cases, and stunting of marasmus in chronic cases of malnutrition.

Supplements can never fully replace real foods. Unprocessed food is healthiest. Omega-3 fats are crucial and most people don’t get enough. There is no perfect diet for everyone.

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Mental Health
Drug Addiction
Eating Disorders

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162 Nutrition Research Topics To Top-Notch Your Paper

Nutrition papers are extremely popular among both college and university assignments. We have an original 2023 list of ideas for your exceptional paper. If you are in need of inspiration for this kind of paper, go ahead and use one of those we’ve prepared for you.

The components of a high-quality research paper on nutrition, the key to writing a great research paper is picking a great topic, food and nutrition essay topics, nutrition topics for presentation, nutrition topics for college students, research topics in nutrition and dietetics, sports nutrition topics for research, popular nutrition topics for all levels.

Nutrition is a field of science that focuses on the dietary nutrients that affect the growth, development, health, and well-being of people around the world. Some aspects of nutrition also deal with the psychological, sociological, and cultural factors which can influence the choices to make about food. It’s a popular field of study that offers hundreds of opportunities for students wanting to go into nutrition as a profession.

Most science fields follow a standard format when it comes to research papers.

These include the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research methodology, results, discussion, conclusion.

Collectively, these components answer the questions researchers, academics, professionals, and students use to further develop their work on a given topic. A research paper should be informative, comprehensive, and go in-depth regardless of the topic being discussed.

The title of your work should succinctly point to the content of the research. The abstract should summarize your work between 150 to 250 words. The introduction should set the tone of your research paper. The literature review summarizes prior published research related to your topic and explains their limitations, justifying why your research is needed. The research methodology explains how you went about conducting your study (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, interviews, etc.). The results section reports your exact findings without providing your interpretation of them. The discussion section is where you provide your interpretation of the results, explaining why you believe you have proven or disproven your hypothesis. The conclusion wraps up the entire work with a summary and synthesis. Finally, the bibliography lists all the outside works you consulted during the project.

Whether you are tasked with working on a project for a mid-term or a final, the key to writing a great research paper is choosing a great topic. When it comes to nutrition research topics, there are plenty of resources and ideas to choose from. You can get ideas from class lectures provided by your teacher or you can go online to learn about what the experts are talking about. Your sources for nutrition research paper topics are endless.

But we know that your time is precious, and you may not have the luxury to sit down and consider hundreds of nutrition research questions. Our experts have put together interesting nutrition topics for your consideration and divided them into categories to help narrow your options based on your situation and interest. These are free to share and modify to fit any type of assignment. Moreover, you can pay for papers and our professional writers will deliver you high-quality writings with no efforts of yours.

Some students become interested in nutrition as early as high school but may struggle to learn the basics of researching and writing a good paper. The following nutrition topics for research are easy for students working on a short project because there is a lot of information available online and in print:

Explain the health benefits of organic foods.
Describe the negative impact fast-food chains have on health.
Analyze the health benefits of organic food production.
Explain how the cost of organic food affects food choices.
Describe how using natural ingredients improves overall health.
Examine the impact of the Supersize Me documentary on society.
Compare and contrast high protein diets versus low protein diets.
Examine the dangers of fasting in young adults.
Examine how consuming more vegetables and fruits affects weight.
Explain how psychology affects the food choices that people make.
Compare and contrast food production in different parts of the world.
Evaluate the FDA’s effectiveness in keeping harmful chemicals out of food.
Analyze different dietary preferences around the world.
Examine the effectiveness of intermittent fasting in adults.
Describe the most effective way to achieve healthy weight loss.
Explain why the U.S. is referred to as the “Fast Food Nation”.
Evaluate how food placement affects food choices in grocery stores.
Analyze the presence of chemicals in junk foods.
Explain the importance of including dairy in one’s diet.
Analyze different farming practices around the globe.
Examine the hidden dangers of eating fast food more than twice a week.
Examine the differences between low-carb and high-carb diets.
Explain the importance of healthy fats and public health.
Examine how food culture is different in the U.S. than in European countries.
Explain why the U.S. has high rates of obesity among adults.
Explain how eating habits in the U.S. are different from other North American countries.
Explain the importance of eating organic foods regularly.

If you need to do an oral presentation before an audience, you should be prepared to speak for anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes and accept questions. This means you will need to know your topic in-depth. The following nutrition presentation topics are great for this situation:

Compare and contrast the price of organic food versus non-organic food.
Examine the reasons why college freshmen tend to gain weight.
Describe how nutritional choices affect the quality of breastmilk in mothers.
Explain how food choices affect work performance among adults.
Analyze how a school’s food options affect student health.
Examine the reasons why adults become addicted to fast food.
The impact pro athletes have on inspiring diet regimens in the U.S.
Discuss nutrition’s role in depression and anxiety.
Explain the ways vegan diets can impact health.
Describe the effects of thermal processing on nutrients.
Analyze the impact eating schedules have on overall health.
Explain the hidden dangers of juice cleanses.
Evaluate what people know about GMO foods.
Explain how stress eating is a growing problem among adults.
Describe the common symptoms of malnutrition among children.
Evaluate foods that can increase serotonin levels.
Explain the relationship between healthy food choices and mental health.
Examine the different nutritional needs among varying age groups.
Explain how weight gain is impacted by food choices as adults.
Describe the dietary changes that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Analyze the way brain development is affected by nutritional choices.
Compare and contrast food choices between low and high-income households.
Examine how diet affects a person’s ability to fight Covid-19.
Analyze the impact that late-night eating has on a person’s health.
Describe the factors contributing to the high obesity rates among young people.
Explain how nutrition is connected to the immune system.
Compare and contrast the effectiveness of nutritional choices and physical exercise.

Most college students working on health and nutrition topics should plan on writing anywhere between 5 to 10 pages. This means they will have to conduct plenty of research and provide ample supporting evidence to their arguments. Here are some nutrition thesis topics to consider at this level:

Describe the negative effects of stress eating in college students.
Describe the best method for improving physical fitness while dieting.
Examine some of the hidden chemicals in processed foods.
Discuss some of the misconceptions about dietary supplements.
Examine food safety for people with HIV/AIDS.
Examine the pros and cons of herbal supplements.
Describe the benefits of preparing meals at home.
Examine the factors which lead to the “Freshman 15”.
Analyze the quality of food provided at food banks.
Describe the impact of banning snack vending machines in schools.
Describe the hidden places where people consume sugar.
Explain how dietary supplements impacts overall health.
Explain the dangers of limiting caloric consumption to below 1200.
Discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has affected food production.
Explain the importance of incorporating herbal supplements into one’s diet.
Discuss instances of food poisoning among certain populations.
Examine how body image issues affect nutritional choices.
Discuss food safety for older adults and people with cancer.
Examine how certain supplements interact with prescription medications.
Examine the quality of nutrition delivered through WIC programs.
Evaluate the way a healthy relationship with food affects weight management.
Discuss how HIV is affected by a person’s nutrition.
Explain how sugar intake affects the body.
Describe the negative impact of eating restaurant foods.
Examine the best ways to maintain nutritional health in your 30s.
Explain how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the way people eat.
Explain the relationship between gut health and mental health.

Dietetics is a sub-genre of nutrition that deals with overall health related to the food choices that people make. These are nutrition topics to write about if you are someone interested in public health and the scientific understanding of smart dietary choices:

Explain the hidden dangers of low-calorie diets.
Analyze the effectiveness of the Atkins diet on young adults.
Explain how stress impacts a person’s dietary choices.
Explain the importance of macronutrients and healthy dieting.
Discuss the reasons why people lack appropriate levels of nutrients.
Explain how food storage and preparation affect a person’s diet.
Explain the ways binge eating affects a person’s weight.
Discuss how aging impacts the food choices a person makes.
Discuss the main causes of bulimia among teenagers.
Evaluate the quality of child nutrition programs in public schools.
Compare and contrast low-fiber versus high fiber diets.
Compare and contrast the effectiveness of popular diets.
Describe the risk considerations people need to take before dieting.
Explain how alcohol impacts the way a person heals.
Explain how alcohol affects a person’s diet and weight loss goals.
Discuss the effectiveness of replacing dairy with dairy substitutes.
Examine the basic principles of following a keto diet.
Explain how to best maintain a healthy diet while traveling.
Analyze the impact exercise has on diet choices among adults.
Explain the role ethnicity plays in nutrition.
Discuss the major causes of adolescent and childhood obesity.
Explain why some people are more prone to obesity.
Compare and contrast diet choices between public and private schools.
Examine the relationship between sleep and nutrition.
Analyze the impact cultural backgrounds have on dietary choices.
Examine the positive and negative impact of food options in public schools.
Explain the importance of nutritional knowledge while dieting.

If you are a sports fan and have an interest in how performance is affected by an athlete’s food choices, then these nutrition essay topics are worth considering for a research project of any length. You should be able to find plenty of information online as well as in the library where you can access reliable resources:

Compare and contrast high-protein diets and athletic performance.
Describe how muscle development is impacted by food choices.
Explain how higher carbohydrate intake reduces overtraining symptoms.
Evaluate the top foods to boost athletic performance.
Explain the effects caffeine has on endurance and performance.
Discuss the development of functional sports nutrition for runners.
Discuss the misconceptions of low-carb diets for athletes.
Explain the impact isotonic drinks have on rehydrating athletes.
Evaluate pre-exercise nutrition programs and supplements.
Describe the difference carbohydrate loading does on athletic performance.
Evaluate the effectiveness of keto diets on athletic performance.
Discuss the optimal amount of protein needed during athletic training.
Analyze nutrition and athletic training for marathon runners.
Examine the role of BCAAs in weightlifting performance among seniors.
Explain the impact food choices have on muscle recovery.
Describe the impact carbohydrates have on marathon runners.
Discuss how different training programs affect athletic performance.
Explain the importance of avoiding gluten and grains during athletic training.
Analyze the impact low-calorie diets have on student-athletes.
Discuss the qualities of nutritional support for collegiate athletes.
Analyze the methods of creating a balanced diet for female gymnasts.
Examine the prevalence of eating disorders among athletes.
Compare and contrast carbohydrate drinks, gels, and bars.
Examine the way exercise programs affect athletic development.
Explain how protein intake affects performance in professional sports.
Explain the importance of diet in injury recovery.
Analyze different protein to carbohydrate ratios and performance.

Finally, this set of topics covers a variety of areas related to nutrition. They are great for students at all academic levels and are suitable for assignments of any length. Just be sure to conduct plenty of academic research to ensure your assignment is engaging:

Evaluate the effectiveness of food distribution programs.
Evaluate the most common strategies for weight management.
Explain the effects of caffeine on athletic performance.
Discuss the relationship between the immune system and nutrition.
Explain the role that creatine on athletic performance.
Discuss how genetics affects how food is metabolized.
Examine the positive evidence in support of the Ketogenic diet.
Discuss the relative caloric prices of healthy and unhealthy foods.
Discuss the quality of nutrition programs for seniors.
Evaluate methods for developing a health relationship with food.
Explain how meal frequency affects body mass index.
Explain some of the hidden dangers of juice cleanses.
Examine the best foods to boost serotonin levels.
Analyze different food choices that boost bone density.
Explain the need for more research on popular diets.
Discuss what athletes need to know about body mass index.
Explain the long-term effects of coffee consumption.
Evaluate the different types of protein in meats.
Examine nutritional support for exercise-induced injuries.
Evaluate the best foods to eat before a high-intensity workout.
Analyze the nutritional impact on children that breastfeed after 6 months.
Explain the effects of dietary fibers on carbs uptake and absorption.
Discuss how parents’ eating habits influence children’s dietary choices.
Discuss the use of marijuana as a health supplement.
Analyze the amount of coffee one can consume before dehydration.
Analyze the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Examine the best foods for muscle recovery.

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What is a good research topic for nutrition?

A good research topic for nutrition includes the cost of organic food versus non-organic food, why college freshmen tend to gain weight quickly, how a breastfeeding mom’s nutritional choices affect the quality of her breast milk, and whether an adult’s food choice affects their work performance. It can also focus on school food options and their effects on student health.

What are popular nutrition topics?

Some popular nutrition topics include how effective food distribution programs are, what are the most common methods for weight management and caffeine, and how it affects athletic performance. Others include the relationship between nutrition and the immune system and the role of creatine in athletic performance.

What are the 3 basic types of nutrition research?

The basic types of nutrition research are:

Animal and laboratory studies
Case-control
Randomized studies

I requested the editor as I wanted my essay to be proofread and revised following the teacher’s comments. Edits were made very quickly. I am satisfied with the writer’s work and would recommend her services. I requested the editor as I wanted my essay to be proofread and revised following the teacher’s comments. Edits were made very quickly. I am satisfied with the writer’s work and would recommend her services.

Strengthening national nutrition research: rationale and options for a new coordinated federal research effort and authority

Sheila e fleischhacker.

Fly Health, LLC and Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA

Catherine E Woteki

University of Virginia Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, Arlington, VA, USA

Paul M Coates

Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

Van S Hubbard

Grace e flaherty.

Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA

Daniel R Glickman

The Aspen Institute, Washington, DC, USA

Thomas R Harkin

Retired US Senator, Des Moines, IA, USA

David Kessler

Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, College Park, MD, USA

William W Li

The Angiogenesis Foundation, Cambridge, MA, USA

Joseph Loscalzo

Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Anand Parekh

Bipartisan Policy Center, Washington, DC, USA

Sylvia Rowe

SR Strategy, Washington, DC, USA

Patrick J Stover

Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, USA

Angie Tagtow

Äkta Strategies LLC, Des Moines, IA, USA

Anthony Joon Yun

Yun Family Foundation, San Mateo, CA, USA

Dariush Mozaffarian

Associated data.

HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. National health expenditure data: historical 2018. [cited 2020 Oct 14] [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/NationalHealthExpendData/NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.html .

The US faces remarkable food and nutrition challenges. A new federal effort to strengthen and coordinate nutrition research could rapidly generate the evidence base needed to address these multiple national challenges. However, the relevant characteristics of such an effort have been uncertain.

Our aim was to provide an objective, informative summary of 1 ) the mounting diet-related health burdens facing our nation and corresponding economic, health equity, national security, and sustainability implications; 2 ) the current federal nutrition research landscape and existing mechanisms for its coordination; 3 ) the opportunities for and potential impact of new fundamental, clinical, public health, food and agricultural, and translational scientific discoveries; and 4 ) the various options for further strengthening and coordinating federal nutrition research, including corresponding advantages, disadvantages, and potential executive and legislative considerations.

We reviewed government and other published documents on federal nutrition research; held various discussions with expert groups, advocacy organizations, and scientific societies; and held in-person or phone meetings with >50 federal staff in executive and legislative roles, as well as with a variety of other stakeholders in academic, industry, and nongovernment organizations.

Stark national nutrition challenges were identified. More Americans are sick than are healthy, largely from rising diet-related illnesses. These conditions create tremendous strains on productivity, health care costs, health disparities, government budgets, US economic competitiveness, and military readiness. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has further laid bare these strains, including food insecurity, major diet-related comorbidities for poor outcomes from COVID-19 such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and insufficient surveillance on and coordination of our food system. More than 10 federal departments and agencies currently invest in critical nutrition research, yet with relatively flat investments over several decades. Coordination also remains suboptimal, documented by multiple governmental reports over 50 years. Greater harmonization and expansion of federal investment in nutrition science, not a silo-ing or rearrangement of existing investments, has tremendous potential to generate new discoveries to improve and sustain the health of all Americans. Two identified key strategies to achieve this were as follows: 1 ) a new authority for robust cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-related policy and 2 ) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within the NIH. These strategies were found to be complementary, together catalyzing important new science, partnerships, coordination, and returns on investment. Additional complementary actions to accelerate federal nutrition research were identified at the USDA.

Conclusions

The need and opportunities for strengthened federal nutrition research are clear, with specific identified options to help create the new leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and investment the nation requires to address the multiple nutrition-related challenges and grasp the opportunities before us.

Executive Summary

This white paper aims to evaluate key issues relevant to federal nutrition research, including the following:

The mounting diet-related health burdens and corresponding economic, health equity, national security, and sustainability implications;
The current diverse federal nutrition research landscape and existing mechanisms for its coordination;
The opportunities for new nutrition-related discoveries in fundamental, clinical, public health, food and agricultural, and translational scientific research; and
The best strategies to further strengthen and coordinate federal nutrition research, including advantages, disadvantages, and potential paths forward.

This effort, informed by extensive background research and interviews, is intended to invite comment and discussion from all key stakeholders and help lay the foundation for accelerated scientific advances in nutrition to improve and sustain the health of all Americans.

Diet-related illnesses are the leading source of poor health in the US. Nearly 3 in 4 American adults are overweight or obese, and 1 in 2 have diabetes or prediabetes—and these rates continue to rise. Poor nutrition further contributes to cardiovascular diseases, several cancers, poor gut health, and many other disorders. Beyond effects on health, these diet-related diseases create enormous strains on productivity, health care spending, health disparities, and military readiness ( Figure 1 ). Our food system also strains our natural resources, a crucial new area of intersecting science and policy.

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Examples of identified diet-related burdens that could be addressed by more coordinated and strengthened federal nutrition research. COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019. Graphic design support courtesy of Ink&Pixel Agency.

Profound disparities in both diet-related chronic diseases and food insecurity, for example, are experienced by low-income, rural, minority, and other underserved populations. Nearly 3 in 4 young Americans do not qualify for military service, with obesity being the leading medical disqualifier. Obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases are endemic among veterans, while obesity and food insecurity coexist in many active-duty military families. Over just 50 y, federal health care spending has risen from 5% to 28% of the federal budget, while US business (inflation-adjusted) spending on health care has increased from $79 billion to $1180 billion. Approximately 85% of current health care spending is related to management of diet-related chronic diseases. Estimated US government expenditures on direct medical care for diabetes alone (∼$160 billion/y) exceeds the annual budgets of many individual federal departments and agencies, including, among others, the Departments of Education (DoE), Homeland Security (DHS), and Justice (DoJ) and the NIH, CDC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and FDA.

These strains have been further exposed and exacerbated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This includes, for example, challenges related to hunger and food insecurity, major diet-related comorbidities for poor outcomes from COVID-19, insufficient evidence on optimal population resilience through better nutrition, and inadequate surveillance and coordination of our food system.

Addressing each of these issues requires a better understanding of their multilevel, interrelated biological, individual, social, and environmental determinants, and the corresponding translational solutions. However, the current scope and pace of nutritional knowledge and discovery are insufficient to address the fundamental nutrition-related challenges facing the nation.

The current landscape

More than 10 federal departments and agencies currently invest in critical nutrition research. Their relative investments in nutrition research have remained flat or declined over several decades—even as diet-related conditions and their societal burdens have climbed. The NIH is the largest funder, with nutrition research investments estimated at $1.9 billion annually (∼5% of total NIH funding) for fiscal year 2019. Approximately 25% of this funding (1.3% of total NIH funding) focuses on diet for the prevention or treatment of disease in humans. This NIH nutrition research is conducted and supported across nearly all of the 27 current NIH institutes and centers. Coordination of these efforts has been challenged by successively smaller NIH coordinating offices with decreasing stature, staff, and resources. The USDA is the second-largest funder of US nutrition research, with an estimated annual budget of ∼$0.17 billion for fiscal year 2019 across several institutes and services. The USDA works to provide Americans with safe, nutritious, and wholesome food and works to ensure the foods and beverages our nation produces optimally benefits human and animal health and to address food insecurity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs. Several structures work to improve research coordination within the USDA, although a recent USDA workshop and Government Accountability Office (GAO) report identified gaps and opportunities in nutrition research coordination. Multiple other federal departments and agencies invest in nutrition research, including the CDC, FDA, Department of Defense (DoD), US Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.

Consistent with this fragmented infrastructure, multiple major reports over 50 y have called for greater coordination of federal nutrition research. Current coordination efforts include the Interagency Committee on Human Nutrition Research (ICHNR), which currently meets about twice a year to work on the following activities, among others: food and nutrition monitoring and surveillance, the joint USDA–Department of Health and Human Services (-HHS) activity to produce the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and certain regulatory, communication, and educational activities. However, no concrete authority has been created to successfully harmonize and leverage the federal investments in nutrition research.

Overall, this white paper and several prior reports found these efforts to be important but insufficient to address current and rising diet-related disease burdens, food insecurity, health disparities, health care costs, challenges to military readiness, and intersections with food and agricultural production, supply chains, and sustainability.

The opportunity

Several specific priority areas in nutrition research have been identified by various federal and nongovernmental organizations. However, most have not been adequately addressed. Greater federal coordination and investment in nutrition research could accelerate discoveries across these critical areas ( Figure 2 ).

