food science and nutrition research topics

333 Good Nutrition Research Topics & Ideas

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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.

What Is a Nutrition Research Paper Topic and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a nutrition research paper topic is a focused subject of study that investigates some effects of dietary intake and nutritional practices on health outcomes. For example, the main purpose for selecting a nutrition research paper topic is to generate evidence-based knowledge that can inform dietary guidelines, public health policies, and clinical practices (Whitney et al., 2024). In writing, some ideas can range from an impact of dietary patterns on chronic disease prevention to a role of micronutrients in metabolic processes. Further on, by investigating various aspects of nutrition, researchers aim to understand how different foods and nutrients influence physiological functions, promote optimal health, and prevent or manage diseases (Brown et al., 2022). As such, nutrition research addresses critical issues, such as food security, dietary habits across diverse populations, and effects of environmental factors on nutritional choices. Moreover, the findings from these studies are intended to enhance an entire understanding of nutrition’s role in overall well-being and to provide actionable insights that can guide individuals and communities toward healthier eating behaviors (Lelijveld et al., 2023). Therefore, a well-defined nutrition research paper topic serves as a valid foundation for exploring and addressing complex questions that can lead to improvements in public health outcomes.

How to Choose

Choosing a good nutrition research paper topic requires a strategic approach that balances personal interests, current trends in a field, and a real potential for contributing to existing knowledge. Firstly, students should identify areas of personal passion within nutrition, as this aspect can enhance motivation and engagement throughout an entire research process (Marriott et al., 2020). Basically, they should conduct a thorough literature review to ascertain gaps in current research, thereby identifying crucial questions that remain unanswered or underexplored. Further on, student may examine recent studies, public health reports, and emerging dietary trends (Drummond et al., 2023). In principle, an entire relevance of a nutrition research paper topic to contemporary societal issues, such as obesity, food security, or nutrition-related diseases, can increase its significance and impact. Moreover, students should consider an availability of data and resources, as well as ethical considerations, when selecting a subject for analysis (Soares et al., 2019). Basically, collaboration with academic advisors or professionals in their fields can provide new ideas and insights as guidance. In turn, some steps for picking a good nutrition research paper topic include:

Identify Personal Interests: Begin by reflecting on areas of nutrition or ideas that intrigue you, as a genuine interest will enhance motivation and engagement throughout a research process.
Conduct a Literature Review: Explore existing studies and articles to identify some gaps in research, ensuring your nutrition research paper topic addresses unanswered questions or emerging trends within a chosen field.
Consider Current Issues: Focus on contemporary societal challenges, such as obesity or food insecurity, as these themes can provide relevance and significance to your research.
Evaluate Resource Availability: Assess an entire availability of data, studies, and resources related to your potential nutrition research paper topic to ensure you can conduct a thorough and credible study.
Seek Guidance and Feedback: Consult with academic advisors or professionals in their fields for ideas, insights, and suggestions, which can help refine your topic and ensure it meets academic standards.

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

Academic Level Difference

Academic level differences significantly influence an entire selection and complexity of nutrition research paper topics. At an undergraduate level, students engage with foundational concepts in nutrition, focusing on themes and ideas that explore basic dietary guidelines, roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, or relationships between nutrition and general health outcomes (Whitney et al., 2024). Basically, these subjects emphasize an actual importance of understanding essential nutritional principles and their application to everyday life. In contrast, graduate-level research demands a deeper exploration of specialized areas, such as metabolic pathways, physiological impacts of specific diets, or connections between nutrition and chronic diseases (Marriott et al., 2020). In principle, graduate students are expected to critically analyze existing literature, engage with advanced methodologies, and contribute original insights to a given field. At a doctoral level, nutrition research paper topics become even more specialized, often addressing complex questions that require extensive data analysis and innovative research designs (Drummond et al., 2023). As such, Ph.D. candidates may focus on developing novel interventions, examining public health implications, or exploring socioeconomic factors influencing dietary behaviors. Thus, a specific academic level directly shapes a depth, focus, and scope of nutrition research paper topics, reflecting an evolving complexity and sophistication of knowledge within a discipline.