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Object name is nqaa179fig2.jpg

Opportunities for enhanced federal nutrition research coordination and investment. DGAs, Dietary Guidelines for Americans ; DoD, Department of Defense; NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; SNAP-Ed, USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education; USAID, US Agency for International Development; VA, Department of Veterans Affairs. Graphic design support courtesy of Ink&Pixel Agency.

Several lines of evidence support a strong return on investment (ROI) for an expanded and coordinated nutrition research effort. As stated by the FDA Commissioner in 2018 at the National Food Policy Conference, “Improvements in diet and nutrition offer us one of our greatest opportunities to have a profound and generational impact on human health .… The public health gains of such efforts would almost certainly dwarf any single medical innovation or intervention we could discover.”

The options

Any new federal nutrition research investment and coordination structure must leverage, harmonize, and catalyze the existing efforts being led across multiple federal departments and agencies. Two major complementary strategies were identified: 1 ) a new authority for robust cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-related policy and 2 ) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within the NIH.

Specific promising options to advance these 2 strategies were identified ( Box 1 ); and for each option, potential advantages and disadvantages, executive and legislative considerations, and paths forward are discussed. Improved coordination between federal departments and agencies conducting nutrition research was identified as having tremendous potential for accelerating essential basic, clinical, public health, and translational discoveries. Increased authority, coordination, and funding for nutrition science within NIH was also identified as being essential for accelerating needed discoveries. Appropriate efforts should leverage and amplify, not replace, compete with, or isolate existing nutrition research efforts across NIH, USDA, or other departments and agencies. The cross-government strategy and within-NIH strategy were identified as complementary, with benefits accruing independently and further synergies to be gained by joint implementation.

Promising cross-governmental and NIH options to strengthen and accelerate national nutrition research 1

Cross-governmental

Within NIH

Within USDA

Further complementary actions to accelerate federal nutrition research were identified at USDA. First, to increase investment in nutrition research for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) including its network of Human Nutrition Research Centers, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) extramural research programs, and the Economic Research Service (ERS) programs, which assesses demographic, social, informational, and economic determinants of dietary consumption and associated health outcomes. Second, to expand USDA research that evaluates and improves major ongoing efforts for public guidance and education on nutrition. And third, to build the robust evidence base and collaborations needed to strengthen the positive impacts of the ∼$100 billion/y federal investments in nutrition assistance programs.

This white paper identified many stark and growing national challenges related to nutrition. Our research further documented a diversity of federal investments in nutrition research across departments and agencies, but with flat or declining funding and with suboptimal coordination authority. The opportunities to be gained by greater coordination and investment in federal nutrition research are clear, with potential for large and rapid ROI. This white paper identified and described 2 priority strategies, including 1 ) a new authority for cross-governmental coordination and 2 ) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination within NIH. Additional important strategies were also identified at USDA. All these strategies were found to be complementary, providing independent as well as synergistic benefits. The identified specific options would help create the new leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and investment the nation requires to address the multiple nutrition-related challenges before us, and grasp the corresponding opportunities.

Introduction

The US faces remarkable food and nutrition challenges. More Americans are sick than are healthy, with diet-related illnesses playing a major role including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, food allergies, and more ( 1 ). The incidence and prevalence of many of these conditions have increased dramatically in recent decades. In addition to burdens on health and productivity, these diet-related diseases are creating tremendous strains on health care spending, health disparities, government budgets, economic competitiveness of American businesses, and military readiness. Innovations in food and nutrition should improve human health while also preserving our natural resources, a crucial new area of intersecting science and policy.

Many of these strains in food and nutrition have been further exposed and exacerbated by COVID-19 ( 2 ). This includes, for example, challenges related to hunger and food insecurity; major diet-related comorbidities for hospitalization and death from COVID-19 such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension; insufficient evidence on optimal population resilience through better nutrition; and the need to further improve the surveillance on and coordination of food production and supply chains ( 3–9 ).

While advancing nutrition research has provided evidence to describe the general contours of healthy eating patterns, it has also highlighted many critical new, unanswered questions on food and nutrition and the national challenges we face ( 10 ). Important nutrition research is currently being supported by >10 federal departments and agencies ( 11 ). Yet, as diet-related conditions and their societal burdens have climbed in recent decades, funding for such research has remained flat ( 12 ). In addition, no concrete action has emerged to successfully harmonize and leverage nutrition research across the government, despite consistent recommendations over at least 5 decades for a robust coordinating federal entity ( 13 ). A major, new federal effort to strengthen and coordinate nutrition research could rapidly generate the necessary evidence base to address multiple national challenges, providing major benefits and ROI.

The aim of this white paper is to evaluate key issues relevant to such a scientific effort, including the following:

The mounting diet-related health burdens facing our nation and the corresponding economic, health equity, national security, and sustainability implications;
The current federal nutrition research landscape and existing mechanisms for its coordination among the diverse departments and agencies working to address these challenges;
The opportunities for and potential impact of new fundamental, clinical, public health, food and agricultural, and translational scientific discoveries related to nutrition; and
The best strategies to further strengthen and coordinate federal nutrition research, including relevant advantages, disadvantages, and potential executive and legislative considerations for a path forward.

This white paper is intended to invite comment and discussion from all stakeholders who care about strengthening nutrition research, whether to improve health, lower public and private health care spending, reduce disparities, promote business innovation, reinvigorate rural communities, preserve our national resources, or strengthen national security. Key audiences for this white paper include the following:

Elected and appointed federal officials in both executive and legislative branches;
Federal science agency leaders and program and policy staff;
Federal military leadership;
The academic community;
Clinical and scientific professional organizations;
Nonprofit advocacy groups;
Allied health professional organizations;
US businesses whose efforts, employees, and competitiveness can be benefited by federally supported nutrition discoveries;
The media, who communicate key nutrition-related messages; and
The public who rely on and desperately need advances in federally supported nutrition research to help improve and sustain their health and communities.

This white paper was informed by extensive background research and stakeholder conversations. This research included a review of government and other published documents on federal nutrition research; discussions with expert groups, advocacy organizations, and scientific societies; and in-person or phone meetings with >50 federal staff in executive and legislative roles, as well as with a variety of extramural researchers in academic and nongovernmental organizations. The writing group reached out to all 10 departments and agencies participating in the ICHNR, particularly for assistance in estimating their relevant budget for nutrition research. The legislative history for the NIH was independently collected by 2 team members with high agreement. Legal experts at the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School reviewed this white paper with special attention to the section on Options and the corresponding legislative and executive considerations. We also reviewed feedback received through the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) request for member input regarding the concept of a National Institute of Nutrition and through a related panel session and Q&A at the ASN Nutrition 2019 annual scientific conference. We also sought input from members of the Nutrition Action Alliance (NAA), a coalition of organizations working to advance federal nutrition research, nutrition education, and nutrition monitoring and surveillance, among other activities, and which includes ASN, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs, Institute of Food Technologists, National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and The Obesity Society. The writing group used these document reviews, one-on-one conversations, stakeholder interviews, and additional discussions to maximize candid, confidential reflections following Chatham House Rules on the past and present state of federal nutrition research, the challenges and opportunities, and the best available strategies for moving forward.

We hope this white paper provides an objective, informative summary of the 1 ) burdens, 2 ) current federal nutrition research landscape, 3 ) opportunities, and 4 ) options for strengthening national nutrition research. Ultimately, we hope it helps lay the foundation for accelerated advances in nutrition research to help improve and sustain the health of all children, adults, families, and communities.

Poor nutrition is contributing to major increases in diet-related obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as continuing high rates of other chronic diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other conditions ( 1 ). Since the 1970s, Americans’ diets have changed significantly. For example, both portion sizes and frequency of snacking have increased, with each linked to greater calorie intake ( 14 , 15 ). Among US children, substantial increases in daily calories since the 1970s are entirely attributable to increased foods eaten outside from home, mostly from fast food ( 16 ). Consistent with prior health messaging to reduce total fat, the percentage of energy from carbohydrates increased from 42% to 48% of calories in men and 45% to 51% in women between 1971 and 2004, primarily due to higher consumption of starches, grains, and caloric beverages ( 17 , 18 ). Between 1977 and 1994, intake of processed breakfast cereals increased by 60%, intake of pizza by 115%, and intakes of snack foods like crackers, popcorn, pretzels, and corn chips by 200% ( 19 ). Between 1965 and 2002, the intake of caloric beverages increased from 12% to 21% of all calories, representing an average increase of 222 calories/d per person ( 20 ). This change was due to increased intake of sweetened fruit drinks, alcohol, and especially soda. Over this time, the average portion size of a sugar-sweetened beverage increased by >50% ( 21 ).

In more recent years, with growing public awareness of the critical role of nutrition in overall health, some aspects of US diet quality have modestly improved, such as reductions in soda and small increases in whole grains, fruits, and nuts/seeds ( 22 , 23 ). Nevertheless, intakes of these and other healthful components remain far below dietary guidelines, with 45.6% of adults and 56.1% of children continuing to have poor-quality diets overall, and most of the remainder having intermediate-quality diets, with very few Americans having ideal diets ( 22 , 23 ). While less well documented by national surveillance data, the levels and types of food processing have substantially changed in the past 50 y. Ultra-processed foods now contribute ∼60% of all calories in the US food supply ( 24 ). These changes in our nutrition and corresponding diet-related illnesses are associated with rising health care costs, widening diet-related health disparities, and weakened national security and military readiness ( 25 ).

Between 1980 and 2018, the percentage of US children with obesity increased from 5.5% to 19.3%, whereas the percentage of adults with obesity increased from 15% to 42.4% ( 26–30 ). Nearly 3 in 4 American adults are now either overweight or obese ( 26 , 31 , 32 ). Across all preventable risk factors for disease in the US, poor diet is now the leading cause of poor health, associated with more than half a million deaths per year—or more than 40,000 deaths each month ( 1 ). Along with suboptimal diet, adiposity and physical inactivity are shared risk factors for illness and death ( 33–37 ). Over the last 20 y, the number of adults with diabetes has more than doubled ( 38 ), and today, >100 million Americans—nearly half of all adults—suffer from diabetes or prediabetes ( 39 ). Cardiovascular disease afflicts ∼122 million Americans and causes ∼840,000 deaths each year ( 40 ). Many of these diseases disproportionately affect older Americans, and as our nation's demographics shift toward an aging population, the burden of diet-related ailments on society will accelerate ( 41 , 42 ). In short, more Americans are sick or suffer from major medical conditions than are healthy, and much of this is related to diet-related illness.

Although the general contours of healthy eating patterns have been outlined by important advances in nutrition science, many questions remain unanswered ( 10 ). Modern nutrition science is still evolving, with a rapidly growing but still relatively nascent repertoire of research methods, foundational science, and large-scale interventions to investigate and address diet-related diseases. For most of the 20th century, the focus of nutrition research was on isolated vitamins and minerals and their role in clinical nutrient deficiency diseases. This effort led to major accomplishments, such as documenting the role of individual nutrients in diseases such as pellagra (vitamin B-3 deficiency), rickets (vitamin D deficiency), and scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), among others, and then quickly mobilizing innovative technology such as fortification of staple foods, along with well-coordinated policy and programmatic responses, to address these conditions. In comparison, the shift of nutrition science to focus more meaningfully on diet-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease, strokes, cancer, diabetes, obesity, brain health, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, is much more recent, largely begun only since the 1980s. In this short period, important knowledge has been gained. Yet, the investment and pace of progress have been insufficient to address the burgeoning rates of diet-related illness and the associated societal and economic consequences.

For example, in detailed reviews of available research by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), numerous areas were identified as having only moderate, limited, or insufficient (not assignable) scientific evidence for making dietary recommendations ( Supplemental Table 1 ). These include, for instance, evidence that healthier dietary patterns favorably influence body weight or obesity in adults (moderate evidence) or children or adolescents (limited); reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults (limited) or children (not assignable); or are associated with lower risk of colorectal (moderate), breast (moderate to limited), lung (limited), or prostate (not assignable) cancer; age-related cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer disease (limited); depression in adults (limited) or children, adolescents, or postpartum mothers (not assignable); or bone health in adults (limited) or children and adolescents (not assignable). Considering specific individual foods and nutrients, the 2015 DGAC concluded that evidence is only moderate that coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or certain cancers and is limited for caffeine intake and lower risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease or increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or low birth weight. The 2015 DGAC found limited evidence to address additives, such as aspartame and risk of cancers or preterm delivery. Evidence was considered moderate for any specific sodium target (e.g., 2400 mg/d) for blood pressure control or risk of cardiovascular outcomes; limited or not assignable for potassium intake and these outcomes; moderate or limited for low-calorie sweeteners and body weight or diabetes; and limited for replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fat for reducing cardiovascular risk.

The 2015 DGAC identified multiple specific areas of research needs ( Supplemental Table 2 ). Examples include the need to conduct research on 1 ) the dietary needs and intakes of older adults, whether polypharmacy plays a role in nutritional adequacy, and whether comorbidities, such as poor dentition, musculoskeletal difficulties, arthralgias, vision loss, and other age-related symptoms, affect their ability to establish and maintain proper nutritional status; 2 ) nutrition transitions from early childhood to adolescence to identify how and why diets change so rapidly during this period, the driving forces behind these changes, and effective programs to maintain positive nutrition habits established in young children; 3 ) the validity, reliability, and reproducibility of new biomarkers of nutritional status; 4 ) the effects of fortification strategies and supplement use on consumer behaviors and diets related to calcium, vitamin D, potassium, iron, and fiber; and 5 ) design approaches to quantify diets in large population-based studies.

Overall, advances in science have identified numerous new opportunities for research and pressing scientific questions that must be addressed ( Figure 2 ). These topics, discussed further in “The Opportunity” section below, include fundamental questions about foods and diet quality in relation to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, cancers, and other conditions; the interactions between diet, physical activity, the microbiome, and immunity and other key health defenses; and the health effects of various forms of food processing, additives, fermentation, and probiotics. Other topics include personalization of nutrition based on each person's background, habits, genes, microbiome, medications, and existing diseases; how hunger and food security influence wellness and key approaches to address this interaction; the intersections of plant and animal breeding and farming practices with nutrition and sustainability; and many other questions. Thus, we have learned much, but the present state of science remains far from offering a sufficient understanding of many crucial facets of food and nutrition fundamental to human health ( 43–47 ). Scientific progress is being made, but at the current pace it may take many decades to meaningfully understand and reduce the prevalence and impact of the broad range of diet-related chronic diseases that we face.

The economic costs of nutrition-related diseases are staggering and ever rising. As a share of our economy, total US health care expenditures have nearly tripled since 1970, from 6.9% to 17.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ( 48 , 49 ). These increases are harming government budgets, competitiveness of US businesses, workers’ wages, and livelihoods of families. Federal health care spending has increased from 5% of the total federal budget in 1970 to 28% in 2018, reducing available funds for other priorities. Similarly, average state government spending on health care has increased from 11.3% of state budgets in 1989 to 28.7% in 2016. For US businesses, health care expenditures have increased 15-fold in 50 y, from $79 billion in 1970 to $1180 billion in 2017 (in constant 2017 dollars) ( 49 ). Over this same period, annual per capita health care spending in the US has increased from $1797 to $10,739 (in constant 2017 dollars) ( 49 ). And, ∼85% of total US health care expenditures are related to management of diet-related chronic diseases ( 50 ). For example, the total direct health care and indirect economic costs of cardiovascular diseases are estimated at $316 billion/y; of diabetes, at $327 billion/y; and of all obesity-related conditions, at $1.72 trillion/y ( 51 , 52 ). These economic costs exceed the annual budget appropriations of most federal departments and agencies, such as (for fiscal year 2020) the budgets of the USDA ($150 billion) ( 53 ), DoE ($72 billion) ( 54 ), DHS ($51 billion) ( 55 ), DoJ ($33 billion) ( 56 ), NIH ($42 billion) ( 57 ), CDC ($12.7 billion) ( 58 ), EPA ($9.5 billion) ( 59 ), and FDA ($5.9 billion) ( 59 ).

Rising health care expenditures are straining government budgets and private business growth; limiting the ability to support other national, state, and business priorities; contributing to stagnating wages; and bankrupting individuals, families, and small businesses ( 60 , 61 ). Improving what Americans eat would have a significant impact on reducing diet-related chronic diseases, lowering health care spending, and creating new opportunities for innovation and jobs. Although advancing science has elucidated the broad outlines of healthy eating patterns for making many general dietary and policy recommendations, numerous critical questions remain unanswered, with corresponding scientific debate and public confusion. There is a large and growing appetite among American citizens for credible, rigorous nutritional science information, both for general health but also for treating many specific diseases and ailments. Consumers are inundated with often conflicting information from multiple sources, including the internet, social media, television, marketing, and food and menu labeling, among others, making it difficult to discern trusted information for making informed choices ( 62 ). Many American adults remain unaware of foundational federal guidance on nutrition ( 63 , 64 ), and use the internet or other sources for seeking guidance on what to eat ( 65 ).

Poor nutrition also contributes to profound disparities. Prior to COVID-19, food insecurity was a significant challenge for 1 in 8 Americans ( 66 , 67 ), and is expected to more than double this year. A total of 37 million Americans, including 11 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2018 ( 68 , 69 ). The dramatic increase in unemployment with COVID-19 is expected to cause food insecurity for an additional 18 million US children, bringing the total to 40% of all US youth ( 70 ). Americans are also experiencing ever-widening disparities in diet quality and diet-related chronic diseases by race/ethnicity, education, and income ( 22 , 71–75 ). While social and economic factors such as lower education, poverty, bias, and reduced opportunities are major contributors to population disparities, they are likewise major barriers to healthy food access and proper nutrition. Poor diets lead to a harsh cycle of lower academic achievement in school, lost productivity at work, increased chronic disease risk, increased out-of-pocket health costs, and poverty for the most vulnerable Americans ( 76 ). Addressing these profound diet-related disparities experienced by rural, low-income, and minority populations requires a better understanding of their multilevel and interrelated individual, social, and environmental determinants, and corresponding translational solutions ( 77 , –80 ). As one example, the 2015 DGAC concluded that the current body of evidence on the links between access to retail food outlets and dietary intake was limited and inconsistent ( 81 ).

Our national nutrition challenges also diminish military readiness ( 82 ). For much of human history, governments have prioritized nutrition to enable a high-performing, able military. During World War II, for example, recognition of the national security threat of undernutrition produced strong federal actions, such as creation of the first RDAs by President Franklin D Roosevelt in 1941 and of the National School Lunch Program by Congress in 1945 ( 83 ). Today, we face very different nutritional challenges: 71% of young people between the ages of 17 and 24 do not qualify for military service, with obesity being the leading medical disqualifier ( 25 ). Since 2010, Mission: Readiness—a group of >750 retired US generals, admirals and other top military leaders—has produced several reports documenting the national security threat of childhood obesity ( 25 , 84 , 85 ). In addition, obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases are common among veterans, with more than one-third of veterans seen at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) being obese ( 86 ). Food insecurity is common among veterans seen at the VHA and is associated with suboptimal control of medical conditions ( 87–89 ). Both obesity and food insecurity are common and often coexist in active-duty military families ( 90 , 91 ). Overall, diet-related illnesses are harming the readiness of US military forces and the budgets of the DoD and VA ( 86 , 92 , 93 ). A more robust understanding of nutrition is a top DoD priority to maximize the performance of active-duty forces and their recovery from physical and psychologic injuries ( 11 ).

Our food systems are creating challenges to our climate and natural resources with widespread related health consequences ( 94 ). Emerging science is advancing the understanding of how nutrition security—access to affordable, sufficient, safe, and nutritious food—is interrelated with challenges and opportunities in use of natural resources ( 11 , 94 ). While federal nutrition research and coordination is the focus of this white paper, we recognize that nutrition research and agricultural and food systems research are mutually interdependent ( 95 ). Ongoing market forces, food production, and consumption patterns, among other factors, are creating not only poor health but large and unsustainable environmental impacts ( 96 ). On a global scale, one-quarter of greenhouse gases, 70% of water use, and 90% of tropical deforestation are related to food production. Climate change is warming the planet, contributing to lower crop yields and new economic risks for farmers. These issues and corresponding potential solutions are complex: for example, greenhouse gas emissions have global impact, while water use has more regional impact ( 97–101 ). Food waste worsens resource losses, with at least one-third of food produced in the US wasted during post-harvest, and consumer losses ( 102 ). The future productivity of US agriculture faces additional growing environmental challenges such as resource scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation ( 96 ). These sustainability issues have direct relevance for human health, increasing the risk of infectious diseases, respiratory illness, allergies, cardiovascular diseases, food- and waterborne illness, undernutrition, and mental illness ( 103 , 104 ).