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

Nutrition Research Topics for University

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Their Contribution to Obesity in Adolescents
Dietary Patterns and Their Impact on Immune Function During Seasonal Illness
Exploring the Role of Dietary Fiber in Maintaining Digestive Health
Effects of Nutrition Education on College Students’ Eating Behaviors
Academic Performance in Children: The Role of Nutritional Intake
Health Outcomes Associated With Plant-Based Diets: A Comprehensive Review
Family Meal Frequency and Its Influence on Children’s Nutritional Choices
Interventions Aimed at Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Critical Analysis
Fast Food Consumption and Its Effects on Young Adults’ Nutritional Quality
Heart Health: The Significance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diet
Cognitive Development in Children: Implications of Micronutrient Deficiencies
Recovery Strategies: Nutrition’s Role in Post-Exercise Outcomes for Athletes
Cultural Influences on Dietary Choices Among Immigrant Populations
Eating Behaviors and Body Image: The Influence of Social Media
Whole Grains and Their Association With Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Evaluating Nutritional Assessment Tools for Public Health Applications
Meal Timing and Its Effects on Metabolism and Weight Management
The Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health: Focus on Anxiety Disorders
Efficacy of Dietary Supplements in Improving Nutritional Status
Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults: The Role of Nutrition

Nutrition Research Topics for Master’s and Ph.D.

The Impact of Dietary Polyphenols on Epigenetic Modifications and Disease Prevention
Exploring the Gut Microbiome’s Role in the Efficacy of Nutritional Interventions for Autoimmune Disorders
The Intersection of Nutrition and Genomics: Personalized Diets for Chronic Disease Management
Investigating the Role of Nutritional Biomarkers in Assessing Dietary Intake and Health Outcomes
The Effect of Nutrition on Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Decline in Aging Populations
Evaluating the Efficacy of Nutritional Approaches in Managing Metabolic Syndrome
Nutritional Interventions in Pediatric Populations: Long-Term Health Outcomes
The Role of Dietary Patterns in Modulating Inflammation and Immune Response
Analyzing the Influence of Food Environment on Dietary Choices and Health Disparities
The Relationship Between Nutrient Timing and Athletic Performance in Elite Athletes
The Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Gut Microbiome Diversity and Function
Exploring the Relationship Between Nutrition and Circadian Rhythms in Metabolic Health
Roles of Nutritional Interventions in Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change Impacts on Food Security
Analyzing the Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Dietary Choices and Health Outcomes
The Effect of High-Protein Diets on Muscle Preservation in Aging Populations
Investigating the Relationship Between Nutrition Literacy and Dietary Behavior in Diverse Populations
Nutritional Modulation of the Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for Mental Health Disorders
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based Nutrition Programs in Low-Income Populations
Effects of Nutrition on Sleep Quality and Its Implications for Health
Examining the Use of Bioactive Compounds in Functional Foods for Chronic Disease Management

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

Brown, A., Shi, S., Adas, S., Boyington, J., Paul, C., Jirles, B., Rajapakse, N., Reedy, J., Regan, K., Weatherspoon, D., Xi, D., Zappalà, G., & Agurs-Collins, T. (2022). A decade of nutrition and health disparities research at NIH, 2010–2019. Current Developments in Nutrition , 63 (2), e49-e57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2022.02.012

Drummond, K. E., Murphy-Reyes, A., Cooke, N. K., Stage, V. C., & Goodell, L. S. (2023). Nutrition research: Concepts and applications . Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Lelijveld, N., Wrottesley, S. V., Aburmishan, D., Hemler, E. C., Fentahun, N., Ali, Z., Menezes, R., Roche, M., Sharma, D., Wazny, K., Ross, D. A., Sethi, V., & Mates, E. (2023). Research priorities for nutrition of school-aged children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. PLOS ONE , 18 (1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280510

Marriott, B. P., Birt, D. F., Stallings, V. A., & Yates, A. A. (2020). Present knowledge in nutrition (Vol. 2). Academic Press.

Soares, M. J., Müller, M. J., Boeing, H., Maffeis, C., Misra, A., Muscogiuri, G., Muthayya, S., Newsholme, P., Wolever, T., & Zhu, S. (2019). Conflict of interest in nutrition research: An editorial perspective. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 73 (9), 1213–1215. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-019-0488-8

Whitney, E. N., Rolfes, S. R., Hammond, G., O’Connor, C., & Piché, L. A. (2024). Understanding nutrition . Cengage.

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494 Nutrition Research Topics & Interesting Essay Titles on Food for Students

A wise man once said that your food can be the slowest killing poison or the most powerful and safest medicine. This adage underscores nutrition’s supreme place in human health and life. Composing a paper on this topic can be of great value to you. That’s because you’ll get the chance to learn about the centrality of nutrition, evaluate diets, analyze food’s nutritional contents, and raise public awareness of food issues.

In this article, our expert team has assembled the best topics that can guide your research of this subject in depth and excel in your next nutrition research paper.

🔝 Top 10 Nutrition Topics in 2024

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Is mother’s milk the best choice for the baby?
Nutritional approaches for low birth weight.
Causes of malnutrition in older adults.
Nutrition and allergy prevention.
The role of breastfeeding in healthy child development.
Good diet and gut health.
Nutrition and human immunity.
Malnutrition and brain development.
Diets for people with gastrointestinal disorders.
The role of malnutrition in premature aging.

Nutrition science is an academic branch that examines how food affects our well-being and health. It also determines the optimal levels of vital nutrients and elements we receive from food. Nutrition scholars examine foods, food groups, and intake patterns. This field seeks to explain how healthy eating boosts people’s overall mental and physical performance.

This picture explains what nutrition science studies.

A nutrition scientist also engages in research work to expand and refine our understanding of the relationship between healthy life and diet. They guide people on good eating and develop education programs and public health policies to help communities make wise food choices .

All health experts in other spheres require a sound understanding of nutrition. Why? Because good eating can help prevent and treat most known diseases. Thus, a Nutrition major can be an excellent choice for those pursuing health-related professions.

Are you stuck with your nutrition research assignment? Here are popular topics for 2024 to talk about in your next nutrition assignment.

Obesity and weight: what does nutrition have to do with it?
Omega-6 fatty acids: exploring their nutritional value.
Do organic foods offer superior nutritional value?
Nutrition: Foods Containing Calories .
Osteoporosis: how does good nutrition prevent it?
How can good nutrition address chronic obesity among teenagers ?
Sufficient hydration: its hidden role in promoting health.
Nutrition: Fighting the Childhood Obesity Epidemic .
A healthy diet as the best way to achieve safe weight loss.
Whole grains and their nutritional value.
Saturated fats and their role in nutrition.
Nutrition and Food Security within the Aboriginal and Remote Communities of Australia .
Soft drinks: a malnutrition time bomb.
The role of misinformation in promoting malnutrition .
Multivitamins and their nutritional value.
Nutrition: Why Is Healthy Eating Important?
Food labeling and user nutritional safety.
Food poisoning and how it affects good nutrition.
Food safety and its role in promoting healthy diets.
Nutrition: Obesity Epidemics in America .
Technology: how is it accelerating nutrition science?
Eating disorders : their role in malnutrition.
Fruits and vegetables: their role in nutrition-based immunity.
Nutrition, Healthy Food Choice, and Nutritional Value of Fast Foods .
Fast Food and Obesity Link – Nutrition.
How does good nutrition boost heart health?
High-protein diets and healthy living.

Topics in Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition is a scientific practice that analyzes whether a person consumes enough nutrients for healthy living. Here is a list of our carefully selected hot clinical topics for college students.

Food chemistry and good nutrition.
High-Risk Nutritional Practices .
How does a sound food policy promote clinical nutrition?
How does technology affect nutrition?
Nutritional Requirements During Pregnancy .
Nutrition and metabolism : what’s the connection?
Nutrition support action and in-patients in the US.
The Roles of Nurses in Providing Nutrition Safety .
Gut microbiome: how does it affect health and disease prevention?
Effects of probiotics on the common cold and flu.
Probiotics and diarrhea management in children.
Nutrition and Obesity: Management and Prevention .
Nutrition and its effects on antioxidation.
Good diet and its effects on child diarrhea management .
Investigation of nutritional screening and its benefits for older adults.
Childhood Obesity Prevention: Physical Education and Nutrition .
Pediatric nutrition screening among children in the developing world.
Nutrition status assessment and its benefits for children.
Challenges facing African nutrition professionals.
Eating Disorders: Why Do We Need to Control Our Nutrition?
Nutrition experts and their role in promoting public health.
The role of training in promoting nutrition professionals’ efficiency.
Coronavirus and Nutrition .
Challenges facing nutrition education in the developing world.
The elusive work-life balance among American nutritionists.
Nutrition Research with Reference to Colorectal Cancer .
Good nutrition and stress management.
Nutritional challenges facing child refugees.

Research Topics in Nutrition and Dietetics

Dietetics applies nutrition and good feeding knowledge to understand and promote health and wellness among individuals and groups. Dietitians help people make informed eating decisions.

This image shows what dietetics studies.

Here are cool topics to jumpstart you.