Addressing all of these nutrition-related health, equity, societal, and economic burdens requires advancing science to better understand their biological, individual, social, and environmental drivers. Current scientific knowledge, however, remains insufficient to address the mechanistic determinants and solutions of these complex challenges.

The Current Federal Nutrition Research Landscape

The federal government is the largest supporter of US nutrition research, with a diverse federal nutrition research infrastructure that generates critically important research and surveillance across a range of areas. A new federal research investment and coordination structure must leverage, harmonize, and catalyze—not diminish or replace—these efforts being led across multiple federal departments and agencies.

No current or complete accounting of all federal nutrition research funding is available ( 12 , 105 ). For this work, we obtained and collated information on the largest departments and agencies focused on nutrition research, and their current estimated spending on nutrition research. These findings are presented in Table 1 , and summarized further below. The NIH and USDA are by far the 2 largest funders of federal nutrition research. As recently described ( 12 ), NIH and USDA negotiated how to share priorities for nutrition science after the 1978 Congressional report on Nutrition Research Alternatives ( 106 , 107 ). The Secretaries of HHS and USDA agreed that NIH would take the lead on research related to the biomedical aspects of nutrition (e.g., diagnosing and treating diseases), while USDA would be responsible for research on healthy diets for the general population. In addition to NIH and USDA, many other departments and agencies conduct or utilize nutrition research ( 11 ), as described in further detail below.

Current federal nutrition research agencies and departments participating in the US ICHNR 1

Department or agency (department)	Legislative authorities and appropriations	Description	Estimated annual expenditures on nutrition research, millions
National Institutes of Health (HHS)	Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies	Supports biomedical research, training, and infrastructure in nutrition to improve health and this work is carried out by investigators in research organizations and settings throughout the country, primarily in universities and biomedical research centers	$1900
Agricultural Research Service (USDA)	Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and related agencies	Works to advance human nutrition research in a variety of ways, drawing from a number of its national programs, including the Human Nutrition National Program that works to: (1) link agricultural practices and beneficial health outcomes; (2) monitor food composition and nutrient intake of the nation; (3) determine the scientific basis for dietary guidance; (4) prevent obesity and obesity-related diseases; and (5) understand life-stage nutrition and metabolism	$88
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA)	Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and related agencies	Invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and through its food, nutrition, and health programs works to strengthen the nation's capacity to address issues related to diet, health, food safety, food security, and food science and technology	$42
Food and Nutrition Service (USDA)	Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and related agencies	Conducts research and makes use of the nutrition research sponsored by other federal agencies to help assess and improve the 15 FNS programs and conducts secondary research such as systematic reviews and policy-related research to develop and disseminate the latest edition of the dietary guidelines every five years, including development of USDA Food Patterns, Healthy Eating Index, USDA Food Plans, and communications research	$41
CDC (HHS)	Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related Agencies	Addresses nutritional issues related to population health through surveillance, intramural and extramural research, the translation of research into practice, and program implementation	$9
FDA (HHS)	Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and related agencies	Depends on nutrition research to inform its many regulatory and other activities on food labeling, oversight of food additives and constituents of foods, nutrition education activities, and other nutrition-related work; and conducts its own research activities including consumer studies to support nutrition labeling and claims, assessments of constituents of the food supply, development of methods for analyzing food constituents, surveys on health, analyses of dietary intake, monitoring of adverse events from dietary foods and supplements, and cost/benefit analyses of various nutrition regulatory activities	$8
Department of Defense	Defense	Develops, implements, and evaluates effective nutritional strategies to optimize performance before, during, and after training and operations	$5
Agency for International Development	State, Foreign Operations, and related programs	Adopts, adapts, modifies, and increases the information, evidence, practices, and technologies of US institutions in human nutrition to be applicable to USAID target populations in developing countries to: improve food security and nutrient adequacies; increase access to safe water; and reduce infectious diseases, environmental toxins, poor sanitation, and parasitism	$4
Economic Research Service (USDA)	Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and related agencies	Conducts and supports studies examining the actions of and interactions among consumers, food industry, and government as they relate to food supply and access; food choice and its impact on diet quality; and federal nutrition assistance, regulation, and other aspects of food policy	NA
Department of Commerce	Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies	National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides food-matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for the determination of trace element content, including both nutrient elements (minerals) and toxic metal contaminants. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contributes to advancing human nutrition research through its work on seafood	NA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration	Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies	Conducts life sciences research in space flight on the International Space Station (ISS) and in ground-based analogs of space flight (e.g., extended bed rest, Antarctic winters, undersea habitats)	NA
Federal Trade Commission	Financial Services	Relevant work and interest primarily focuses on food marketing to children	NA
Environmental Protection Agency	Interior, Environment, and related agencies	Conducts risk assessments regarding dietary exposure of chemicals	NA
Health Resources and Services Administration (HHS)	Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies	Provides health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically or medically vulnerable, including people living with HIV/AIDS, women who are pregnant, mothers and their families, and those in need of high-quality primary health care, and supports the training of health professionals, the distribution of providers to areas where they are needed most, and improvements in health care delivery	NA
Total, millions	$2005

In 2003, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) estimated that federal investment for food-related (beyond nutrition alone) research and development was $2.5 billion/y ( 105 ). A 2015 USDA report estimated that overall federal investment in nutrition research was $1.6 billion/y in 2009, increased from ∼$0.8 billion/y in 1985 (in constant 2007 dollars) ( Figure 3 ) ( 108 ). The increase occurred primarily at NIH, while nutrition funding at USDA declined in real dollars during this period. However, total NIH research funding also doubled between fiscal year 1994 and 2003 (constant dollars) ( 109 ). Thus, as a share of overall research expenditures, federal nutrition research spending remained generally flat, despite the dramatic increase in diet-related illnesses such as obesity and diabetes from 1980 to the present ( 12 ). A limitation of all such estimates is the reliance on keyword searches of grant projects, which may incorporate funding only peripherally related to nutrition. For example, funding for research identified as related to “obesity” increased nearly 4-fold between 1985 and 2009, and was counted as “nutrition” research ( 108 ).

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Estimated overall federal expenditures for nutrition research, 1985–2009 (top panel) ( 108 ); and within NIH for fiscal year 2019 (bottom panel) ( 110 ). The top panel is based on information provided by the DHHS (NIH, FDA, CDC), USDA, VA, USAID, DoD, DoC, NSF, and NASA using data from the NIH Human Nutrition Research Information Management system and the Biomedical Research and Development Price Index. The bottom panel is based on data from all NIH institutes, centers, and offices ( x axis) that provided funding for nutrition research in fiscal year 2019, listed in alphabetical order. DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services; DoC, Department of Commerce; DoD, Department of Defense; FIC, Fogarty International Center; FY, fiscal year; NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; NCATS, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; NCCIH, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; NCI, National Cancer Institute; NEI, National Eye Institute; NHGRI, National Human Genome Research Institute; NHLBI, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; NIA, National Institute of Aging; NIAAA, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIAMS, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; NIBIB, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; NICHD, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; NIDA, National Institute on Drug Abuse; NIDCD, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; NIDDK, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; NIEHS, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; NIGMS, National Institute of General Medical Sciences; NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health; NIMHD, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; NINDS, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NINR, National Institute of Nursing Research; NLM, National Library of Medicine; NSF, National Science Foundation; OD, Office of the Director; USAID, US Agency for International Development; VA, Department of Veterans Affairs. Reprinted with permission from the USDA Economic Research Service and NIDDK Office of Nutrition Research.

The NIH is the largest biomedical research agency in the world and largest funder of US nutrition research ( 110 ). Important intramural and extramural nutrition research occurs across multiple institutes, centers, and offices, in particular the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); National Cancer Institute (NCI); National Institute of Aging (NIA); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); and NIH Office of the Director ( 110 ). These institutes focus on diseases or specific subsets of the population, rather than food and nutrition. For example, NIDDK research efforts include diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; liver disease and other digestive diseases and conditions; nutritional disorders, such as inborn errors of metabolism; obesity; kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease and glomerular disease; urologic diseases and conditions; and blood diseases ( 111 ). The NHLBI aims to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases, which includes strategic priorities around dietary assessment methodologies that combine objective dietary measures and biomarkers to help identify dietary patterns and food constituents that contribute to weight maintenance and to inform intervention strategies to lower cardiometabolic risks ( 112 ). The NCI leads, conducts, and supports cancer research to advance scientific knowledge and help all people live longer, healthier lives, which includes efforts to advance dietary assessment methodology ( 113 ). The NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life, including building the understanding of the roles of nutrition, obesity, sleep, and metabolic status ( 114 ). The NICHD aims to investigate human development through the entire life process, including the role of nutrition ( 115 ).

Within the NIH Office of the Director, as one example of several offices relevant to nutrition, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements works to promote the scientific study of the benefits of dietary supplements in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease and other health-related conditions ( 116 ).

For fiscal year 2019, total NIH expenditures for nutrition research were estimated at $1.9 billion, supporting a total of ∼4600 active projects across at least 25 of the 27 NIH institutes, centers, and offices ( Figure 3 ) ( 110 ). NIH's investment in nutrition research has been estimated at 5% of total funding, a percentage that “has remained largely flat for at least three decades, and pales in comparison to many other areas of research” ( Figure 4 ) ( 12 ). A separate analysis of NIH-supported research grants and cooperative research projects between 2012 and 2017 found that only 16.7% of projects and 22.6% of funding supported investigations focused on primary prevention or secondary prevention (treatment) of disease in humans ( 117 ). And, among this subset, only 7.8% included a focus on diet ( 118 ). Thus, this careful analysis suggests that only 1.3% of all research projects supported by NIH in recent years focused on the role of diet in the prevention or treatment of disease in humans ( 119 ). Another recent NIH analysis evaluated the leading risk factors and causes of death and disability in the US, compared with NIH funding on these factors, and concluded that large mismatches exist between the top causes of poor health versus research funding to address them, with the largest gap being for nutrition ( 120 ).

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Trends in NIH investments in total nutrition research based on data from the NIH, Hathi Trust, and the Government Publishing Office ( 12 ) (top panel) and the 2020 NIH analysis of the percentage of NIH's prevention research projects focused on leading risk factors for death in the US compared with the percentage of deaths caused by these leading risk factors in the US ( 120 ) (bottom panel). Top panel adapted from POLITICO Pro Datapoint ( 12 ), with graphic design support courtesy of Ink&Pixel Agency.

Over the years, NIH has aimed to coordinate the diverse nutrition science research being conducted or supported across the agency through a range of initiatives, including recent efforts to help accelerate the science of obesity research ( Supplemental Table 3 ) ( 121 ). In 1975, the NIH Nutrition Coordinating Committee (NCC) was established within the NIH Office of the Director to improve nutrition research coordination and communications within NIH and across the federal government ( 122 ). In 1993, NCC was moved from the Office of the Director, the highest level of leadership within NIH, into one of the institutes, NIDDK, where NIH Division of Nutrition Research Coordination (DNRC) was established ( 123 ). The DNRC comprised ∼10 full-time employees, more than half with PhDs. In 2015, DNRC was disbanded and transitioned from an NIDDK Division into an NIDDK Office, the Office of Nutrition Research (ONR) ( 123 ) [within NIDDK, a lower organizational stature and size than a division ( 124 )]. The ONR now comprises 2 PhD-level scientists and 3 other staffers ( 125 ). The ONR hosts the renamed and slightly restructured NIH Nutrition Research Coordinating Committee (NRCC) ( 122 ). In 2016, one of the main tasks of ONR was to develop the first overall NIH strategic plan to expand mission-specific nutrition research ( 123 ). The NIH Nutrition Research Task Force was established later in 2016 to guide the development and implementation of the first NIH-wide strategic plan for nutrition research for the next 10 y ( 126 ). A draft plan was released for public comment in the Fall of 2018—the original date the final plan was to be made public ( 127 , 128 ).

The final 2020–2030 Strategic Plan for NIH Nutrition Research was released in May 2020. Including several themes from the 2016 National Nutrition Research Roadmap ( 11 ) (see “ICHNR” section below), this first-of-its-kind NIH plan is organized around 4 strategic goals ( 129 ):

Spur discovery and innovation through foundational research: What do we eat and how does it affect us?
Investigate the role of dietary patterns and behaviors in optimal health: What and when should we eat?
Define the role of nutrition across the lifespan: How does what we eat promote health across the lifespan?
Reduce the burden of disease in clinical settings: How can we improve the use of food as medicine?

The NIH plan includes 5 cross-cutting areas: minority health and health disparities; health of women; rigor and reproducibility; data science, systems science, and artificial intelligence; and training the nutrition scientific workforce ( 130 ). Examples of priority objectives in the 4 strategic areas include to investigate bioinformatic gaps in nutrition-related genes and pathways, diet-host-microbiome interrelationships, new tools for microbiome and precision nutrition research, mechanisms of interindividual variability in responses to food-based dietary patterns, influence of diet on infant developmental and health outcomes, the role of nutrition in older adults to promote healthy aging, and interactions between drugs, diseases, and nutrition to improve clinical care and outcomes, among others. How new NIH funding streams, leadership, coordination structures, or other implementation strategies may help achieve these important goals were not detailed. Also in May 2020, the trans-NIH Precision Nutrition Working Group of the NIH Common Fund, in collaboration with the NIH Nutrition Research Task Force, published a request for information on the challenges and opportunities in precision nutrition research ( 130 ). The NIH Common Fund is planning a potential program in Precision Nutrition for fiscal year 2021 ( 131 ), potentially similar to other Common Fund–supported endeavors such as the All of US Research Program and the NIH Human Microbiome Project (see “Options” section below).

Starting in 1895, Dr. Wilbur Atwater's pioneering work at USDA laid much of the groundwork for modern nutrition science in the US as well as many current USDA nutrition research programs ( 132 ). The USDA is the second largest federal funder of nutrition-relevant research, with activities across multiple agencies ( Table 1 ) ( 133 ). The Farm Bill requires the Secretary of USDA to establish and support food and human nutrition research as a distinct mission of the Department, including coordinating nutrition research within the Department and with agencies across the federal government, as well as using formalized mechanisms for external input. The USDA also has a major focus on implementing federal nutrition programs to segments of the public, which constitute the majority of USDA's budget. The importance of the nutrition assistance and associated nutrition education programs for improving food security and health and preventing disease in low-income populations creates a particularly important need to integrate and connect nutrition research from within and outside USDA to inform and guide policy development for these programs.

The agencies in USDA's Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area work to integrate research, analysis, and education to create a safe, sustainable, competitive US food and agricultural system and strong, healthy communities, families, and youth ( 134 ). REE science agencies include the ARS, NIFA, ERS, and National Agricultural Statistics Service ( 135 ). The ARS’ Human Nutrition Program emphasizes food-based approaches for health, including a core network of 6 internationally recognized Human Nutrition Research Centers with scientists, equipment, and facilities for long-term, multidisciplinary, translational research ( 136 , 137 ). NIFA supports postsecondary education at 113 land-grant colleges and universities (Public Law 37–130), as well as 21 historically black colleges and universities (Public Law 51–841) and 37 tribal colleges and universities (Public Law 89–329) ( 138–141 ). While federal funding for these schools initially focused on agricultural research and extension, over time these schools have increasingly focused on human nutrition and food research and extension nutrition education, although the recent growth in research is largely through additional competitive grant mechanisms rather than direct NIFA support to the Agricultural Experiment Station. NIFA further supports extramural nutrition research, often with a focus on integrating agricultural considerations with promotion of health and decreasing health disparities; this work includes funding projects aiming to identify environmental and behavioral factors that act as barriers to consumption of a high-quality diet, while identifying factors that promote healthy eating behaviors (e.g., increasing home access and availability of fruits and vegetables) ( 142 ). The ERS’ food and nutrition research aims to study demographic, social, economic, and informational determinants of adequacy and healthfulness of the American diet, related health outcomes, and corresponding health care expenditures ( 11 , 143 ). This research includes examining interactions among consumers, food industry, and government as they relate to the food supply, markets, and access; food choice and its impact on diet quality; federal regulations and other aspects of food policy; and the USDA's nutrition assistance programs in meeting public policy and nutrition goals.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the only agency of the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services mission area. The FNS administers 15 domestic nutrition assistance programs, conducts some limited research, and makes use of nutrition research sponsored by other federal agencies to help assess and improve these programs. And, as discussed in the cross-governmental section below, the USDA FNS Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) conducts the evidence analysis for the DGAs, including nutrition evidence systematic reviews, data analysis, and food pattern modeling, and develops the corresponding consumer-facing education tools (e.g., MyPlate) ( 144 , 145 ).

USDA investments in research and statistics, including nutrition, have fallen below 1980s levels in constant dollars ( Figure 3 ) ( 12 , 146 ). Indeed, as a percentage of GDP, public investment in agrifood (agriculture and food combined) research and development (4.2%) and particularly food research and development (1%) was lower in 2018 than pharmaceutical research and development (4.9%) ( 147 ). The US fell behind China in public agricultural research in 2009, and now only invests half the amount as China ( 148 ). US public sector funding for agricultural research and development is also lower than India, Western Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region including Canada, using constant 2011 purchasing-power parity ( 148 ). Yet, growth in productivity in the farm sector has come almost exclusively from science-based innovations ( 146 ). Declines in US public funding for food and agriculture research and development “risks national competitiveness, long-term cutting-edge scientific discovery, and the next generation talent pipeline” ( 147 ). Specific to nutrition, as one example, the ARS budget for human nutrition research and monitoring, including funding for 6 important extramural and intramural Human Nutrition Centers nationally, has been flat since 1980 in constant dollars ( Figure 5 ) ( 132 ). In addition, 2 USDA research and statistical agencies that include nutrition research—ERS and NIFA—were relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, at the start of fiscal year 2020 and lost 50% (ERS) and 71% (NIFA) of their workforce ( 149 ). A recent Congressional Research Service analysis reported the leadership positions at NIFA and ERS have been staffed primarily by acting officials since the relocation and indicated that Congress may be interested in how NIFA and ERS are meeting their responsibilities with reduced workforces and as new staff are potentially hired ( 150 ). These trends demonstrate declining investments in science to advance US food and agriculture to increase health, sustain our natural resources, and stimulate rural economic development.

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Trends in USDA ARS investments for total nutrition research based on data from the USDA, Hathi Trust, and the Government Publishing Office ( 12 ) (top panel) and for human nutrition research and monitoring for fiscal years 1978–2010 based on data from the USDA ( 132 ) (bottom panel). In the bottom panel, shaded bars represent absolute yearly funding (millions of dollars) and open bars represent funding adjusted to 1978 dollars ( https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl ). ARS, Agricultural Research Service; FY, fiscal year. Top panel adapted from POLITICO Pro Datapoint ( 12 ), with graphic design support courtesy of Ink&Pixel Agency.

The USDA has aimed to coordinate nutrition research within and outside the department in many different ways ( Supplemental Table 4 ) ( 132 ). The Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–198) required the Secretary of Agriculture to submit to Congress “a comprehensive plan for implementing a national nutrition research program, including recommendations relating to research directions, educational activities, and funding levels necessary to carry out such a plan.” This plan was submitted to Congress in 1986, but no new legislative mandates or change in mission resulted from this report ( 132 , 151 , 152 ). In 1993, USDA revised its human nutrition program coordination structure and developed a Human Nutrition Policy Committee that reported to the Secretary's Policy Coordination Council and a USDA Human Nutrition Coordinating Committee (HNCC) that reported to the Policy Committee. The Human Nutrition Policy Committee has not been active since the late 1990s. HNCC is chaired by an ARS representative and vice-chaired by an FNS representative and includes members from a variety of USDA agencies with additional liaisons from HHS. Over the last 2 decades, HNCC has generally met quarterly. Each March, HNCC coordinates National Nutrition Month activities at USDA and functions as the steering committee for the website Nutrition.gov ( 153 ). USDA Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) was established by Congress in 2008 (Public Law 110–234) “to provide strategic coordination of the science that informs USDA's and the federal government's decisions, policies, and regulations that impact all aspects of US food and agriculture and related landscapes and communities.” ( 154 ) The OCS advises USDA's Chief Scientist and the Secretary of Agriculture in multiple areas, including the following: Agricultural Systems and Technology; Animal Health and Production, and Animal Products; Plant Health and Production, and Plant Products; Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health; and Agricultural Economics and Rural Communities. By statute, OCS is primarily staffed by detailed staff from other departments and agencies across the government for potentially up to 3 years. In 2017, OCS hosted the first-of-its-kind USDA Intra-Departmental Nutrition Workshop Series and identified major gaps and needs to strengthen coordination of USDA nutrition research. These gaps and needs included the following: assessing existing and potential new means of coordination and collaboration; developing new interdepartmental working groups and interest groups; identifying new and improved ways to enhance coordination with USDA food safety efforts; better utilizing the HNCC; and hosting overviews of USDA nutrition relevant databases and related data science trainings and resources. The chair of this workshop series was detailed to OCS for 1 y and completed the detail a few months after this workshop. A 2019 GAO report noted there are currently no plans for another intradepartmental meeting on nutrition ( 155 ).

In 2020, USDA put forth a new Science Blueprint for the next 5 y to help promote synergy across the department for prioritized objectives and strategies ( 156 ). This Blueprint includes specific objectives in nutrition and health promotion, such as to develop and update the current evidence base to promote proper macro- and micronutrient intake among critical age groups or life stages, such as women who are pregnant or lactating, infants, children, adolescents, working-age adults, tribal members, and seniors; provide guidance and incentives to promote healthier eating patterns so that the US can reduce incidence of, and morbidity from, obesity and diet-related chronic diseases; promote food systems that reduce the prevalence and severity of food insecurity; and expand understanding about the impacts of USDA nutrition assistance programs on human health, communities, and the economy. The USDA Science Blueprint has objectives related to infrastructure, innovation, and well-being: to develop and evaluate methods to increase access to low-cost and nutritious food as well as sustain efficient agriculture and bioeconomy systems in rural communities; and to evaluate alternative systems that may improve the quality, resiliency, and sustainability of food, fiber, forest, and fuel supplies. The USDA also set forth objectives to work toward being a “beacon for science”: to encourage a global conversation and facilitate such discussion within decision-making bodies about literacy in agriculture, food, forestry, health, and science; advocate globally for the development of science-based, international and domestic standards, regulatory approaches, and policies, including those guiding the development of new and emerging technologies; develop an effective and diverse US agriculture workforce that contributes to safer, healthier, vibrant, sustainable, and innovative communities; enhance the capacities of USDA and other institutions in workforce development, with attention towards developing scientists and practitioners familiar with developing technologies and innovative practices; and develop and expand degree, certificate, curriculum, and youth programs that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into instruction, considering real-world challenges relevant to agriculture and food science. How new federal funding streams, leadership, or coordination structures may help achieve these laudable goals were not addressed in the report. On 20 February 2020, the Secretary of Agriculture put forth a new Agriculture Innovation Agenda, a department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands. Benchmarks of success included reducing US food loss and waste by 50% by the year 2030 and reducing US nutrient loss in water by 30% by 2050 ( 157 ).

Nutrition research in other federal departments and agencies

In addition to NIH and USDA, many other departments and agencies conduct or utilize nutrition research ( Table 1 ). This section highlights summaries provided by 8 departments and agencies in the Topics of Interest section of the 2016 National Nutrition Research Roadmap, as well as any major developments since then ( 11 ). The Roadmap explained each of the participating ICHNR department and agency's missions, roles and responsibilities, and mechanisms for supporting and/or using nutrition research; many include histories and contemporary overviews of research needs and interests.

The DoD, for example, focuses on nutrition's role in human performance and resilience. At the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, DoD supports scientists and technologists conducting innovative research to develop foods and combat rations that are nutritious, palatable, and nonperishable ( 158 ). In Natick, the Combat Feeding Directorate, a part of the Combat Capabilities Development Command of the US Army Futures Command, provides DoD with a joint-service program responsible for research, development, testing, and integration and engineering for materiel solutions such as combat rations, food service equipment technology, and combat feeding systems. The Military Nutrition Division (MND) of the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, a part of the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Development Command, also of the US Army Futures Command is co-located in Natick with the Combat Feeding Directorate. The MND conducts research that provides the biomedical science basis for warfighter nutritional requirements utilized for the development of rations, menus, policies and programs that enable warfighter health and performance, evaluates warfighter nutritional status, and examines interactions between nutrition, health, performance and the operational environment. The Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (DoD's health sciences university) conducts various nutrition-related research on the nutrition environment (Go For Green and the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool) and tests strategies to mitigate the consequences of environmental and/or physiological stressors and sustain physical and cognitive performance. CHAMP is also extensively involved in dietary supplement research—from beneficial ingredients to those that could compromise force readiness. Both MND and CHAMP collaborate on projects whenever possible to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness.

NASA conducts nutrition research to understand the dietary requirements of space travelers and the role of nutrition in human adaptation to microgravity, each critical to crew safety and mission success. The CDC addresses population nutrition through surveillance, intramural and extramural research, and translation of research into program implementation. The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, among other activities ( 159 ). The FDA works to foster an environment to promote healthy and safe food choices through several actions. This includes providing and supporting accurate and useful nutrition information and education to customers, monitoring and assessing emerging nutrition science and changes in the composition of foods in the marketplace in relation to the health status of Americans, and encouraging and facilitating new products and product reformulation to promote a healthier food supply. To achieve this mission, FDA depends heavily on federal nutrition research from other departments and agencies and also conducts its own research activities, such as consumer studies to support nutrition labeling and claims, assessments of constituents of the food supply, development of methods for analyzing food constituents, surveys on health, analyses of dietary intake, monitoring of adverse events from dietary foods and supplements, and cost–benefit analyses of various nutrition regulatory activities. The VA is home to the largest integrated health care system in the US. Known as the VHA, this system includes ∼150 medical centers and 1400 community-based outpatient clinics, community living centers, Vet Centers, and domiciles. The VHA Office of Research and Development supports a range of projects that relate to nutrition including The Million Veteran Program, which aims to build one of the largest databases of genetic, military exposure, lifestyle, and health information. USAID adopts, adapts, modifies, and increases the information, evidence, practices, and technologies of US institutions in human nutrition to be applicable to USAID target populations in developing countries as a key plank of US diplomacy and security. Demonstrating its increased prioritization of nutrition, USAID recently hired its first Chief Nutritionist, who aims to galvanize support for the December 2020 Nutrition for Growth Summit and secure commitments from partner countries, private sectors, and nongovernmental organizations to accelerate progress on improving nutrition worldwide ( 160 ).

There are a variety of other federal departments and agencies that are not a member of ICHNR that engage with and leverage nutrition research, such as, but not limited to, HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), HHS Office of the Surgeon General, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Departments of Veterans Affairs, Education, Energy, Transportation, Labor, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Justice.

Current Efforts for Cross-Governmental Nutrition Research Coordination

Given the diverse investments in nutrition research across separate federal departments and agencies, several initiatives have aimed to better coordinate these efforts. Major initiatives are summarized below.

In 1977, Congress recognized the need and called for improved coordination of human nutrition research (Public Law 95–113) ( Supplemental Text 1 ). Congress further requested its Office of Technology Assessment to review existing federal human nutrition research, with findings published in the 1978 report Nutrition Research Alternatives ( 106 ). This report found that federal nutrition research programs had failed to deal with the changing health problems of the American people. In response, Congress chartered the Joint Subcommittee on Human Nutrition Research (JSHNR), under the aegis of OSTP, who, in a 1980 report, recommended an improved planning system to coordinate federal nutrition research ( 161 ). In 1982, the GAO was also asked to review federal nutrition research and concluded that the government had no overall federal nutrition plan with specific goals or unified and coordinated strategies, while acknowledging the ongoing work of USDA, HHS, and OSTP to develop a coordinated planning system ( 162 ).

In 1983, JSHNR completed its review and recommendations, leading to the formation of the ICHNR. The aim of ICHNR was to fill the identified gaps of insufficient planning and coordination and achieve “the pursuit of new knowledge to improve the understanding of nutrition as it relates to human health and disease … in 5 major areas: biomedical and behavioral sciences, food sciences, nutrition monitoring and surveillance, nutrition education, and impact on nutrition of intervention programs and socioeconomic factors” ( 161 ). ICHNR co-chairs are the HHS Assistant Secretary for Health and USDA Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics (who is also USDA Chief Scientist)—positions filled by Presidential appointment with Senate confirmation. ICHNR includes representatives from multiple federal departments and agencies ( Table 1 ).

After some early collaborative successes, ICHNR had a ≥10-y hiatus ( Supplemental Table 5 ). Reassembled in 2013, ICHNR recognized the need for a new effort to coordinate federal nutrition research. This resulted in a new strategic plan, the National Nutrition Research Roadmap 2016–2021: Advancing Nutrition Research to Improve and Sustain Health ( 11 ). The Roadmap was framed around 3 questions:

How can we better understand and define eating patterns to improve and sustain health?
What can be done to help people choose healthy eating patterns?
How can we develop and engage innovative methods and systems to accelerate discoveries in human nutrition?

Across these 3 questions, 11 topical areas were identified based on population impact, feasibility given current technological capacities, and emerging scientific opportunities ( Supplemental Figure 1 ) within which 120 short- and long-term research and resource initiatives were defined. Each of the participating ICHNR departments or agencies also briefly described their own interests in the Roadmap's 11 topical areas ( Supplemental Figure 2 ). The Roadmap also identified gaps in the US nutrition research workforce and put forth recommendations for developing a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce able to advance nutritional sciences research.

Notably, the Roadmap did not include any data, findings, or recommendations on current or new nutrition research investment levels, leadership, or structures ( 11 ). Thus, the Roadmap lacked any prioritization between the 120 identified initiatives, due to variable and nonharmonized funding criteria, priorities, and capacities across federal, nonprofit, and private-sector research agencies in the US and globally. This may be why a 2017 analysis found only early signs of implementation of the Roadmap among ICHNR member departments and agencies ( 163 ). ICHNR recognized that further engagement with the extramural scientific community and leveraging existing or new public–private partnerships would be important to achieving the Roadmap's goals ( 163 ). Currently, ICHNR has a narrower focus, meeting about twice per year to discuss the DGAs, DRIs, and a potential new federal database of nutrition research projects. There are few other indicators of current use or monitoring of the Roadmap's aims or progress ( 164 ). Although ICHNR is the current major entity charged with improving coordination among federal departments and agencies engaged in nutrition research ( 164 ), several structural challenges have limited its impact. These include lack of any strong or consistent connection to the White House, no specific budget appropriations, no mechanism for reporting to Congress, and absence of any well-supported infrastructure for external advisory input on cross-governmental strategies for nutrition research.

National food and nutrition monitoring and surveillance

National monitoring and surveillance are integral to nutrition research and translation. Several CDC and other federal collaborations ( Supplemental Table 6 ) and USDA efforts ( Supplemental Table 4 ) focus on food and nutrition monitoring and surveillance surveys and related research ( Supplemental Table 7 ). These federal efforts began with an international focus to lend expertise and capacity to developing nations to help them develop nutritional assessment and data-informed food and nutrition policy and programmatic responses, such as food fortification and research and training in nutritional sciences ( 165 ). For example, in 1955, the Interdepartmental Committee on Nutrition for National Defense was formed after malnutrition was identified to be common among the troops of Korea and China ( 166 , 167 ). After initial emphasis on surveillance of nutrition programs among military personnel, this Committee expanded focus to civilians in countries of “special interest,” ultimately conducting surveys in 33 developing countries ( 165 ). In 1967, this international surveillance program was reorganized in response to Congressional amendments to focus on domestic hunger and malnutrition. In 1968, the Ten State Nutrition Survey identified severe malnutrition in several low-income US states ( 168 ), stimulating Congressional hearings regarding hunger and the formation of the US Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Related Needs. In 1969, President Nixon commissioned the first and still only White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health, which put numerous concrete recommendations that led to expansion and standardization of school lunch and Food Stamps, and the creation of school breakfast and the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ( 13 , 169 ).

In 1990, Congress (Public Law 101–445) created the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program (NNMRRP), with aims to produce a comprehensive, coordinated program for nutrition monitoring and related research to improve assessment of the US population's health and nutrition. Congress required this program to achieve coordination of federal monitoring efforts within 10 y, guided by a new Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research (IBNMRR) and a 9-member National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council. The IBNMRR convened between 1991 and 2002, co-chaired by HHS Assistant Secretary for Health and USDA Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics, and was charged with designing and implementing a 10-y comprehensive plan for planning and coordinating the activities of 22 federal agencies that conduct nutrition monitoring and surveillance or related research or are major users of nutrition monitoring data ( 170 ). The IBNMRR published its 10-y plan in 1993, and summarized ongoing federal nutrition monitoring in its Directory of Federal and State Nutrition Monitoring Activities in 1989, 1992, 1998, and 2000 ( 171 , 172 ). The impact of this plan is difficult to quantify, although in its first 5 y, 97 proposed and final regulations citing NNMRRP data were published in the Federal Register ( 173 ). When this program ended in 2002, federal nutrition monitoring efforts returned to being decentralized, without explicit coordination ( 11 , 174–176 ). Current national nutrition monitoring and surveillance systems face fiscal, infrastructure, and coordination challenges that limit their capacity to respond to evolving data needs, technological advances, and demographic shifts (e.g., barriers to provide sufficient national data for the Congressional mandate in the 2020–2025 DGAs to include infants and women who are pregnant or lactating) ( 177 , 178 ).

A key cross-departmental nutrition-related activity is the DGAs, the cornerstone for many federal nutrition programs and policies ( Supplemental Table 8 ) ( 179 ). The National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–445) requires the DGAs be reviewed by the Secretaries of both USDA and HHS. Since 1995, a memorandum of understanding between the 2 departments provides a framework for this joint USDA–HHS endeavor, with each department alternating in leading each 5-y edition ( 180 ). Regardless of departmental lead, the USDA CNPP conducts the evidence analysis and develops the corresponding consumer-facing education tools ( 144 , 145 ). The HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) aims to provide technical expertise and develop DGA-related resources for health professionals.

Both agencies’ efforts are constrained by limited funding and staff dedicated to the DGAs ( 144 ). In mandating the DGAs, Congress (Public Law 101–445) did not authorize or appropriate any regular funding for the DGA process nor, importantly, for the fundamental research, monitoring, and surveillance processes necessary for developing and translating dietary guidance, among other national needs. For example, there is no consistent funding source to develop the nation's DRIs, which are foundational to the DGAs, nor to ensure sufficient research to develop the necessary evidence base for updates of either the DGAs or DRIs. Successive DGACs from the 1980 edition onwards have documented persistent, major research gaps for setting evidence-based guidelines ( 181 ). Consistent funding also does not exist to review the impact of the DGAs on the public's understanding of nutrition, food choices, or health, or on the impact on other stakeholders ( 181–183 ).

In response to concerns that the DGA process may require updated processes and coordination, in 2016 Congress instructed the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to review and make recommendations to the process for updating the DGAs (Public Law 114–113). First, in February 2017, NASEM released “Optimizing the Process for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: The Selection Process” ( 184 ). This report provided recommendations for how the advisory committee process can be improved to provide more transparency, eliminate bias, and include committee members with a range of viewpoints. The second report released in September 2017 was entitled “Redesigning the Process for Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans” ( 182 ). This report identified the following specific opportunities for improvement in the DGA process: more consistent interpretation of purpose and target audiences of the DGA, greater transparency of the overall process, and more rigorous methodological approaches to the evaluation of the evidence. The USDA-HHS responded to NASEM recommendations in September 2018 indicating changes they will be making in the development of the 2020–2025 DGAs, such as asking for public comments on the topics and scientific questions to be examined in the review of the evidence supporting the development of the next edition ( 185 ).

In part to respond to these recommendations, the FY2019 appropriations bill provided a one-time allocation of $12.3 million to CNPP, divided over 3 y, to support the 2020–2025 DGAs ( 186 ). These one-time funds are supporting a limited set of systematic reviews of published evidence, but not any new research to address critical knowledge gaps. As previously noted, only ∼1.3% of NIH-supported research focuses on diet for the prevention or treatment of disease in humans, and furthermore, among these, only about half of the projects relate to key research gaps identified by the 2015 DGAC ( 117–119 ). In addition, while the 2014 Farm Bill (Public Law 113–79) mandated that the DGAs include, for the first time, food-based nutrition guidance for infants and toddlers aged 0–24 mo and women who are pregnant or lactating (prior DGAs did not include or consider these critical populations), no funding was authorized or appropriated to support this new mandate. Given the first-ever focus of the 2020–2025 DGAs on these important populations, it is expected that the 2020 DGAC will identify even more knowledge gaps for setting national dietary guidance than prior editions ( 187 ).

In 1990, Congress specified that the DGAs focus on the general public, not on specific nutritional recommendations for individuals suffering from diet-related conditions (Public Law 101–445). However, highlighting the scale and scope of diet-related illness, only 12% of US adults are metabolically healthy (as defined by blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference). Thus, the DGAs’ general focus may exclude the specific dietary needs of the great majority of the US population. Until 2014, the NIH supported the development of evidence reviews and dietary guidance for patients with health issues such as overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol, among others ( 188 , 189 ). These reviews were used by DGACs with input and endorsement from >25 professional groups. The NIH ceased these reports in 2014, in part because the CDC's mandate deals with disease prevention activities and the mandate of the HHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) includes development of systematic evidence reviews to inform clinical practice guidelines ( 189–191 ). Certain nongovernmental professional and clinical organizations provide nutrition guidance for populations with or at risk for various chronic conditions, but these various recommendations are not coordinated ( 192 , 193 ). The current 2020 DGAC process excludes—for the first time—the use of existing high-quality nongovernmental systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted by peer-reviewed researchers and major professional organizations. Little work has been done to understand the short- or long-term implications of NIH's shift in 2014 away from dietary guidance for populations with disease conditions, or whether CDC and AHRQ efforts are addressing this gap. Thus, currently no federal entity takes the lead on the development of evidence reviews or dietary guidance for patients with diet-related health conditions. Several organizations, including AND, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Hispanic Medical Association, recently formed the Food4Health Alliance to advocate for additional federal nutrition guidelines tailored to the needs of tens of millions of Americans who have diet-related diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that also disproportionately affect minorities and underserved communities ( 194 ).

In addition to the lack of consistent funding and staff for the evidence reviews, fundamental research, monitoring, and surveillance processes needed to develop and translate dietary guidance, concerns have been raised that the process of updating the DGAs every 5 y is not protected from political or external influences (e.g., political appointees, Congress, food and beverage industries, agribusiness interests, advocacy groups) ( 182 , 184 , 195 ). A coordinated federal approach and authority for nutrition research could help strengthen the process for objective and independent development, review, and dissemination of the best science evidence to the American public in the DGAs for both healthy individuals and those with major diet-related illnesses, as well as for the evaluation of corresponding intended and unintended impacts of these guidelines and needed changes to improve these impacts.

DRIs provide specific targets for intakes of relevant nutrients for the general population ( 196 ). The first DRIs were created by Presidential mandate in 1941 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned scientists to generate new minimum dietary requirements for the population to be prepared for World War II ( 197 ). In 1943, the first RDAs (a type of DRI) were published, providing science-based guidelines for target intakes of total calories, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and a few vitamins ( 198 ). Although DRIs are foundational to DGAs, the Nutrition Facts label, and other federal policies, there is no dedicated funding stream or statutory requirement for updating DRIs. Since the 1940s, DRIs have been updated sporadically dependent on available funding support provided by Congress to federal agencies (e.g., NIH and CDC) and, since the 1990s, additional contributions by the Canadian government ( 199 ). NASEM leads the updating of any DRI when requested by the federal government or instructed by Congress. Recently, a NASEM Consensus Study Report determined that crucial research gaps for setting DRIs remain largely unaddressed ( 200 ). Another challenge is there is no generally accepted process for deriving dietary reference values, which has led to several-fold differences in international recommendations and decreases their credibility ( 201 , 202 ). The ICHNR DRI Subcommittee recommended that $2 million annually be placed and held in an agency's budget (e.g., ARS, CDC, and/or NIH) to establish a consistent funding stream for setting and updating of DRIs ( 203 ); this recommendation has not been implemented.