Keto diet : exploring its potential risk factors.
Dietary changes during pregnancy.
Healthy Food: the Impact of the Vegetarian Diet .
Improving physical fitness while limiting calorie consumption.
How does a vegan diet affect your life?
Normal Dieting and Eating Disorders .
Dietary fats: unmasking their good, bad, and ugly sides.
How do proteins help with weight loss?
Juice cleansing: does it really work?
Obesity Treatment: Surgery vs. Diet and Exercises .
Contemporary diet trends and their effects on your health.
Harmful lifestyle trends promote eating disorders.
Fad Diets’ Impact on Human Health: Problem Solution .
Ensuring proper nutrient intake on a vegan diet.
Vegan foods: are they always the healthiest?
How to overcome unhealthy emotional connections to food ?
Non-Vegetarian Diet and Its Health Effects .
Cannabinoid nutritional supplements: their hidden benefits and downsides.
Diabetic prevalence among American teenagers.
Weight Loss, Calories, Diet and Physical Exercising .
Obesity and its connection to nutritionists’ perceptions and practices.
Technology’s role in promoting nutrition education.
Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet .
The role of good feeding in managing terminal illnesses.
Nutritional challenges facing ghetto dwellers.
Eating Habits and Dietary Acculturation ,
Nutrient and medication intake among children with neuro-developmental disorders.
Good diet as a tool for reducing teenage obesity.
Analysis of the Mediterranean Diet .

Nutrition and Exercise Research Topics

A balanced diet and physical activity are two pillars of human well-being. Moreover, healthy nutrition is essential for athletes because it promotes sufficient energy levels and accelerates post-exercise recovery . Below, you’ll find engaging topics about nutrition and exercise for high school students.

A balanced diet and heart disease prevention.
Diet and Exercises in Muscle Mass and Weight Loss .
The role of nutrition in managing cardiovascular diseases.
How do regular exercise and balanced nutrition reduce age-related degenerative diseases ?
Obesity, Diet Modification and Physical Exercises .
How do exercise and healthy food choices improve neurological function?
How does a vegan diet lower cancer risk ?
The Effectiveness of Diet and Exercise Therapy .
Why are eating disorder rates increasing among female athletes?
How does a vegan diet boost sporting performance?
Exercise Stage and Decisional Balance in Overweight People .
How much protein do you need for optimal muscle development?
Can exercise and a balanced diet minimize heart attack risks?
Nutrition and Exercise Plan for a Healthy Lifestyle .
Can regular exercise and good nutrition eliminate cancer risks?
The importance of meal timing for athletes.
Physical Exercises as Obesity Treatment .
Do your food choices affect muscle recovery ?
Problems caused by excessive exercise and dieting.
Nutrition and exercise: how much is too much?
Physical Exercise for Adolescents .
How to maintain electrolyte balance during endurance workouts?
How does creatine improve athletic performance?
Safe weight cut ahead of competitive games.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Effects of Diet and Exercise .
How do dietary fibers affect carbohydrate uptake and assimilation?
How does caffeine affect athletic performance?
The Role Exercise Plays in Diabetes Prevention .
How do physical environments affect eating behaviors?

Sports Nutrition Topics

Here are some trending sport nutrition topics for discussion in your upcoming project.

Creatine: how can it boost sports performance?
Important Dietary Considerations for Endurance Athletes .
Healthy eating and weight management.
How do dietary supplements impact healthy bones and tendons during combat sports?
Nutrition and Performance: The Effects of Nutrients on the Health of Endurance Athletes .
The best nutrients for recovery from sports injuries.
Body fluid balance after intensive sporting activities.
A pragmatic approach to bicarbonate loading and sports performance.
High Nutrition Diet and Its Harm to Athletes .
A milkshake as a post-sporting recovery drink among young athletes.
What is the role of food supplements in promoting effective sports activities?
Nutrition and Hydration for Young Athletes .
Food supplements and doping: Where should athletes draw the line?
Does caffeine impact physical resilience?
How does milk consumption boost athletic endurance?
Coaches’ Role in Athletes’ Nutrition and Mental Health .
How does a vegan diet influence athletic performance?
What’s the effect of nutrition on blood volume during sports?
Sports Nutrition: High-Protein Diet .
How should athletes manage their hunger?
The role of calcium in athletic performance.
The benefits of a high-carbohydrate diet for athletes.
Poor Nutrition: Impact on Poor Sports Performance .
Fruits and vegetables: how do they provide energy for athletic activities?
Water: exploring its hidden role in promoting successful sporting.
Sports Nutrition Strategies for Triathletes .
Sports drinks: How do they boost energy during long training sessions?
Dietary supplements : their invaluable role in injury healing.