Food and nutrition regulatory activities

Nutrition research is foundational for diverse federal, tribal, state, and local food and nutrition regulatory activities including labeling, health claims, food marketing, and oversight of food additives and other constituents ( 204 ). For example, Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101–535) authorized the Secretary of HHS to provide consumers with accurate nutrition information on food labels, giving rise to the Nutrition Facts panel. In 1994, the GAO recommended that USDA and FDA work together to perform laboratory analyses to independently verify the accuracy of nutrition labels; review labels for compliance with formatting requirements, nutrient content claims, and health claims; work with companies to correct identified inaccuracies; and where appropriate, pursue legal action against products with inappropriate labels ( 205 ). Since that time, USDA and FDA, among other federal departments and agencies, have needed to work together on these topics. Examples include the determination that partially hydrogenated oils (high in industrial trans fat) were no longer Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), for which NIH- and USDA-funded research, CDC surveillance data, and HHS regulatory reviews supported the FDA determination ( 206 ); and FDA's amendment of the food additive regulations to change the standard of identity of enriched flour and corn masa flour ( 207 ) to allow folic acid fortification to help prevent neural tube defects in developing infants, which required similar inputs from diverse federal research, surveillance, and regulatory efforts. Another example is the 2016 Nutrition Facts updates (e.g., requiring labeling of added sugar) based on new scientific research, updated DGAs, consensus reports, and national survey data, along with input obtained through proposed rulemaking processes ( 208 , 209 ).

In 2018, FDA announced their Nutrition Innovation Strategy that outlined key activities to take a “fresh look” at what can be done to reduce diet-related chronic diseases ( 210 ). Key elements included the following: modernizing claims such as “healthy,” modernizing ingredient labels and standards of identity, implementing the Nutrition Facts Label and Menu Labeling, reducing sodium, and expanding nutrition education (e.g., launching a new Nutrition Facts label education campaign). For example, FDA agreed with a petition that its definition of “healthy,” central for marketing regulations, was scientifically outdated and inconsistent with the DGAs and advancing research ( 211 ). Insufficient scientific evidence on dietary supplement contents, health effects, and potential risks limits the FDA's ability to provide oversight for this $40 billon/y industry ( 212–214 ). As another example, there is no DRI or listing on Nutrition Facts for many compounds that appear relevant for health such as omega-3 fatty acids, phenolics, and other phytonutrients ( 212 , 215 ). Further, many processing methods and additives banned in the European Union are permitted in the US, based on insufficient science for a definitive determination by FDA ( 216 ).

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has not been able to engage in any research on the impacts of food marketing to children in nearly 10 y ( 11 ). Congress prohibited FTC from completing their joint study with FDA, CDC, and USDA on nutrition standards for food marketing to children, even though this Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children was established by the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Public Law 111–8) ( 11 ). Taken together, these FDA and FTC examples, among others, illustrate the crucial role of robust and coordinated federal nutrition research for numerous regulatory decisions and activities.

Federal nutrition education and promotion

Congress requires federal departments and agencies to coordinate review processes to ensure that nutrition education materials produced by the federal government are consistent with the latest DGAs (Public Law 101–445). This process is facilitated by a Dietary Guidance Review Committee, co-chaired by USDA CNPP and HHS ODPHP. More recently, DoD worked with USDA and HHS to integrate DGAs into their Go for Green® joint-service performance-nutrition initiative that aims to improve the food environment where military service members live and work ( 217 ). There is no direct, consistent Congressional investment in nutrition education for the general public, except for limited support of CNPP's dietary guidance translation activities and of USDA Food and Nutrition Service's nutrition education and promotion materials associated with the federal nutrition assistance programs. Over the years, various efforts have examined the impacts of USDA investments in nutrition education and promotion with mixed success ( 218 ). A 2019 GAO evaluation found that USDA administers 5 key programs that provide nutrition education but does not have formal coordination mechanisms for its nutrition education efforts and does not fully leverage the department's nutrition expertise ( 155 ). The GAO recommended that USDA develop a formal mechanism for coordinating nutrition education, improve the information it gathers on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), and take steps to fully leverage the department's expertise for nutrition education efforts.

National nutrition research database

There is no dedicated, consistent funding to identify and track federal investments in nutrition research. In 1981, Congress authorized the Human Nutrition Research and Information Management (HNRIM) system to track funding of nutrition research projects across the federal government (Public Law 97–98). From 1985 to 2015, HNRIM was maintained by NIH and, at its peak, included ≥100,000 records on federal nutrition research and training expenditures. HNRIM was a staff-curated database, with projects identified and classified by expert staff including the proportion of each project actually addressing nutrition. NIH shifted to the more automated NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) system, which is based on NIH's Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system to define and categorize research projects across >200 Congressionally mandated categories (Public Law 109–482). RCDC uses automated text data mining to match federal research projects to spending categories. The RePORTER system then assigns the total dollar amount of any research project that may be related to nutrition to the category of “nutrition research.” Most research projects meet criteria for and are counted across multiple categories. For instance, a single project and its total dollars may be counted as 100% nutrition, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and prevention, among others. Besides NIH systems, a variety of other websites and databases aim to capture federal investments in human nutrition research, each using different methods with uncertain accuracy ( Supplemental Table 9 ).

Current landscape: summary

Significant efforts are occurring across diverse federal departments and agencies to leverage existing personnel and funding and coordinate existing activities to advance nutrition research. However, these efforts are not sufficiently coordinated or expansive enough to address the current and future diet-related disease burdens, or the corresponding health care spending, food insecurity and health disparities; strains on government budgets and American businesses; challenges to military readiness; and intersections with supply chains and sustainability. Many new opportunities exist to be seized, as reviewed next.

The Opportunity

A strengthening of federal nutrition research has significant potential to generate new discoveries to improve and sustain the health of all Americans. We identified and collated multiple specific priority areas that have been set forth by various federal and nongovernmental organizations ( Table 2 , Figure 2 ), and most of these have not been adequately addressed ( 11 , 81 , 147 , 196 , 219–226 ).

Opportunities for enhanced federal nutrition research coordination and investment 1

Cross-governmental strategic planning and prioritization

Advance the science for dietary recommendations to the public )

Leverage new technologies and data science resources and approaches

Advance foundational and basic science knowledge and discoveries

Understand and address diet-related health disparities

Support and enhance translational and implementation science

Coordinate key cross-agency research priorities for nutrition-related investments

Intersections with food production, supply chains, and sustainability

Monitoring and surveillance

Cross-governmental strategic planning and prioritization

An expanded, coordinated federal nutrition research effort could more effectively plan and prioritize scientific discoveries across critical areas. In addition to existing priorities, such an effort would create capacity to quickly identify and address timely new scientific challenges and opportunities as they arise. Improved cross-governmental coordination would also facilitate interdisciplinary research and its societal impact. This would include accelerated translation of scientific findings into practice—for example, relevant for USDA nutrition assistance programs, FDA regulatory activities, CMS health care improvements, CDC public health efforts, DoD and VA priorities for active-duty forces and veterans, USDA agricultural priorities, and additional interests of communities, schools, and worksites. Cross-governmental coordination would also provide leadership to help develop effective public–private partnerships. A coordinated federal nutrition research authority would also facilitate appropriate expertise on review panels to identify meritorious projects and multidisciplinary investigative teams to achieve project goals and foster the development and application of high standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and transparency ( 11 , 227 ).

Greater science for dietary guidance to the public

While current science permits broad recommendations on healthy eating patterns, significant scientific debate and public confusion remain on many topics. As reviewed earlier, the 2015 DGAC identified numerous critical areas for national dietary guidance that require greater scientific evidence ( Supplemental Table 2 ). A 2020 DGAC member described their continuing inability to draw many conclusions from an inadequate evidence base in 2 words: “It's disheartening” ( 228 ). Similar opportunities exist for greater scientific investments to allow regular DRI updates ( 200 ). Additional areas for accelerated research include major food groups for which health effects are currently poorly understood, and the interrelationships between nutrition and the gut microbiome, immunity, epigenetics, vascular health, food allergies, and other physiological systems—all with tremendous implications for human health ( 229–232 ). The complex effects of nutrition on health, the often provocative messages from the media and other influencers, and the many real unanswered and emerging questions in nutrition science have created significant public confusion ( 233 ). As a result, the public is awash with insufficient and conflicting information on many topics, such as on popular diets for weight loss, the effects of caloric restriction or intermittent fasting, and many other topics, with limited rigorous science to provide confident guidance. A broadly expanded and coordinated effort to generate and disseminate scientifically sound nutrition research is an essential need for the American people.

Leverage new technologies and data science

Exponential growth has occurred in technology, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics platforms; personalized and environmental sensors; and other big-data resources. Yet, the implications of these advances for a new era of nutrition research have not been realized. Strategic planning across the federal government would help mobilize limited resources for maximizing this high-cost area of research. As one example, while diverse federal departments and agencies [e.g., NIH, USDA, DoD, FDA, National Science Foundation (NSF), VA] have expressed great interest in personalized or precision nutrition ( 234 ), inadequate funding and coordination have hampered the nation's ability to fully leverage and harness the potential of the powerful, expensive ’omics platforms and related data science advances to develop personalized recommendations ( 235 ). The untapped potential of new technology and data science approaches extends far beyond precision nutrition, with promise for additional basic, clinical, environmental, and public health research on food and nutrition ( 236 ).

Foundational basic science and discovery

Fundamental research in nutrition is essential to accelerate progress but is hampered by the absence of any federal home for its investment and coordination. For example, little is known about the molecular basis of varying nutritional needs across continua from birth to older age, health to disease, or inactive to active lifestyles ( 11 ). Pathways of nutritional influences during the first 1000 days of life, when critical metabolic programming can alter lifelong and possibly epigenerational disease risk, remain critically understudied ( 237 ). Food allergies have exploded among US children, yet with little understanding of their underlying determinants or effective preventive measures ( 238 ). The molecular and metabolic influences of food on aging—including frailty, suppressed immune responses, brain function, sarcopenia, macular degeneration, renal decline, and functional decline—are essential areas of research for an aging population ( 11 ). Thousands of poorly characterized bioactive compounds in foods, such as flavanols and other phenolics, require basic research to elucidate their biochemical and physiologic effects. Accelerated basic research is also essential to assess the molecular and health impacts of other factors such as food additives, gluten, FODMAPS (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols), low-calorie sweeteners, and other food components of public health interest.

Diet-related health disparities

Many health disparities are closely linked to nutritional disparities ( 71–73 , 239 ). Hunger and food insecurity remain pervasive in the US, with great costs for society and our health care system ( 76 , 218 , 240 , 241 ). Yet, while it is now evident that calories alone are an insufficient solution, scientific understanding remains limited on the causal intersections of food insecurity and risk of diet-related chronic diseases, and on the optimal nutritional and other translational approaches to address these challenges ( 78 , 80 , 240 , 242 ). As noted earlier, nutrition-related health disparities experienced by low-income, rural, and minority populations are influenced by a complex and insufficiently understood intersection of individual, sociocultural, and environmental determinants ( 77 , –80 ). Community-based participatory research holds promise as an approach to better understand and address community priorities around nutrition ( 243 , 244 ). Research priorities for greater investment and cross-agency coordination include the influence of context on food-related decisions and behaviors across diverse retail food environments, including but not limited to the influence of price and marketing, food access and availability, transportation options and use, perceptions of neighborhood and traffic safety, rapidly growing online purchasing including with federal nutrition programs, the short- and long-term impacts of the Public Charge Rule on federal nutrition assistance participation, and the influences of past and current discriminatory policies and practices impacting employment opportunities, homeownership, and community development ( 218 , 245–256 ).

Translational and implementation science

Major research initiatives are needed to better understand how eating behaviors can be positively influenced in diverse populations. Translational research must identify optimal strategies to leverage the food environment, including retail settings, schools, worksites, health care systems, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, and federal nutrition assistance programs for better nutrition ( 257 , 258 ). In the 2015 DGAC report, for example, the scientific evidence was considered limited or not assignable for many crucial translational questions, such as whether food insecurity affects body weight; whether acculturation influences diet, body weight, or cardiovascular risk factors; whether menu calorie labels influence food selection or consumption; or whether access to farmers’ markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, or convenience/corner stores influences dietary intakes, diet quality, or body weight ( Supplemental Table 1 ).

Implementation research is also crucial to assess and optimize intended benefits of the numerous federal policies and investments around public communication and education, including the DGAs, food labeling, health claims, menu labeling, and SNAP-Ed. This should include coordinated research efforts on evidence-based nutrition education and promotion strategies for healthy populations (the current focus of the DGAs), those with specific diet-related illnesses (the majority of the US population, but not included in the DGAs), and those with resource limitations and food insecurity ( 194 , 259 , 260 ). Understanding how and why effectiveness of communication channels may vary, such as according to print or health literacy, numeracy, culture, income, or neighborhood (e.g., food access), is critical. Effective approaches to increase nutrition science literacy can be assessed through new and enhanced research collaborations, such as between the DoE, USDA, NIH, and CDC. As one example, enhanced collaborations with DoE could include efforts to study potential improvements to food-, nutrition-, and health education–related curricula, testing, school environments, and teacher preparation. In addition, more research is needed across the policy development and dissemination spectrum to advance our understanding of efficacy, cost-effectiveness, equity, and feasibility of policy, systems changes, and environmental supports that promote healthy eating ( 241 , 261– 263 ). Coordinated interagency research is also needed on the effects and appropriateness of food marketing to children (e.g., between the FTC, CDC, FDA, and USDA). Together, such research can inform both current and alternative federal approaches for disseminating evidence-based information to inform choice and reduce confusion among a public hungering for scientifically sound guidance.

Translational research is also needed to leverage allied health professionals and the health care infrastructure to reduce diet-related illnesses. Innovative translational and implementation science research has tremendous potential to strengthen medical nutrition therapy led by registered dietitian nutritionists for an array of acute and chronic diseases and conditions ( 11 , 264–267 ). Many other promising strategies warrant significant research, including the following: expanding the integration of food security and diet quality assessments into electronic medical records or Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, updating of medical and other health care licensing and certification standards to include nutrition education, assessing health and cost impacts of medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, and leveraging Medicaid flexible benefit services and Medicare Advantage for better nutrition and health ( 268 , 269 ). The rapidly growing private and public interest and investment in such “Food is Medicine” approaches must be informed by robust research. Strengthened coordination of research priorities and investments across CMS, CMMI, CDC, Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), NIH, and USDA, among others, can inform how best to engage in these strategies together with the allied health community in real-time. In addition, more research is needed across the policy development and dissemination spectrum to advance our understanding of efficacy, cost-effectiveness, equity, and feasibility of policy, systems changes, and environmental supports that promote healthy eating.

Key cross-agency research priorities for nutrition-related investments

Coordinated research is also important to better leverage the many federal investments in nutrition. This includes the $27 billion annual investment in USAID, 1 of the 3 foundational pillars for promoting and protecting US national security interests abroad, for which expanded research in nutrition and agricultural innovation is central ( 11 , 270 , 271 ). The DoD also has key nutrition research priorities around human performance and military readiness that would benefit from cross-agency coordination ( 11 ). Increased investment in nutrition research would also benefit many active-duty families who suffer from diet-related chronic illnesses as well as often coexisting food insecurity ( 87–91 ). The majority of veterans receiving care at VHA, the largest integrated health care system in the US, suffer from ≥1 diet-related conditions ( 86 ). NASA conducts some of its own nutrition research but relies heavily on other federal departments and agencies to help define nutrient requirements and healthy eating strategies for extended space exploration ( 11 ). Other cross-governmental opportunities for coordinated nutrition research include how best to strengthen and leverage the nearly $100 billion annual national investment in USDA nutrition assistance programs ( 241 ) and research on food safety, a joint FDA and USDA priority. Many other FDA regulatory actions require robust research findings, yet are often limited by incomplete evidence. This includes decisions on Nutrition Facts labeling, front-of-pack labels, restaurant menu labeling, health claims, dietary supplements, food additives, standards of identity (e.g., around plant-based dairy and meat alternatives), and cellular agriculture ( 210 ). An expanded federal nutrition research effort to better support regulatory actions could create renewed industry support for nutrition research as well as interest in developing innovative public–private partnerships ( 272 ).

Intersections with food production, supply chains, and sustainability

The federal government has many priorities around US farming, rural development, food production, food manufacturing, and supply chains ( 9 , 156 , 157 ). Nutrition research intersects with each of these, such as on how to increase production of and access to affordable, healthful food; develop technologies and collaborations to produce new high-value products for farmers and food manufacturers; foster public–private partnerships for innovation and adoption of novel technologies; and expand technology development and other entrepreneurship efforts between academic institutions and small businesses ( 147 ). As summarized in earlier sections, fundamental research questions are also emerging on how food production jointly intersects with human and planetary health, including effects of different strategies for plant and animal breeding, livestock and farming practices, regenerative agriculture, production of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, and cellular agriculture ( 11 , 156 , 273 ).

Monitoring and surveillance

Nutrition-related monitoring and surveillance are critical to inform nutrition research, which then bidirectionally guides surveillance priorities ( 11 , 274 ). The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the fragmented and often incomplete national infra-structure for monitoring food- and nutrition-related questions in real time, including, for example, information on local, regional, and national food insecurity; dietary choices; diet-related health disparities; neighborhood food environments; and supply chains ( 3–9 ). Expanded and modernized monitoring and surveillance are essential components of a strategy to strengthen and better coordinate federal nutrition research.

Return on investment

The ROI for federal research has been documented across several metrics ( 275 ). Considering commercial innovation, ∼1 in 12 NIH grants directly lead to patents, while ∼1 in 3 granted patents cite NIH-funded research ( 276 ). In a 2012 analysis, each $1 increase in NIH funding was estimated to increase the size (output) of the bioscience industry by between $1.70 and $3.20 ( 277 ). A $3.8 billion federal investment in the human genome project plus an additional $8.5 billion in related research and support have been estimated to produce nearly $1 trillion of economic growth, amounting to a 180-fold ROI ( 278 ). In 2014 Senate testimony, NIH Director Francis Collins reported that NIH funding supported >402,000 jobs and $58 billion in economic output nationwide, whereas NIH discoveries contributed $69 billion to GDP and supported 7 million jobs in 2011 ( 279 ).

Our review suggests that expanded federal coordination and investment in nutrition research will generate similarly meaningful ROI. Opportunities include more efficient leveraging of existing nutrition research infrastructure and investments, as well as other current federal investments in nutrition-related programs and policies at USDA (∼$100 billion/y), USAID (∼$27 billion/y), DoD, VA, FDA, CDC, CMS, FEMA, and more. Such investments could also be crucial to help reduce population diet and health inequities across diverse population subgroups.

One of the most promising areas for ROI would be advancing basic, clinical, and implementation science to reduce diet-related diseases. As mentioned in earlier sections, a recent NIH prevention research portfolio analysis compared national risk factors for death with NIH research investments ( 120 ). The largest gap was for nutrition, which was the top cause of attributable deaths (estimated to cause 19.1% of all deaths) but represented only 6.7% of all NIH prevention research funding (∼$0.43 billion based on the 2019 NIH budget, or ∼1.1% of all NIH funding) ( 117 , 120 ). In comparison, estimated government spending on direct health care for diabetes alone was ∼$160 billion/y in 2017, with an expected growth rate of 5% (∼$8 billion) per year ( 280 ). Medical care for people with diagnosed diabetes accounts for ∼1 in 4 health care dollars in the US, with more than half of these costs being directly attributable to diabetes ( 280 ). And, while mounting evidence suggests that severity, complications, and costs of type 2 diabetes can be rapidly reduced through better lifestyle including dietary changes ( 281–284 ), the optimal dietary priorities, behavior change strategies, microbiome implications, and personalization needs to most effectively improve diabetes remain uncertain. A major effort to expand and harmonize federal nutrition research could have rapid ROI based on reduced health care costs alone. For instance, a new, additive $1–2 billion annual investment in nutrition research could potentially generate a several-fold ROI if this helped flatten the anticipated ∼$8 billion/y annual increase in government expenditures on medical care for diabetes ( 280 ). Estimates of potential ROI of expanded federal nutrition research can be considered against health care and other societal costs of other diet-sensitive conditions, such as hypertension, food allergies, coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and more. As stated by the FDA Commissioner in 2018, “Improvements in diet and nutrition offer us one of our greatest opportunities to have a profound and generational impact on human health … The public health gains of such efforts would almost certainly dwarf any single medical innovation or intervention we could discover” ( 285 ).

Greater coordination and investment in federal nutrition research could also catalyze and unlock economic growth through new public–private partnerships and new private capital investment, small businesses, jobs, and inventions. In addition to potential for lower health care spending, accelerated nutrition research could help foster a healthier and more productive workforce, more active and thriving children, and healthier and more independent seniors. New research investment and structure should also support the training of a new generation of scientists and health care professionals who can leverage nutrition-related knowledge for public good. Enhanced nutrition science and cross-governmental authority can also strengthen dietary guidance, reduce public confusion, and improve consumer food choices.