Food and Nutrition Topics

Wondering how specific foods and nutrients affect our health? Check out inspiring sample ideas for your paper on this subject.

How do minerals and vitamins differ in their functions?
Pizza as One of the Most Popular Food in London .
The consequences of excessive protein intake.
Effects of excess sugar in your body.
Packaging in Marketing, Food Safety, Environment .
Describe the consequences of dehydration on mental health and focus.
Explain why glucose is vital to good health.
Food Safety Issues in Modern Agriculture .
Describe the circumstances that necessitate vitamin supplement use.
Explain how ketosis develops in the human organism.
Fast Food and Obesity Link – Nutrition .
Explain why some people are intolerant to lactose.
Describe the benefits of fats in promoting overall health.
Time and Food: Chrononutrition & Night Eating .
Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids .
Cholesterol: should people refrain from it or control its intake?
Food Allergies and Eating Disorders .
Explain the role of zinc in promoting sound health.
Health dangers of depending on dietary supplements.
Why is healthy food the best medicine?
Sustainable Food Systems, Nutrition .
Explain vitamin C’s role in neutralizing free radicals.
Explore how inappropriate cooking methods destroy food nutrients.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Biotechnology in Improving the Nutritive Value of Foods .
How does red raspberry consumption boost the body’s anti-inflammatory potential?
Does eating a fruit-based diet promote insulin action in people?
Junk Food and Children’s Obesity .
Describe how strawberries help lower cholesterol levels.
Health dangers of consuming overly processed carbohydrates .

Health and Nutrition Topics

Nutrition has an immense impact on our health. If you want to explore this relationship in more detail, check out the most inspiring ideas to kick-start you.

Strategies for assessing the antioxidant potential of fruit drinks.
Healthy Eating Habits .
Processed and unprocessed fruit beverages: which ones are healthier?
Examine the cleansing potential of fresh juice .
Problems Associated with Unhealthy Eating Among Children .
Explain how nutrition influences healthy hormonal balance.
How does the body convert sunlight into vitamin D ?
Does poor nutrition cause baldness?
Healthy Nutrition During Pregnancy .
Describe how a good diet promotes healthy hair growth.
Is a vegetarian diet a healthy choice for children ?
Explain how a healthy diet promotes natural body detoxification.
How does healthy eating prevent cognitive decline?
Healthy Food Access for Poor People .
How does good nutrition facilitate body immunity?
Healthy Eating Advertising in Canada .
Why does excess sugar consumption cause health problems?
How does good nutrition facilitate digestive health ?
Explain how chronic diseases influence nutritional health.
Snacks and Beverages: Healthy Alternatives for Kids .
Why are micronutrients vital in boosting good health?
Explain how poor diet choices promote lifestyle diseases.
Addressing a Healthy Diet at Home .
Does crop engineering promote or undermine human health?
How to prevent macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies?
Healthy Fast Foods: Sector Analysis .
Accurate food labeling and dietary choices.
The role of anti-inflammatory diets in managing chronic diseases.
A Persuasive Speech: The Importance of Eating Healthy.

Animal Nutrition Topics

Wondering about the influence of nutrition on animals? Here are nutrition research paper topics in food and animal health .

The role of good feeding in boosting rabbit health.
A balanced diet and its place in reducing puppy mortality rates .
Does healthy feeding promote reproduction in rabbit farming?
Teat Dipping and Milk Iodine Concentrations in Dairy Cows .
Healthy feeding as a tool for fighting allergies in cats.
Reducing dietary mistakes to increase goat milk production.
Good feeding and safe calving among dairy cows.
Pet Food Product Marketing Strategy .
Addressing the confusion surrounding protein’s role in pet food.
Protein’s role in dairy cow health.
The best foods for increased dairy production.
Nature’s Best Pet Food Brand’s Target Market .
Carbohydrates: why do dairy cows need them?
How does green matter improve pigs’ health?
Why might home-cooked food not be the right choice for pets?
Nutrition for Gorillas at the National Zoo .
Is good feeding enough to keep healthy laying hens?
Healthy eating and pet diarrhea prevention.
Best food storage practices for healthy pet rearing.
The nutritive value of ruminant feeds .
Preventing food poisoning among pets.
What are the healthy feeding principles for kitten health?
Is a carbohydrate-rich diet good for calves?
Accurate pet food labeling and its impact on animal safety.
The best diet to boost the health of cats with kidney disease.

Are you looking for unique topics to cover in your nutrition essay? Here are some good ideas in different nutrition science areas.

Healthy diet as a tool for preventing and treating food allergies .
Vitamin D deficiency in children in developing countries.
Fitness and Nutritional Habits .
Good feeding and obesity treatment in preschoolers.
A healthy diet for mothers and pre-term infants.
How Do Fried Foods Affect Nutrition for Young Adults?
How does a poor diet fuel chronic sleep problems among teenagers?
Does poor childhood nutrition increase cardiovascular risk in adulthood?
Explore how different cultures handle food.
Nutritional Necessities of Individuals with Disabilities .
Explain the health benefits of cereal.
What are healthy alternatives to white sugar ?
Why is healthier brown bread less popular?
Nutrition Goals, Types and Steps .
Nutrients in white and brown bread : a comparison.
Why isn’t meat still such a staple food in many African cultures?
What are coffee’s healthier alternatives?
Dietary Knowledge and Adult Overweight in China .
Gut microbiome modifiers: are they a healthy option?
The effects of vitamin D deficiency on older adults.
Safer and healthier chocolate substitutes.
Women Losing Their Periods Because of Diets and Exercise .
Strategies to boost healthy eating among college students.
Do eating disorders affect people’s mental performance?
Therapeutic Diets Used in the Hospital .
What is hunger’s role in anorexia?
Benefits of healthy eating habits for adults.

Controversial Nutrition Topics

Are you searching for controversial nutrition topics to research? Here’s our list of the best ideas for college students.

Are vegan athletes better performers than meat-eating ones?
Eggs and Salmonella as Ethical Dilemma in Community .
Carbon footprint labeling : why it should be mandated.
Are foods safer than supplements?
High-Risk Nutritional Practices in the US and China .
Why are artificial sweeteners not good for health?
Infant formulas promote laziness among mothers.
Nutrition: Obesity Pandemic and Genetic Code .
The role of micronutrients in promoting a healthy pregnancy.
How does nutrition support promote Lyme disease treatment ?
Personalized diet plans and why they fail most of the time.
Nutritional Challenges for Government .
Collagen supplements: do they work?
All hydroponics crops can’t qualify as organic.
Genetically Modified Food Safety and Benefits .
Do dietary supplements assist in treating type 2 diabetes?
There’s no such thing as “healthy” fast food.
All fast foods are slow poisons.
Causes and Effects of Fast Food: Essay Example .
Are soy foods a silver bullet in promoting good thyroid health?
Why do pesticides affect the overall safety of farm produce?
All industrial meats are sweet poison.
Vegetarian Diet and Animal Testing Theory .
Does the Keto diet help treat cancer, or is it a myth?
Red meat is safer than what most people believe.
Fad Diets and Their Impact on Human Health .
Natural red meat is safer than GMO crops.
Energy drinks : why you should question their efficacy.

Main Content

Food science - research topics.

The following Research Topics are led by experts in their field and contribute to the scientific understanding of food-science. These Research topics are published in a variety of our peer-reviewed journals, such as Frontiers in Nutrition and Frontiers in Plant Science , as open access articles .

Green celery leaf macro under the microscope with a magnification of 40 times.

Utilizing Machine Learning with Phenotypic and Genotypic Data to enhance Effective Breeding in Agricultural and Horticultural Crops

Changing climate is driving frequent extreme weather events such as increased drought, and unpredictable seasonal precipitation, resulting in increased salinity, and shifts in pest pressures. Furthermore, changing climate has resulted in shifts in gr...

Woman in mask and uniform is examining seedling in greenhouse with team of professionals

Infection and Colonization of Horticultural Crops by Microbial Pathogens

Horticultural crops are an integral part of economic growth and they contribute significantly to agricultural production. Plants can be infected by pathogenic oomycetes, fungi and bacteria that cause significant yield losses worldwide and have a grea...

Rotten green pepper. Botrytis blight. Diseases of the capsicum and bell pepper. Damaged fruit on the bush. Crop loss

Current Advances in Botrytis cinerea: Biology, Pathogenesis and Interaction with Host Plants

Better known to wine connoisseurs as the “noble rot”, Botrytis cinerea is indeed an important plant pathogen with a very diverse host range, causing gray mold disease in over 1000 plant species, including most vegetable and fruit crops, trees, and fl...