Together with increased investment in food and agricultural research, strengthened multidisciplinary nutrition science could better support the long-term economic vibrancy of US farmers and rural communities. Past increases in agricultural productivity, for example, have come almost entirely from science-based innovations ( 146 ). Such integrated efforts would also be able to address the critical emerging nexus of health, food, agriculture, climate, and sustainability ( 147 , 286 , 287 ), positioning the US as the global leader in this area. This would further improve stewardship of US natural resources, including water, soil, forests, and oceans. In sum, this would strengthen long-term US food security, farmers’ incomes, national and rural economic growth, and resilience of the food and agricultural sector, which accounts for 1 in 9 US jobs ( 288 ).

Appropriate federal investment and coordination of nutrition research could improve national resilience against chronic threats and acute crises. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need to have a coordinated, vigorous scientific research infrastructure before crises strike ( 3–8 ). The bidirectional impacts between food and nutrition and COVID-19 have also revealed a vital new area for research and policy that requires significant investment and coordination ( 289 ).

In 2019, the Director of National Intelligence reported to Congress that our national disinvestment in science and technology is 1 of 10 global threats because, without the research to produce disruptive US technologies, we weaken our economic competitiveness ( 290 ). A new structure for coordination of existing federal nutrition research, combined with a major new investment—for example, increasing federal nutrition funding by $1–2 billion or more each year—could together provide highly cost-effective approaches to addressing the poor health, rising disparities, spiraling health care costs, declining qualified military recruits, and other pressing food and agricultural challenges facing the US.

Options for Strengthening National Nutrition Research

Based on our review, a strengthened federal nutrition research effort is necessary and should be additive to and synergistic with existing efforts across departments and agencies. Expanded coordination and investment in nutrition science, rather than a silo-ing of nutrition research or a rearrangement of existing investments, are essential. Based on the documented burdens, current landscape of research and coordination efforts, and identified opportunities, we first identified 2 priority strategies to strengthen federal nutrition research, which we defined and reviewed in detail. These were as follows: 1 ) a new authority for robust cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-related policy and 2 ) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within NIH.

These 2 strategies were identified as complementary, with benefits accruing independently and further synergies to be gained by joint implementation. A third important, and further complementary, identified strategy was to strengthen authority, investment, and coordination at USDA for human nutrition research, food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics.

To achieve success, a key identified theme was the need for not just additional investment but also new authority and structure. Multiple assessments over many decades have identified the fundamental need to strengthen federal nutrition research in the US. This includes, among others, the 1969 White House Conference; the 1977 Congressional call for improved coordination of human nutrition research; the 1983 creation of ICHNR; the 1994 Institute of Medicine report on nutrition and food sciences; the 1996 joint OSTP and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) report on health, safety, and food; the 2000 National Nutrition Summit; and more ( Supplemental Table 5 and Supplemental Table 10 ). Several within- and cross-agency convenings of federal departments and agencies have further identified critical shared interests and research gaps in nutrition research ( Table 2 ). Yet, the full intended impacts of these important efforts were mostly not achieved, in large part because they lacked any new federal structure with strong and sustained authority, robust coordination capacity, and dedicated appropriations.

The following sections describe the identified promising options for strengthening nutrition research through 1 ) increased cross-governmental coordination; 2 ) increased authority, investment, and coordination within NIH; and 3 ) increased authority, investment, and coordination at USDA. The majority of these options are being set forth for the first time and, where possible, we reference comparable examples.

Identified cross-governmental coordination strategies for strengthening national nutrition research

Improved coordination between federal departments and agencies conducting nutrition research has tremendous potential for strengthening our nation's ability to achieve essential fundamental, clinical, public health, and translational discoveries. Key identified strategies are summarized in Table 3 and reviewed below. These options were not found to be mutually exclusive and could be even more effective in combination.

Key cross-governmental coordination strategies for strengthening and accelerating national nutrition research 1

Option	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Paths forward
New Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition (ONDFN)
New US Global Nutrition Research Program (USGNRP)
New Associate Director for Nutrition Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
New US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research

New Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition

Modeled after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) ( 291 ), but with a smaller budget and staffing scale, an Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition (ONDFN) would provide essential coordination and harmonization of the work of the ≥10 US departments and agencies comprising the federal nutrition community ( Supplemental Figure 3 ). ODNI is a crucial office created as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–458) to lead and integrate the diverse intelligence efforts of 16 departments and agencies. Working as one team, ODNI helps synchronize intelligence collection, analysis, and counterintelligence, forging a harmonized system to deliver the most insightful intelligence possible. ODNI prioritizes intelligence-community-wide mission requirements, manages strategic investments to foster innovation and efficiency, evaluates the effectiveness of intelligence programs and spending, and absorbs new missions and develops new capabilities without adding to staff size. Nearly half (40%) of ODNI staff are on rotation from 1 of the 16 participating departments and agencies. Of note, the combined budgets of ODNI members ($50 billion/y) are of a similar scale as the overall current nutrition-related programs (including research) of ICHNR members.

ONDFN would be led by a new, cabinet-level Director of National Food and Nutrition, serving as the Principal Food and Nutrition Advisor to the White House, heads of executive branch departments and agencies, senior military commanders, and Congress. Similar to ODNI, ONDFN functions would include reviewing and coordinating priorities and strategies to maximize nutrition research efforts across various federal investments; establishing objectives and priorities for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of national nutrition monitoring and surveillance; ensuring provision of accurate and timely nutrition information to decision makers; evaluating and improving the effectiveness and synergies of federal nutrition research and policy efforts; overseeing the coordination of external advisory groups and public–private partnerships around nutrition research and policy; developing policies and programs to leverage the distinct efforts of departments and agencies around nutrition; and developing and reporting on performance goals and program milestone criteria.

This tested and successful model is on a comparable area of national importance and with a similar size and breadth of relevant involved departments and agencies. ONDFN would build on ICHNR, but with a much stronger platform to create effective coordination and synergies. ONDFN would deliver relevant harmonized information to the President, Cabinet, other executive branch leadership, senior military commanders, and Congress for developing policy, programmatic, and budget initiatives. A clear Congressional mandate would provide cross-agency coordination of strategic planning, programmatic review, annual reporting and quadrennial assessments to the President, Congress, and other key stakeholders, budgetary needs, and external research and cooperation. There could also be additional Congressional oversight as needed and interests arise. ONDFN would also provide dedicated leadership and staff in the executive branch cabinet for federal nutrition research and policy, providing a crucial bridge between research and implementation. These activities and personnel would more efficiently and effectively help identify topics of strategic interest across multiple departments and agencies with significant impact and feasibility, and advance emerging opportunities to accelerate progress across new fundamental and transactional scientific topics. A broad focus would increase synergies, shared priorities, and effectiveness and efficiency of different departments and agencies engaged in activities related to innovation in nutrition, agriculture, and food systems.

Like ODNI, a meaningful number of staff would be drawn from existing departments and agencies, creating budgetary efficiencies while maximizing cross-fertilization of ideas and innovations. ONDFN would have the infrastructure and authority necessary for true cross-department/agency coordination—for example, to develop a modernized approach to the nexus between the agriculture-food-health value chain—including research, policy, and practice from farm inputs and food processing/production to consumer behavior to human health. ONDFN would also advance the coordination for communication of trusted nutrition information to the American public, which occurs across separate departments and agencies including CMS and VHA (health care providers), USDA (DGAs, SNAP-Ed, WIC education, food safety for meat and poultry), FDA (food safety for other foods, Nutrition Facts, health claims, package warning labels, restaurant menu labeling), NIH (scientific studies), DoE (nutrition and STEM curricula), CDC (school, community, and public health nutrition education), and more. This would help meet the almost explosive growth in public demand for better information on the science of diet-related health. ONDFN would combine a national food strategy with coordinated new science, considered crucial to better harmonize law and policymaking around food and agriculture, food safety and nutrition research, and establishing, prioritizing, and pursuing common goals ( 292 ). Such a strategic plan would create transparency and accountability, including tasks of identifying and monitoring budgets and metrics of success across its purview. A high-level, cross-governmental structure like ONDFN would also be crucial for effective and timely responses on urgent nutrition and food challenges during complex situations like COVID-19, which require immediate and ongoing leadership and coordination at the highest levels of the government ( 9 , 293 ).

Disadvantages

This new position and office would require Congressional (legislative) authorization and appropriations. As a cabinet-level office, ONDFN would naturally focus on major federal nutrition issues beyond research (e.g., nutrition assistance programs), which could dilute its relative focus on research and innovation. ONDFN may also be too politically high-level to directly address ways to strengthen on-the-ground infrastructural and investment needs within key federal nutrition research departments and agencies.

Path forward

Congress can authorize the establishment of ONDFN to advise the President on food and nutrition and lead the coordination of multiple federal departments and agencies, policies, budgets, and programs. The mandate should include a clear emphasis on strengthening national nutrition research. Congress would also appropriate funding to establish this Office and then provide annual appropriations directly to the ONDFN. Congress would also indicate the required frequency of reporting (e.g., annual reporting and quadrennial assessments) and indicate the committees of oversight in the House and Senate. The President would then appoint the National Director of Food and Nutrition.

New US Global Nutrition Research Program

A new US Global Nutrition Research Program (USGNRP) would be charged with improving coordination and integration of federal research on food and nutrition and implications for the country ( Supplemental Figure 4 ). The USGNRP would be modeled after the successful US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), established in 1989 by a Presidential Initiative and codified in Congress through the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–606) ( 294 ). This Act required a comprehensive and integrated US research program to assist the nation to assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and natural processes of global climate change. Bringing together 13 departments and agencies, USGCRP is steered by the Subcommittee on Global Change Research under the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability, overseen by the Executive Office of the President, and facilitated by a National Coordination Office ( 295 ). USGCRP has its own budget that mainly supports the National Coordination Office, staffed with professional coordination support staff. USGCRP is supported by statute through small apportions of participating departments’ and agencies’ research funding dedicated to climate issues ( 296 ). Guided by a series of multi-stakeholder strategic plans since 1989 ( 297 ), the efforts of participating departments and agencies are coordinated through Interagency Working Groups that span interconnected topics. Annual USGCRP reports and other scientific assessments and resources highlight key program accomplishments, such as observing and understanding changes in climate, the ozone layer, and land cover; identifying impacts of these changes on ecosystems and society; estimating future changes in the physical environment, and associated vulnerabilities and risks; and providing scientific information to enable effective decision making to address corresponding threats and opportunities ( 297 ).

Similar to USGCRP, USGNRP leadership would be overseen by the Executive Office of the President. Likewise, its National Coordination Office would be staffed by dedicated staff and temporary (“detailed”) staff from participating departments and agencies, and funded by small portions of relevant research budgets from each participating department and agency. In addition to current ICHNR members, USGNRP could include a more contemporary vision of federal stakeholders who engage with and leverage nutrition research, such as CMS, CMMI, HHS Office of the Surgeon General, FEMA, and Departments of Veterans Affairs, Education, Energy, Transportation, Labor, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Justice (e.g., related to optimal nutrition in the federal prison system). Like USGCRP, functions of USGNRP would include multi-stakeholder–informed strategic planning; Inter-agency Working Groups to identify and coordinate shared priority research and translation; assessment and modernization of nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and creating partnerships with academic, private, and international science stakeholders.

This is a tested, successful model on a similarly crucial area of science. USGNRP could build on ICHNR but with the establishment of a dedicated budget from participating departments and agencies. Through strategic planning, new and additive budget initiatives could be formulated and implemented through more sustained appropriations. Compared with ICHNR, USGNRP would have a renewed and clear mandate around improved coordination and harmonization, with explicit requirements for programmatic review, strategic planning, annual reporting, fiscal coordination on new initiatives, quadrennial assessments submitted to the President, and international research and cooperation. Like ONDFN, USGNRP activities would more efficiently and effectively identify topics that resonate across multiple departments and agencies with significant population impact and feasibility, while advancing emerging scientific opportunities and discoveries. Also like ONDFN, a strategic planning process would create transparency and accountability, including tasks of identifying and monitoring budgets and metrics of success.

ICHNR subcommittees could be transitioned to Interagency Working Groups to effectively and efficiently foster cross-department and cross-agency actions. As one example, a new DGA Interagency Working Group would have a stronger charge and dedicated staff to address new research needs identified by the latest DGAC. Like USGCRP, the participating USGNRP departments and agencies would utilize a National Coordination Office to help produce high-level and informative reports ( 298 ). USGNRP would also intersect with other high-level coordinating structures, such as USGCRP's Interagency Working Group on Climate Change and Health, to enable effective and rapid responses to acute threats such as COVID-19, other pandemics, or other future challenges.

If based on the USGCRP appropriations model, USGCRP would be funded by a legislative mandate for contributions by participating members (rather than any new appropriations), so its budget would vary with the size and consistency of commitment of participating departments or agencies to its research areas of interest. Ideally, Congress would also authorize and appropriate some core funding for USGNRP, although no new, dedicated funding has emerged for USGCRP thus far. Also, significant staffing in the National Coordination Office would be temporary (“detailed”) personnel from participating members, which could reduce continuity.

USGNRP could be established by a Presidential Initiative, without legislative action. For longer-term success, Congress could later codify USGNRP into law ( 296 ). Alternatively, Congress could directly establish USGNRP (e.g., in place of ICHNR). In any of these cases, separate Congressional appropriations are not needed but would be ideal.

New Associate Director for Nutrition Science within the OSTP

A new OSTP Associate Director for Nutrition Science would be a non–cabinet-level position, President-appointed and Senate-confirmed, who would serve as the President's advisor on issues related to nutrition research ( Supplemental Figure 5 ). OSTP, established by Congress in 1976, has a broad mandate “to provide, within the Executive Office of the President, advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of issues that require attention at the highest level of Government” (Public Law 94–282). OSTP advises the President on science and technology topics related to domestic and international affairs, leads interagency efforts to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets, and works with the private sector, state and local governments, science and academic communities, and other nations ( 299 ). In addition to the Director, Congress provides the President the authority to appoint up to 4 Associate Directors, subject to Senate confirmation. The statute provides great flexibility to the President with respect to corresponding areas of focus, expertise, and responsibility. Under President George W Bush, there were 2 Associate Directors—one focused on science and the other on technology—each with a Deputy Director. The Clinton Administration had 4 Associate Directors, focused on science, technology, environment, and national security and international affairs. President Obama's 4 Associate Directors focused on similar areas, with additional joint appointments of OSTP staff to the National Economic Council, National Security Council (NSC), Domestic Policy Council (DPC), and White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) ( 300 ). President Trump's OSTP Director, confirmed in January 2019, has expressed interest in military readiness and national security, communication networks, energy and environmental leadership, health and bioeconomic innovation, and space exploration, among other areas ( 301 ). President Trump has appointed only 1 Associate Director, confirmed in August 2019, who also serves as the US Chief Technology Officer ( 302 ).

Prior OSTPs have had advisors on nutrition and, at the highest level, an Assistant Director of Nutrition in 2014–2015. However, OSTP has never had an Associate Director of Nutrition Science. Modeled after other Associate Directors, the Associate Director for Nutrition Science would provide high-level leadership to leverage and translate federal and nonfederal nutrition science efforts, identify and help develop more coordinated and innovative nutrition research initiatives, and advise the President on corresponding national and international issues.

OSTP has a long history of identifying and elevating science and technology opportunities for the President to help shape policy, programmatic, and resource allocation decisions. OSTP advises the OMB on research and development programs for annual White House budgetary requests. For example, OSTP support was instrumental to the doubling of the NIH's budget between 1998 and 2003 ( 303 ). OSTP can lead important coordination activities and reports among different federal departments and agencies as well as external stakeholders ( 304 ). An Associate Director of Nutrition Science provides a key leader to the White House to improve coordination, communication, and strategic planning around key priority areas in nutrition science. The Associate Director would also work closely with and elevate the communication and impact of individual federal departments and agencies and the ICHNR. The Associate Director can hire advisors, special assistants, or White House fellows to deepen expertise and impact and can lead efforts to create new collaborations with the private sector, state and local governments, academic communities, and other countries. Legislative action is not required; the President can simply assign 1 of the 4 allocated Associate Director slots.

OSTP positions and areas of focus can dramatically change across administrations, greatly diminishing continuity and long-term effectiveness. OSTP staffing is often small, transient, and reliant on temporary (“detailed”) staff from relevant departments and agencies. Success of this approach would be highly dependent on the skills and interests of the new Associate Director, rather than any concrete or consistent structure or process for strengthening federal nutrition research through increased coordination, funding, and alignment. OSTP initiatives may not align with focus or levels of research funding.

A President can appoint an Associate Director for Nutrition Science, with Senate confirmation. Congress can also recommend a specific Associate Director focus, although recent recommendations were not successful [e.g., the 110th Congress recommended an Associate Director for Earth Science and Applications (Senate 1745), and the 111th Congress recommended an Associate Director and Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology (House of Representatives 5116)] ( 299 ).

New US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research

A new US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research would be charged with improving coordination and integration of federal nutrition research—for example, modeled after other timely US task forces such as on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria ( 305 ); on Veteran Wellness, Empowerment, and Suicide Prevention ( 306 ); or on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis ( 307 ). As an example, in 2013, CDC, G7, and WHO each released reports or statements on the importance of dedicated prevention and infection-control efforts for antibiotic-resistant bacteria ( 305 , 308 , 309 ). In 2014, a Presidential Executive Order established combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria as a federal priority and created a new high-level task force ( 310 ). This Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria was co-chaired by the Secretaries of HHS, USDA, and DoD, with representatives from Departments of State, DoJ, VA, and DHS and the EPA, USAID, OMB, DPC, NSC, OSTP, and NSF. Its functions included developing a 5-y National Action Plan and reporting to the President on the plan's progress. In addition, a Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria composed of up to 30 members, appointed or designated by the co-chairs, was required to help advise the task force, culminating in a report to the President with recommended actions ( 311 ). The resulting National Action Plan, put forward in 2015, continues to guide federal actions toward a coordinated response to this pressing public health issue, directing efforts, personnel, and funding of participating departments and agencies toward a common critical agenda ( 312 ).

Modeled on that successful task force, the leadership, members, and general functions of a Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research would develop and report to the President on a major new National Action Plan for accelerating and strengthening nutrition discoveries ( Supplemental Figure 6 ). Co-chairs could include HHS, USDA, and DoD (and perhaps VA) Secretaries, with additional broad representation from other diverse departments and agencies. A complementary Presidential Advisory Council on Nutrition Research would include expert members appointed by the co-chairs to advise the task force and provide a report of recommended actions to the President. This task force could also work well with ONDFN and/or the Associate Director of Nutrition Sciences in the OSTP.

This is a tested, successful model on an area of science with some similarities, including multiple relevant federal departments and agencies and a need for international collaboration ( 313 ). The Presidential Executive Order would appropriately elevate the prioritization of nutrition research, create a concrete action plan, and include reporting on progress. The task force would benefit from cross-governmental cabinet-level leadership and include diverse relevant departments and agencies. The high-level Advisory Council provides a formal mechanism to leverage external expertise and input. These elements would together strengthen coordination and communication of existing important research efforts toward the highest impact agenda. Task force activities and reporting would help inform and amplify research budgets directed to participating departments and agencies. This approach does not require legislation.

Despite its successes, no new funding was provided nor has emerged for the Task Force on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. That task force also has not developed any coordinated budget initiatives to date. A Presidential Executive Order remains in effect only until revoked, although it can endure across administrations (e.g., the Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria has remained in place). A task force would likely have a defined scope over a set time period, and not provide sustained leadership and coordination into the future.

The President can issue an Executive Order to establish nutrition research as a priority and create a US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research. The President can also direct the heads of OSTP, DPC, and NSC to revise ICHNR coordination structure to more closely follow the Task Force model. Congress could also initiate such a task force by inquiring with the Executive Office of the President or with the relevant department and agency leadership about updating ICHNR or a potential new Presidential Executive Order or directive around nutrition research coordination. Congress could also revise the charge, structure, and funding of ICHNR via legislation to create appropriate activities consistent with such a task force.

Other new cross-governmental options

At the cabinet level, the Joint Chiefs of Staff could be called upon to focus on necessary nutrition research to address escalating diet-related health burdens on military readiness and national security ( 25 , 86 , 92 , 314–318 ), leading coordinated efforts across DoD, other ICHNR members, and the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research ( Supplemental Text 2 , Supplemental Figure 7 ).
Congress could amend the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–445) to authorize and appropriate a specific funding stream for the DGAs, DRIs, and associated monitoring and surveillance processes.
HHS could mobilize existing or new positions within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (e.g., a new HHS Office of Nutrition, modeled after the HHS Office of Women's Health or Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy) to coordinate nutrition research needs and opportunities within and outside HHS.
An ongoing GAO evaluation of federal policies and activities in relation to diet-related diseases and their economic burdens ( 319 ) may provide additional recommendations for increased coordination of nutrition research.
Congress could authorize and appropriate funds for NASEM to assess the gaps and options to strengthen and coordinate federal nutrition research to address escalating diet-related health burdens and related economic, equity, national security, and sustainability challenges ( 320 ).
Congress could appoint a global health coordinator to lead a new interagency council that reaffirms domestic and global health as a core national security interest. The coordinator and council would be charged with developing strategic plans to detect and prevent acute and chronic health threats, such as new infectious pandemics. Such a focus should incorporate the critical role of food and nutrition in population health and resilience, including against infectious diseases, and appropriate and coordinate the necessary activities for relevant research.

Identified NIH strategies for strengthening national nutrition research

As the nation's largest funder of research, NIH is one essential (although not exclusive) home for increased authority, coordination, and funding for nutrition science ( 110 ). Any new NIH strategy must leverage and amplify, not replace or compete with, existing extramural and intramural nutrition research efforts across the 27 current NIH institutes, centers, or offices or with existing nutrition research across other federal departments and agencies. Key identified strategies are summarized in Table 4 and reviewed below.

Key strategies within the NIH for strengthening and accelerating national nutrition research 1

Option	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Paths forward
New National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
New NIH Office for Nutrition Research
New Trans-NIH Initiative(s) in Nutrition Research

New National Institute of Nutrition

A new NIH National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) would be additive to the 27 current institutes and centers leading research within NIH ( Supplemental Figure 8 ). NIN would be a crucial new asset for NIH to accomplish its mission “to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability” ( 321 ). NIN would be tasked with leading innovative, cross-cutting, and foundational research on nutrition and health, including intramural and extramural programs and training and outreach activities. Under the leadership of the NIN Director, NIN would help guide strategic planning, coordination, and review of nutrition research across NIH and with other federal departments and agencies. This would increase harmonization, collaboration, and leveraging of all nutrition-related research programs across NIH institutes, centers and offices. NIN priority areas and funding should be coordinated with, additive to, and synergistic with existing NIH nutrition research efforts, such as within NIDDK, NHLBI, and NCI, among others, as well as with USDA, CDC, FDA, DoD, VHA, and NASA, among others. Rather than “silo-ing” nutrition research, NIN would help craft strategies and focus areas that span across, support, and/or are not covered by specific interest areas of other federal nutrition research efforts. A new NIH National Advisory Council on Nutrition Research—comprising research experts, health professionals, and community members—would advise the HHS Secretary, NIH Director, and NIN Director on matters related to the NIN's mission.

NIN would expand the knowledge base of research on diet-related illnesses and their intersections with other fields through strategic planning, coordination, and evaluation of NIH nutrition research and through conduct and support of research in nutrition science and related areas. Relevant cross-cutting areas of focus could include many priority areas from genetic, molecular, and biological science to clinical, behavioral, and translational research, as well as research on health systems, workforce development, and health equity ( Table 2 ). NIN's efforts would support, expand, and amplify key science relevant to other NIH institutes, centers, and offices, such as on nutrition and diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, brain health, minority health and disparities, child health, and more. Within NIH, NIN would represent a natural authority and partner to support and coordinate cross-cutting intramural research that complements existing nutrition research portfolios across NIH. NIN would also promote and support the training of a diverse 21st century nutrition science workforce, including in cross-disciplinary priority areas like quantitative methods, personalization, and technology. Given NIH's roles in supporting training of health care professionals, NIN would also guide and support innovative programs to build a cadre of well-trained health professionals for both clinical care and basic and translational science in nutrition ( 269 , 323 ).

NIN would provide required leadership, staff, expertise, and resources to build meaningful partnerships on nutrition-related activities and research priorities of other federal departments and agencies, in particular USDA as well as FDA, CDC, DoD, VA, USAID, and CMS, among others. For example, this role could include development of joint requests with USDA for applications investigating the interlinkages between food, nutrition, health, and agricultural practices. NIN would support the efforts of HHS ODPHP in the USDA–HHS partnership to review evidence and, importantly, address new scientific needs for the DGAs. NIN would similarly support collaborative new science to inform the DRIs, FDA food safety and regulatory activities, USDA nutrition assistance programs, CDC surveillance and public health activities, USAID priorities, and DoD and VA research needs for US active-duty forces (including enhanced human performance and military readiness), military families, and veterans. NIN would inform and support CMS and CMMI efforts, such as “Food is Medicine” interventions to reduce diet-related illness and associated health care costs ( 268 , 324 , 325 ). Such joint initiatives will have the greatest impact if nutrition research at these other departments and agencies were simultaneously strengthened with new investments. NIN would also lead and have the required staff capacity to engage meaningfully in public–private partnerships and with nonprofit organizations and international entities such as the WHO and World Bank.

NIN would add strong authority, infrastructure, investment, and external advisory mechanisms for nutrition research to the nation's largest funder of science. NIN would require a Federal Advisory Committee (Council) and would have a budget and funding authority. NIN would allow NIH to better address nutrition science that is cross-cutting rather than disease-specific, both across institutes, centers, and offices within NIH and with other federal departments and agencies. For example, the NIN would be instrumental in implementing and achieving the goals of the new 2020–2030 Strategic Plan for NIH Nutrition Research ( 129 ). As a long-term structure, NIN's activities and benefits would provide both expected and unexpected returns over many decades, outlasting shorter-term options such as cross-agency initiatives and changing priorities of individual administrations, and evolving appropriately with changes in science, food systems, nutritional needs, and disease conditions of the US public. A new institute could help maintain the strength of NIH focus on laboratory and clinical research in nutrition while, at the same time, facilitating expansion to research efforts to other translational priorities across NIH and across other federal departments and agencies. As has been seen with NIH research overall, NIN's coordinated leadership, structure, and capacity would likely provide a strong ROI to the US economy. The combination of NIN plus a new cross-governmental approach ( Table 3 ) would provide a powerful strategy to address the scope and scale of the challenges and opportunities we face as a nation.

The addition of a new institute would require legislative action to increase the current limit of 27 NIH institutes and centers (Public Law 109–482) and provide additive new appropriations to prevent reductions in any ongoing NIH or other federal nutrition research. NIN could increase silo-ing of nutrition research or divestment in nutrition research from other parts of NIH, which has historically been and should remain a component of almost all NIH institutes, offices, and centers. Even with a remit to coordinate and complement existing efforts, a new institute would need to navigate potentially entrenched cultures and perspectives around the “home” of certain areas of research. Congressional appropriations for expanded nutrition research funding within and outside NIH would be needed to prevent increased competition for resources.

Congress can authorize the establishment of NIN, updating the cap (Public Law 109–482) on the total number of NIH institutes and centers and providing new, additive appropriations to NIH. As an intermediary step, Congress could submit an inquiry to appropriate federal departments and agencies, host hearings, as well as appropriate funds, to explore the current status of federal nutrition research and potential options including the NIN.

New National Center for Nutrition Research

As a smaller model than a new institute, a new NIH National Center for Nutrition Research (NCNR) could be created, representing a 28th institute or center at NIH that would be broadly similar to a new NIN, although with less stature, staff, and funding ( Supplemental Text 3 ). The NCNR could aim to accomplish many of the same goals as an NIN, on a lesser scale. Advantages, disadvantages, and the path forward for NCNR are likewise similar, on a reduced scale, to NIN. Long term, the NCNR could further evolve into an institute, as has happened to other centers at NIH. However, if a research area is of sufficient national priority that it may transition into an institute within a decade or less, then starting as a center can be inefficient, compared with directly creating an institute. For example, both the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) were founded as centers but transitioned into institutes within ≤10 y (Public Laws 111–148, 99–158, 103–43).

New NIH ONR within the NIH Office of the Director

This option would return ONR to the NIH Office of the Director ( Supplemental Figure 9 ) ( 326 ), the central entity for setting NIH policy and planning and for managing and coordinating NIH programs and activities ( 327 ). Multiple offices and divisions within the NIH Office of the Director function together to identify opportunities and needs across the agency ( 328 ). The NIH ONR can be modeled after other Congressionally mandated offices within the NIH Office of the Director (see “Path forward” below). Each of these lead and coordinate trans-NIH efforts, guided by an Office director, dedicated expert staff (ranging from 15 to 30 full-time employees), and specific budgetary resources. Like the NIH Office of Disease Prevention Director who also serves as the Associate Director for Prevention (Public Law 99–158), the Director of the NIH ONR would also serve as the Associate Director for Nutrition Research.

The NIH ONR would lead efforts to build and coordinate new collaborative relationships and synergies within the NIH, with other federal departments and agencies, and with external stakeholders including public–private partnerships to drive nutrition research and innovation. The NIH ONR would lead cooperative efforts to identify and stimulate priority areas of science, provide guidance on rigorous methodology, offer trainings, and increase the impact, visibility, and dissemination of findings. The new office would plan and coordinate relevant trans-NIH initiatives (see below), such as supported by the NIH Common Fund, a “venture” fund within the NIH Office of the Director, which aims to propel high-risk, high-reward research to speed scientific discovery and translation to improve health at a faster pace ( 329 ). The new office would develop approaches and resources to support analyses and reporting of nutrition research portfolios across NIH.

Restoring the ONR into the NIH Office of the Director would elevate the leadership, staffing, resources, and capacities of this important area within and outside NIH. This structure would reestablish close communication and coordination with the NIH Director, other divisions and offices within the NIH Office of the Director, and the nutrition activities across all the NIH institutes and centers. This is particularly important for identification and prioritization of concrete, timely research focus areas, given the breadth of areas and topics touched by nutrition. This office would have some dedicated funds to help stimulate priority research across NIH and encourage NIH institutes, centers, and other offices to direct or pool their funds toward common priority areas and would not be dependent on or viewed as serving any single institute. This office could help stimulate new, flexible appropriations for the NIH Office of the Director to focus broadly on nutrition priority areas, outside the Common Fund per se.

In addition to research strategy and harmonization, the new office director and staff (including communications specialists, present in other similar NIH Office of the Director Offices) would increase capacity and expertise for dissemination of nutrition science to the public and other stakeholders. This office could engage strong external advisory mechanisms, strengthening input from other federal departments and agencies, academic institutions, advocacy groups, state and local governments, and community members. Based on Congressional prioritization of new national research areas, such an office can transition into a center (e.g., National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; Public Laws 103–42, 105–277, 113–235) or an institute (e.g., NINR, Public Law 103–43; NIMHD, Public Laws 103–43, 106–525, 111–148).

The size and resources of such an office would remain limited to coordinating and developing nutrition strategy across all NIH institutes, centers, and offices, inform and collaborate with other federal departments and agencies engaged in nutrition-relevant research and programming, assist with communication to the public, work with ODPHP in the USDA–HHS partnership to develop the DGAs, and meaningfully engage in public–private or other external partnerships. Such an office does not generally have sufficient independent funding to promote major extramural or intramural science. Such an office does not have sufficient authority or resources to support national training of new scientists and health care professionals in nutrition. An office's budget, staff size, and influence can vary widely across offices and over time depending on other NIH priorities.

The NIH Director has discretion to restore this office into the NIH Office of the Director. Congress can also pass legislation to create a new Office of Nutrition Research within the NIH Office of the Director, similar to other Congressionally mandated offices such as the NIH Office of AIDS Research (Public Law 103–43), Office of Research on Women's Health (Public Law 103–340), Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research ( 330 ) (Public Law 103–43), Office of Disease Prevention ( 331 ) (Public Law 99–158), and Office of Dietary Supplements ( 332 ) (Public Law 103–417).

New trans-NIH initiative(s) in nutrition research

Trans-NIH initiatives are efforts to promote collaborative research across NIH in a particular area of science. These initiatives can originate from the NIH Director; NIH institutes, centers, or offices; or Congress. Some of these initiatives engage with external stakeholders such as businesses and nonprofit foundations. The funding, leadership, and structures for trans-NIH initiatives tend to vary. Generally, trans-NIH programs utilize the same mechanisms of grant funding that NIH currently offers: research grants (R series), career development awards (K series), research training and fellowships (T & F series), program project/center grants (P series), and resource grants (various series) ( 333 ). NIH currently supports a variety of broad-reaching programs that are trans-NIH in nature; examples include Biomedical Information Science and Technology Institute (BISTI), NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research, Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements, New and Early Stage Investigators Policies, Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Common Fund, NIH Basic Behavioral and Social Science Research Opportunity Network (OppNet), Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, Stem Cell Information (PECASE), and the Trans-NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) program ( 333 ).

The NIH Common Fund has emerged as one approach to support trans-NIH programs and uses the same mechanisms of support. The NIH Common Fund is a specific component of the NIH budget and is managed by the Office of Strategic Coordination/Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Coordination/Office of the NIH Director ( 329 ). Common Fund programs are short-term (usually ∼5 y), goal-driven strategic investments that are “intended to change paradigms, develop innovative tools and technologies, and/or provide fundamental foundations for research that can be used by the broad biomedical research community” ( 329 ). Then, an NIH institute, center, or office or multiple institutes, centers, and offices must continue the support of these time-limited programs.

As one example, the NIH Human Microbiome Project was a trans-NIH initiative supported by the NIH Common Fund from 2007 to 2016 ( 334 ). This project aimed to expand science on the microbiome. Initially funded as an initiative of the NIH Roadmap for Biomedical Research, the NIH Human Microbiome Project was originally established as a 5-y project with a budget of $150 million ( 335 ). The project began with a “jumpstart” phase in 2007 and a set of grants was funded in mid-2009 and additional demonstration project grants were awarded. These activities were supported by a Data Analysis and Coordination Center and a set of additional grants was awarded for developing new technologies, new software tools, and studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of this work. The grantees worked together in a highly cooperative consortium. Ultimately, this 10-y $215 million project spanned >20 of the NIH institutes, centers, and offices and resulted in a >40-fold increase in nonproject investment in microbiome research ( 336 ). That is, individual or multiple institutes, centers, and offices used program announcements or request for applications. Some of these funding mechanisms were supported by the Common Fund and others were additional commitments by the participating NIH institutes, centers, and offices from their own budgets. The Trans-NIH Microbiome Working Group established in 2012 provided a forum for coordinating NIH extramural research activities related to the human microbiome and continues to coordinate this work after the NIH Human Microbiome Project was completed. Notably, the NIH Human Microbiome Project identified several potential priority areas around food and the microbiome, but these topics have not yet been systematically pursued.

The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative is an example of a trans-NIH initiative ( 337 ), supported by staff within NIH and across federal working groups and providing funding for intramural and extramural research, training, and technology development. Between 2013 and 2019, this initiative supported >700 research projects totaling ∼$1.3 billion through support across the NIH, including appropriations through the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114–255) ( 337 ). The BRAIN initiative is managed by 10 NIH institutes and centers, with coordination at multiple levels. Extramural program staff and institute and center directors meet regularly to integrate strategic planning, management, and a BRAIN Multi-Council Working Group and Neuroethics Working Group provide further input on a variety of issues.

Another trans-NIH example is the All of US Research Program (Public Law 115–31), directly supported through annual appropriations from Congress ($1.5 billion over 10 y) (Public Law 115–31). This initiative, supported and overseen by NIH, arose from recommendations by the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the Director ( 338 ). The program staff are based in the NIH Office of the Director, with a Trans-NIH Liaisons Coordinating Team made up of scientific leaders from across NIH and has an external advisory panel.

A potential trans-NIH program in Precision Nutrition is being considered as an NIH Common Fund program for fiscal year 2021 ( 131 , 339 ), and the NIH Director included Precision Nutrition in the NIH's congressional budget justification for fiscal year 2021 ( 131 ). A new Program Director in the NIDDK ONR was hired in 2020 to lead this initiative.

Legislation is not required. A trans-NIH initiative can help galvanize NIH to develop a coordinated approach to a specific topic on nutrition and human health (e.g., see Table 2 ). Such an effort would generally be preceded by a careful—and separately useful—review of relevant NIH leadership, staffing, funding, external advisory mechanisms, and collaborative approaches available. A trans-NIH initiative brings new strategic planning, working groups, funding opportunities, training, and technology development. A trans-NIH initiative is complementary to other NIH and cross-governmental strategies to strengthen federal nutrition research. Such initiatives can also help build new or enhanced public–private partnerships.

The needs and opportunities across nutrition research are broad and complex, and a new trans-NIH initiative would cover 1 focused topic, such as, if funded, precision nutrition. Addressing the science gaps and opportunities for nutrition—a leading cause of disease in the US—will require greater and more sustained authority, coordination, resources, and collaboration than provided by a single initiative, especially one only limited to precision nutrition. Trans-NIH initiatives are generally time-limited, difficult to sustain, and not easily communicated to a broad range of external stakeholders. The long-term success of such initiatives can be dependent on a single leading NIH institute, center, and/or office to commit to carry that area of work forward after the initial investments.

The NIH Director could propose new trans-NIH budget initiatives for Congress to review; as noted earlier, Precision Nutrition is proposed in NIH's congressional budget justification for fiscal year 2021 ( 131 ). Congress could authorize and appropriate funds for this proposed initiative or put forth support for another or additional trans-NIH initiative(s) focused on ≥1 areas of nutrition research. NIH institutes, centers, and offices can develop and collectively support trans-NIH initiatives. External support through the private and nongovernment sectors can also be mobilized through public–private partnerships.

Identified USDA strategies for strengthening national nutrition research

In addition to NIH, the USDA is an important home for increased authority, coordination, and funding for nutrition science ( 110 ). As for NIH options, any new USDA strategy must leverage and strengthen, not supplant, existing extramural and intramural nutrition research efforts across USDA as well as other federal departments and agencies. Key identified strategies are discussed below. Each was considered as complementary, rather than mutually exclusive. Comparative advantages and disadvantages, executive and legislative considerations, and paths forward for these options should be the subject of future reports.

Increased investment in nutrition research across REE

Declining appropriations for nutrition-relevant research and statistics at USDA, compounded by declining public investment in agrifood research and development, is limiting the nation's ability to fully understand and leverage the critical nexus between agriculture, food, and health ( 12 , 146 , 147 ). An emphasis on agricultural production research has created pressure on the USDA nutrition portfolio to respond to these growing research needs and opportunities with its limited budget. Strong Congressional appropriations for nutrition research across REE is critical to reestablish the US as the global leader in food and agricultural science and technology, which creates healthy and productive communities, families, and youth. A renewed commitment to advancing and integrating nutrition into the overall crop, livestock, food manufacturing, food safety, natural resources, and climate research agendas has tremendous potential to improve economic growth, national security, competitiveness, sustainability, climate resilience, food security, and public health. Such investment would also maximize cross-governmental coordination and public–private partnerships with the greatest potential to accelerate progress in this complex nexus.

The USDA also implements major nutrition programs and thus must rely upon an integrated focus that connects nutrition research to policy and practice to improve the health of the public. To accomplish this integrated approach, each of the science mission areas at ARS, ERS, and NIFA must be at full capacity including sufficient staffing and resources. Nutrition research investment in ARS is essential for food-composition research and development, dietary surveys and food databases instrumental to national surveillance and scientific discovery, and the Human Nutrition Research Center network that pursues long-term, translation research priorities impractical to assess in short-term programs. NIFA complements ARS with competitive extramural funding vital to strengthening our nation's capacity to address opportunities related to diet, health, food safety, food security, and food science and technology. In addition, ERS provides invaluable food supply data, federal nutrition assistance program evaluations, and surveys on food insecurity and food acquisition and purchases.

Expanded USDA research to improve public guidance and education

As detailed in earlier sections, the USDA CNPP plays a major role in the development of the DGAs, with far-reaching implications for many federal and nonfederal policies and programs such as the suite of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs, FDA regulatory policies, and clinical guidance for individuals from allied health professionals. Yet, the CNPP 2020 budget is only $6.6 million for nutrition evidence reviews, committee support, and DGA-related educational development. Further work is needed to provide consistent funding and staff to maintain and protect the scientific integrity for nutrition evidence systematic reviews; fundamental nutrition research, monitoring, and surveillance processes; and to develop, translate, and disseminate dietary guidance.