Asian female scientist examining genetically modified plants in a plant culture room.

Emerging Sustainable and Green Technologies for Improving Agricultural Production

Nowadays, the world is facing food shortages with the increasing global population, decreasing food sources, and deteriorating environment. Traditionally, several strategies have been employed to improve agricultural production, including physical me...

Quality control engineer work with female worker. Workers in the factory write down notes about bottles or gallons before send to customers. Inspection quality control in food factory.

Nanotechnology in the Food Sector: Advances and Challenges

The world’s population growth is expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, which will require a 50% increase in the agro-food sector to maintain the global food supply chain. As a final product, food reaches consumers via a sequential process that invol...

Cheese factory worker processing fermenting milk

Enhancing Nutrient Profile, Safety, and Sustainability with Fermentation Technology

Fermentation is a metabolic process that improves the nutrition density of foods. It can convert food components to small molecules through enzymatic action. Historically, many foods have undergone fermentation, including meat, fish, dairy, vegetable...

Senior scientist examining a plants in greenhouse farm. scientists holding equipment for research plant in organic farm. Quality control for hydroponics vegetable farm. test and collect chemical data.

Databases and Nutrition, volume III

This Research Topic is dedicated to cover high-level aspects of “Databases and Nutrition” in a global and interdisciplinary perspective and interoperability as tools towards health. Studies that examine the relationship between diet and health have l...

Young female biologist in protective workwear standing by shelf with green lettuce in vertical farm and holding small pot with seedlings

Interactions between Food Matrices and Flavor Compounds

The concentration of flavor substances in the environment is one of the most important factors determining human flavor perception, and the release process from food matrices determines its concentration. Therefore, the release of flavor from food ma...

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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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.

food science and nutrition research topics

Lower your cholesterol early, and stick with it!

Consumption of a high-fat diet leads to the progressive growth of atherosclerotic lesions. Two new studies document that, despite similar overall exposure to high-fat diet over a lifetime, an intermittent consumption of high-fat diet early in life accelerates atherosclerosis compared with continuous consumption of a high-fat diet. The mechanisms for accelerated atherosclerosis include reprogramming of macrophages and neutrophils.

Filip K. Swirski
Christoph J. Binder

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News and Comment

The time has come to reconsider the quantitative sugar guidelines and related policies

This commentary critiques current sugar intake guidelines, suggesting they oversimplify a complex issue and may lead to unintended outcomes. It advocates for reducing sugar-sweetened beverages, promoting healthy dietary patterns, and recognizing the diverse roles of sugars in foods. The piece calls for a more practical and sustainable approach to public health messaging, aiming for more effective dietary strategies that reflect the complexity of nutritional needs and food sources.

Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

Diabetes risk soars for adults who had a sweet tooth as kids

Study of 1950s sugar rationing in the United Kingdom also suggests risk to babies whose mums ate a high-sugar diet during pregnancy.

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The complex effects of dietary restriction on longevity and health

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Your diet can change your immune system — here’s how

Claims about food and immunity are everywhere. Now scientists are exploring exactly how nutrition acts on the immune system to boost health and treat disease.

Nic Fleming

Dietary restriction can extend lifespan — but genetics matters more

The race is on to find interventions that improve health and promote longevity. The mechanisms behind and possible benefits of one such intervention, dietary restriction, are more complex than previously thought.

Nicholas J. Schork

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The importance of food systems and the environment for nutrition

Jessica fanzo, alexandra l bellows, marie l spiker, andrew l thorne-lyman, martin w bloem.

Author information
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Address correspondence to JF (e-mail: [email protected] )

Received 2020 Jun 30; Accepted 2020 Oct 7; Collection date 2021 Jan.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ ), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. For commercial re-use, please contact [email protected]

Global and local food system transformation is necessary in order to ensure the delivery of healthy, safe, and nutritious foods in both sustainable and equitable ways. Food systems are complex entities that affect diets, human health, and a range of other outcomes including economic growth, natural resource and environmental resiliency, and sociocultural factors. However, food systems contribute to and are vulnerable to ongoing climate and environmental changes that threaten their sustainability. Although there has been increased focus on this topic in recent years, many gaps in our knowledge persist on the relation between environmental factors, food systems, and nutritional outcomes. In this article, we summarize this emerging field and describe what innovative nutrition research is needed in order to bring about food policy changes in the era of climate disruption and environmental degradation.