Other USDA investments in public guidance include SNAP-Ed, with $441 million in funding in 2020 ( 340 ). The benefits of this major effort could be further amplified by the creation of a robust SNAP-Ed infrastructure [e.g., similar to the USDA NIFA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) or SNAP Employment and Training] to support evaluation of novel educational interventions, including policy and systems changes, online purchasing strategies, and other environmental supports, using SNAP pilot authority ( 13 ). Similarly, expanded research on WIC Nutrition Education should address approaches to further strengthen this valuable program, such as new strategies for education on breastfeeding practices, food and beverage choices, sleep, and screen time, as well as novel information systems and technology including online, mobile, and telehealth options to deploy this guidance to WIC participants ( 13 ). Greater research on the USDA's State Nutrition Action Committee (SNAC) program—which helps states coordinate USDA food-assistance programs, Affordable Care Act community benefits, wellness, and other food and nutrition programs—and the USDA Farm to School Grant Program—which funds school districts, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and nonprofit organizations to increase local foods served through child nutrition programs, teach children about food and agriculture through garden and classroom education, and develop schools’ and farmers’ capacities to participate in farm to school—would amplify benefits of these investments ( 13 ).

Innovative USDA research to strengthen benefits of nutrition assistance programs

New research efforts supported by USDA, as well as NIH, are critical to develop the evidence base and collaborations to further augment the positive impacts of large federal investments in nutrition assistance (∼$100 billion/y). Such research must, for example, delineate and address the tremendous increases in food insecurity, associated economic disruptions, and nutrition-related health disparities stemming from COVID-19. Now is the time to expand our understanding of the best approaches to increase the public health impacts of our suite of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs. This approach can include, for instance, new USDA-supported pilots and waivers to evaluate innovations that better support healthier eating in SNAP (e.g., healthy retail approaches, healthy food incentives combined with disincentives, online purchasing technologies) ( 13 , 341 ). Further critical research needs include how USDA's nutrition assistance programs can be better integrated and coordinated with other federal and state programs, in particular Medicaid and Medicare, to improve diet-related health outcomes ( 13 ). These translational research investments will help address the varying geographic, contextual, and cultural needs of Americans and ensure the most effective outcomes from these essential federal programs.

Summary and Conclusions

This report identified stark national challenges in nutrition: diet-related illnesses, food insecurity, diet-related health disparities, health care costs for public and private payers, workforce productivity, military readiness, tremendous scientific debate and public confusion on a variety of critical topics, sustainability, and food system and population resilience to unexpected crises. Multiple federal departments and agencies are currently involved and investing in nutrition research and nutrition-related programs. However, as a share of total federal research expenditures, investments in nutrition research have been generally flat over the past 4 decades, despite the dramatic increase in diet-related illnesses such as obesity and type 2 diabetes and other identified diet-related challenges. Several current federal initiatives and collaborations aim to increase coordination of specific aspects of nutrition research and related activities across departments and agencies. Yet, the full potential of these efforts has not been realized, as documented by multiple governmental and other assessments since at least 1969, due to insufficient authority and funding.

The opportunities to be gained by greater coordination and investment in federal nutrition research are clear, with potential for large and rapid ROI. This report identified and described 2 priority strategies to strengthen federal nutrition research: 1 ) a new authority for cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-relevant policy and 2 ) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within NIH. These 2 strategies were found to be complementary and synergistic, each providing benefits that would be largest and most effective in concert. These options could potentially be a part of a multiyear strategy, initiated in part or whole (in some cases) by Congress or the President. Optimally, these options would garner full bipartisan support from the executive and legislative branches. Additional relevant priorities to strengthen federal nutrition research, particularly within USDA, were also recognized. Each of the identified options in this report would help create the new leadership, strategic planning, coordination, and investment the nation requires to address the challenges and grasp the opportunities we face.

Supplementary Material

Nqaa179_supplemental_file, acknowledgments.

We are indebted to a variety of federal agency staff and other stakeholders for their candid reflections of the past and present, as well as thorough assessments of potential strategies for moving forward. We are grateful to Dr. Sally Rockey and Dr. Yvonne Maddox for critical advisory comments and input and for input from Emily Broad Leib and Sarah Downer at the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School. We are grateful for input from members of the Nutrition Action Alliance (NAA), a coalition of organizations working to advance federal nutrition research, nutrition education, and nutrition monitoring and surveillance, among other activities, which includes ASN, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs, Institute of Food Technologists, National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and The Obesity Society. This opportunity to review and provide feedback did not imply that the NAA nor any individual member organization has taken a specific policy position on every strategy option referenced in the paper. We thank Sylara Marie Cruz for outstanding management support.

The authors’ responsibilities were as follows—SEF, CEW, PMC, VSH, and DM: were on the lead writing group of this paper; the remaining authors regularly reviewed drafts and provided substantive feedback during regular calls and rounds of reviews; and all authors: read and approved the final manuscript. PMC reports paid consultancies with the Indiana University School of Public Health at Bloomington, Purdue University Department of Nutrition Sciences, and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. SEF reports paid consultancies with the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and various paid work with Healthy Eating Research, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. VSH reports paid consultancies with the Indiana University School of Public Health at Bloomington and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. DM reports research funding from the NIH and the Gates Foundation; personal fees from GOED, Bunge, Indigo Agriculture, Motif FoodWorks, Amarin, Acasti Pharma, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, America's Test Kitchen, and Danone; participating on scientific advisory boards of start-up companies focused on innovations for health including Brightseed, DayTwo, Elysium Health, Filtricine, Foodome, HumanCo, and Tiny Organics; and chapter royalties from UpToDate, all outside the submitted work; as well as research funding from The Rockefeller Foundation. PJS reports grant/research support from the NIH; participating on scientific advisory and/or membership boards of Marabou Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the ASN, and International Council on Amino Acid Science; and holding stock in TIAA, all outside the submitted work. CEW reports a paid consultancy with the World Wildlife Fund for their research on sustainable food systems under a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation, outside the submitted work with the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation (award number: 2019 FOD 011). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the funders or Tufts University.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the ASN. This article did not undergo review by the editors of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition but did undergo review by several members of ASN.

Supplemental Figures 1–9, Supplemental Tables 1–10, and Supplemental Text 1–3 are available from the “Supplementary data” link in the online posting of the article and from the same link in the online table of contents at https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/ .

Abbreviations used: AHRQ, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; ARS, USDA Agricultural Research Service; BRAIN, NIH Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies; CHAMP, Consortium for Health and Military Performance; CMMI, HHS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation; CMS, HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; CNPP, USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; DGA, Dietary Guidelines for Americans ; DGAC, Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; DHS, Department of Homeland Security; DNRC, NIH Division of Nutrition Research Coordination; DoC, Department of Commerce; DoD, Department of Defense; DoE, Department of Education; DoJ, Department of Justice; DPC, Domestic Policy Council; DPCPSI, NIH Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives; EPA, Environmental Protection Agency; ERS, USDA Economic Research Service; FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency; FNS, USDA Food and Nutrition Service; FTC, Federal Trade Commission; GAO, Government Accountability Office; GDP, Gross Domestic Product; HHS, Department of Health and Human Services; HNCC, USDA Human Nutrition Coordinating Committee; HNRIM, Human Nutrition Research and Information Management; IBNMRR, Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research; ICHNR, Interagency Committee on Human Nutrition Research; JSHNR, Joint Subcommittee on Human Nutrition Research; MND, Military Nutrition Division; NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; NASEM, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; NCC, NIH Nutrition Coordinating Committee; NCI, National Cancer Institute; NCNR, proposed NIH National Center for Nutrition Research; NHLBI, NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; NIDDK, NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; NIFA, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture; NIMHD, NIH National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities; NINR, NIH National Institute of Nursing Research; NIN, NIH new National Institute of Nutrition; NNMRRP, National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program; NSC, National Security Council; NSF, National Science Foundation; OCS, USDA Office of the Chief Scientist; ODNI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; ODPHP, HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; OMB, White House Office of Management and Budget; ONDFN, New Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition; ONR, NIDDK Office of Nutrition Research; OSTP, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; RCDC, Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization; REE, USDA Research, Economics, and Education mission area; RePORTER, NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results; ROI, return on investment; SNAP, USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; SNAP-Ed, USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education; USAID, US Agency for International Development; USGCRP, US Global Climate Research Program; USGNRP, New US Global Nutrition Research Program; VA, Department of Veterans Affairs; VHA, Veterans Health Administration; WIC, USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Contributor Information

Sheila E Fleischhacker, Fly Health, LLC and Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA.

Catherine E Woteki, University of Virginia Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, Arlington, VA, USA.

Paul M Coates, Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Van S Hubbard, Retired, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Grace E Flaherty, Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.

Daniel R Glickman, The Aspen Institute, Washington, DC, USA.

Thomas R Harkin, Retired US Senator, Des Moines, IA, USA.

David Kessler, Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, College Park, MD, USA.

William W Li, The Angiogenesis Foundation, Cambridge, MA, USA.

Joseph Loscalzo, Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Anand Parekh, Bipartisan Policy Center, Washington, DC, USA.

Sylvia Rowe, SR Strategy, Washington, DC, USA.

Patrick J Stover, Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, USA.

Angie Tagtow, Äkta Strategies LLC, Des Moines, IA, USA.

Anthony Joon Yun, Yun Family Foundation, San Mateo, CA, USA.

Dariush Mozaffarian, Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.

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130 Nutrition Research Topics For Exceptional Paper

When it comes to the world of nutrition, navigating it should be as precise as possible, and that means keeping tabs on current nutrition topics and hot nutrition topics, as well as integrated health and nutrition topics. For anyone willing to seek homework help for their nutrition topic needs, there are cheap, trusted quality experts you can get on board to help you. These experts can be trusted to provide quality work, and they can help you meet up with whatever deadline has been set for you to work on your research paper topics for nutrition class. The best part is that these professional services are offered to university students at affordable rates. We understand how tasking it can be for students to juggle their entire college life while trying to meet social expectations and end up with top grades, so we’ve put together some nutrition hot topics and popular nutrition topics for college students and anyone willing to make further research into these topics. Whether you’re looking for some nutrition topics for presentation, below are some areas and topics that constitute the latest research topics in nutrition. If you’ve already chosen a topic, but have difficulties with paper writing, then check out our college paper writing services .

Nutrition Topics for Research

The science of nutrition is important in understanding and contributing to one’s own healthy lifestyle. Below are some research topics you can explore to fully grasp and express the importance of nutrition and nutritional health in growth and development.

Differences in the responses of different people to certain foods.
How responses to diet can vary from person to person.
How proper nutrition supports healthy growth and development.
The influence of certain diets on reproductive health.
How proper nutrition helps in the management and promotion of health.
The impact of a controlled healthy diet on diabetes.
How certain foods precipitate an individual’s pre-existing medical condition.
The psychology and biological factors surrounding eating disorders.
How healthy diets and an active lifestyle help to maintain health.
Effects of malnutrition on the immune system.
How malnutrition affects mother and child.
How poor eating habits lead to physical ailments and conditions.
How behavior relates to a person’s nutritional habits.
Differences in the contribution of minerals and vitamins to a person’s health.
Diets and nutritional influencers of cardio metabolism.

Sports Nutrition Topics

Whether it’s light exercise or athletics, the right diet is needed in order for one to be able to keep up with the demands of the body to replenish the energy that has been lost. When exploring sports nutrition, the following topics will prove useful to you in your research. Carefully examine each research topic.

Animal-based and plant-based protein foods.
The place of variety in an athlete’s diet.
How fruits and vegetables help in managing energy for sporting activities.
The roles played by protein and carbohydrates in the healthy mental development of athletes.
The cycle of water in an athlete’s diet.
Special diets that help build stamina and endurance.
Diets that help replenish energy and depleted stamina.
How diets and supplements interact in the maintenance of weight.
The place of supplements in diets.
How much is too much food before and after training?
Overdependence on exclusive diets.
How nutrition helps in the development of target muscles and organs.
Calcium: a highly underrated integral portion of an athlete’s diet.
How saturated and trans fat affects the performance of an athlete.
The role of diets and supplements in the prevention and healing of injuries.

Nutrition Education Topics

When it comes to educating other people on how their nutritional choices affect their overall health, one will see that they need a hand. Not to worry, as the following topics will help point you in the right direction in your research.

Vegetarian vegan diets
Maintaining a healthy diet in the midst of a pandemic.
How water aids digestion and circulation of nutrients.
The place of diets in preexisting conditions like HIV/ AIDS.
Rationale behind the specialized dietary requirements for people with chronic illnesses.
Dietary supplements: mythical or factual.
The safety of herbal remedies as nutritional supplements.
Mitigating malnutrition with a healthy diet.
Consequences of poor feeding habits.
How nutrition enhances the immune system of women and children.
Factors that contribute to food safety.
Dietary requirements for children.
Nutritional contribution to weight gain and management.

Food and Nutrition Essay Topics

Understanding how different types of food interplay to affect one’s health is more than enough reason to maintain a healthy diet. The following food and nutrition essay topics will help hone your focus on the important aspects of food and nutrition that everyone needs to know about.

Organic foods.
How good nutrition influences the productivity of physical activity.
How genetics contribute to a person’s susceptibility to obesity.
How a healthy diet helps in the repair of cardiovascular impairments.
The impacts of psychological, biological, and nutritional elements on a person’s eating habits.
The impacts of psychology on a person’s feeding habits.
How unhealthy eating habits have progressed among teenage children to become trendy.
Stimulants: dependency, overdependence, and healthy methods of getting weaned off of them.
Diets that help facilitate weight loss in patients with obesity.
Brain foods: foods that boost mental and cognitive health.
The impact of a healthy, wholesome diet on the mental health of a person.
Maintaining a healthy diet even in the face of economic hardship.
Food security and availability, and how they propagate malnutrition.
How unbalanced diets can result in psychotic and psychological disorders.
The place of calories in nutrition.

Sports Nutrition Topics for Research

For further research into the impact of food choices on sports, the topics below would make great research topics. Having a clear focus will aid in this aspect of your research, and the topics below are ideal for new discoveries and techniques in promoting good nutrition.

Metabolism of carbohydrates
Special energy requirements of athletes
Managing or maintaining body weight
Tailoring food and exercise for specific sports
Food supplements
Proper hydration
Steroids and their impact on sports
The sports nutrition principles
Foods to stay away from
Foods that boost sports performance
The best kind of foods for different athletes
Can athletes be vegans?
Effects of energy drinks on athletes
The place of food in recovery
How does food affect the way we sleep?

Nutrition Research Paper Topics

Without doing too much, this list of topics will help refine your research skills and help you discover uncharted territories in nutrition, food, and health.

Balanced diet
Vitamins: what really are they?
The relationship between food and hormones
Are food additives safe?
Different kinds of eating disorders
Fighting eating disorders
The best kinds of foods to maintain weight
Foods to help you gain weight
Foods that help you lose weight
Curbing food addictions
Is being vegan worth it?
Balanced diets for vegans
The prevalence of malnutrition
Foods appropriate for children
Foods children need to avoid

Interesting Nutrition Topics for Research Paper

Teaching children about nutrition and nutritional health benefits.
How proteins help produce energy.
Synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates.
The unhealthy supplementation of healthy proteins and carbohydrates in diets today.
Managing malnutrition as a sustainable development goal.
Zero hunger: the quest to ensure food security and mother and infant nutrition.
Commercialization of foods rich in antioxidants: a governmental strategy to boost health.
The role of nutrition and heredity in allergies.
Exclusive breastfeeding for infants.
Viability of the supplementation of colostrum found in breastmilk.
Breastmilk: an infant’s first supply of antioxidants.
How folate helps prevent spina bifida before conception.
Myths surrounding nutrition in pregnancy.
What cravings say about nutrient deficiency.

Research Topics In Nutrition and Dietetics

Health risks associated with abdominal obesity.
Childhood obesity: causative factors and remedial actions.
The role of dieting in gerontology.
Free radicals: are they good or bad?
The underrated potentials of vitamin c.
Proper nutritional habits in toddlers and young children.
Nutritional requirements in adolescents and teenagers.
How nutritional habits and requirements vary across genders.
Duets to help control and eliminate abdominal fat.
Alcohol, alcohol dependency, and its effect on a person’s nutrition.
Oils that help in the development of mental abilities.
Omega 3 Fatty acids.
Keto diets: should you be so dependent on them?
The place of supplementation in nutrition.

Research Topics In Clinical Nutrition

How chronic illnesses affect nutritional health.
Chronic diseases and healthy food choices.
Ideal sources of calcium.
Good and bad cholesterol.
Pocket-friendly alternatives to healthy organic foods.
Eating disorders.
Pharmacological interaction between enzymes and drugs.
Disorders of the digestive system.
Cardiovascular diseases and heart health.
Fiber, fish, and folic acids: three important “F’s” to adhere to during pregnancy.
Myths and misconceptions about food and nutrition.
The role of micronutrients in overall health.
The role of macronutrients in overall health.
Physical activity vs sedentary lifestyle: effects of both on general health.

Food is a constant part of the life of every living thing, so any knowledge that can be gotten on the topic is valuable. The place and role of knowledge on food and nutrition cannot be overemphasized. Having the right knowledge of the different kinds and classes of foods as well as their uses will go a long way to ensuring their proper use. More so, a healthy population is one of the greatest assets of any nation. This can be achieved through proper nutrition and detailed research. No person, group, or economy can grow without having substantial knowledge of food, hence the need to know more about this staple. You can find some topic inspiration for your essay or assignment. Be sure to research thoroughly to determine if you have enough information to work with before starting.

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Nutrition articles from across Nature Portfolio

Nutrition is the organic process of nourishing or being nourished, including the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and maintenance.

Latest Research and Reviews

Investigating the impact of dietary guidelines transition on cardiometabolic risk profile: a forensic analysis using diet quality metrics

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The association between dietary habits and self-care behavior of pregnant women with pregnancy complications

Mehdi Karimi
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Comparison of dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory biomarkers between vegetarians and omnivores in Chinese population

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News and Comment

Famine exposure in the womb doubles diabetes risk decades later

Study of more than ten million people suggests that early gestation is the most vulnerable time to be exposed to malnutrition.

Gemma Conroy

Ketogenic diet benefits in critically ill patients with sepsis

Monica Wang

This lab-grown meat probably tastes like real beef

Cultured meat that tastes and smells more appetizing could enhance public perception of artificial steaks.

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The dance of gut microbes on the keto diet

Li, Yang, Zhou et al. delve into the impact of a ketogenic diet on mice and humans, highlighting microbial contributions to taurine-conjugated bile acids as crucial catalysts for the metabolic benefits of this diet.

Optimizing the design of time-restricted eating human trials

Time-restricted eating has become a popular diet for weight management and has spurred tremendous interest in the scientific community. The translation of results from TRE trials heavily depends on trial design. In this Comment, we provide general guidelines on optimizing the design and performance of time-restricted eating trials in human participants.

Krista A. Varady
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Debunking the myths of intermittent fasting

Despite the mounting evidence supporting the use of intermittent fasting as a safe and effective weight loss intervention, many myths about fasting persist in popular culture. Here, we review some common beliefs about intermittent fasting that are not supported by scientific evidence.

Sofia Cienfuegos

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15 Trending Nutrition Research Articles from 2021. 2021 has come to a close, take a look back at some trending nutrition research articles from ASN's four journals: The Journal of Nutrition, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Advances in Nutrition, and Current Developments in Nutrition. Here are 15 articles that were mentioned the ...
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The Journal of Nutrition. ISSN: 0022-3166. The Journal of Nutrition (JN/J Nutr) the official publication of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), publishes high impact peer-reviewed original research papers covering all aspects of experimental nutrition in humans and other animal species. More.
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130 Nutrition Research Topics To Write The Best Paper
Managing malnutrition as a sustainable development goal. Zero hunger: the quest to ensure food security and mother and infant nutrition. Commercialization of foods rich in antioxidants: a governmental strategy to boost health. The role of nutrition and heredity in allergies. Exclusive breastfeeding for infants.
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Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and birth weight: a prospective cohort study

Evolution of dietary patterns in Flanders: an ecological trend study on best-selling cookbook recipes (2008–2018) and their correlation with household purchases

The inverse associations of glycine and histidine in diet with hyperlipidemia and hypertension

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Optimal methods of vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: a systematic review, dose–response and pairwise meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Association between dietary diversity changes and frailty among Chinese older adults: findings from a nationwide cohort study

Dietary niacin Intake and its association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates in individuals with metabolic syndrome

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with gout and hyperuricemia

Methodology and challenges for harmonization of nutritional data from seven historical studies

Associations between dietary total antioxidant capacity and sarcopenia: a cross-sectional study

Artificially sweetened beverage consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Validation of an web-based dietary assessment tool (RiksmatenFlex) against doubly labelled water and 24 h dietary recalls in pregnant women

Disproportionately higher cardiovascular disease risk and incidence with high fructose corn syrup sweetened beverage intake among black young adults–the CARDIA study

Validation of a digital food frequency questionnaire for the Northern Sweden Diet Database

Reply to Ghobadi and Jafari: diet quality in relation to the risk of hypertension among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Fasa PERSIAN cohort study