Keywords: environmental sustainability, sustainable diets, food systems, Anthropocene, climate disruption, COVID-19, planetary health

Introduction

For clinical nutrition to be impactful, it is essential to consider how the broader food system affects diets, nutrition, and health outcomes of populations. There is considerable debate on how food systems can be better positioned to provide safe and healthy diets and support human health in a way that is environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate change, as well as other disruptions and shocks ( 1 ). As The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) embarks on new territories ( 2 ), it is only fitting that the Journal delves into the relation between food systems and dietary, nutritional, and environmental outcomes. Food systems involve the production, processing, packaging, distribution, marketing, purchasing, consumption, and waste of food ( 3 ). There remain many research questions and gaps in evidence on how to transform food systems so that they benefit both human nutrition and health while protecting ecological resources, supporting livelihoods and affordable foods, and upholding social, cultural, and ethical values. This article will summarize this emerging field, and describe what new science, research, and evidence are needed to bring about food policy changes in the era of climate disruption and environmental degradation.

The Climate Crisis and Environmental Degradation across the Planet

The era of the anthropocene.

The Anthropocene Epoch was first described by Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer ( 4 ) as an unofficial time period that signifies when human activity began having substantial effects on planetary health—the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends ( 5 ). There is a growing body of evidence documenting how human activity has altered, in some instances irreversibly, Earth's systemic processes ( 6 ). The sheer growth and migration of the world's human population, along with the need for food, water, shelter, and livelihoods, have been major driving forces that have changed the equilibrium of the planet. These changes include deforestation, ocean acidification, pollution, loss of biodiversity, desertification, and destruction of habitats and natural resources such as water, soil, and ecosystems ( 1 , 7 , 8 ). Some of these processes have triggered climate change, climate-related natural disasters, poor air quality, water and food shortages, depletion of aquatic food sources, and conflicts over resources ( 9–11 ). Many of these changes are driven by the need to feed an ever-growing, increasingly urban population that demands different and more diverse diets ( 7 , 12 ).

Climate disruption and environmental degradation

Climate models continue to show that a change of >0.5°C in global surface temperature will have devastating, irreparable effects on the planet's habitability for humans and many other species ( 8 ). If we continue on a business-as-usual path without serious action on climate change mitigation, the global surface temperature will increase by >2°C above the preindustrial period ( 13 ). The projected warming of the planet will result in more hot days and hotter hot days across the globe, with regions around the equator becoming unsafe for human health ( 13 ). There will be significant changes to precipitation patterns and more intense and stronger hurricanes and tropical cyclones, as well as extreme droughts ( 14 ). Despite numerous calls for action to mitigate these anthropogenic effects ( 8 , 13 , 15 ), global temperature and greenhouse gases (GHGs) are increasing, and sea levels continue to rise, which will have detrimental impacts on many environmental processes, including declining terrestrial and marine biodiversity, soil salination, and diminishing water quality ( 15–17 ).

Impacts of climate and environmental change on health and nutrition

Climate and environmental change are and will continue to affect human health on a grand scale. As climate change progresses, the environmental conditions needed for optimal human health will come under threat, including clean air, drinkable water, low pathogen exposure, and the ability to produce, raise, harvest, and gather crops, animals, seafood, and wild foods in sufficient and safe quantities and/or qualities. Climate change introduces instability into the food supply, raises prices of food, and ultimately reduces access to nutrient-dense and healthy foods for certain populations ( 1 ). For example, rising sea temperatures are affecting marine life and threatening fish populations, a major source of protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients for many around the world. The impacts of lost biomass from the oceans are expected to disproportionally affect countries in the global South ( 18 , 19 ). Some models suggest that changes in food availability due to climate change, specifically reduced availability of fruit and vegetables, are estimated to result in an additional 529,000 deaths by 2050 ( 20 ).

Climate change will likely affect the nutritional status of all populations, but it will continue to have a disproportionate impact on poor and marginalized populations, widening existing equity gaps in nutrition and health outcomes. Climate change has the potential to increase the prevalence of undernutrition by affecting the immediate, underlying, and basic causes outlined in UNICEF's conceptual framework for maternal and child nutrition ( 21 ). Examples at each level include facilitating optimal conditions for infectious diseases; reducing household food security; and altering livelihoods, particularly of those in the agricultural sector. Nutritionally vulnerable populations, including pregnant and lactating women, infants, and small children, are likely to be the most affected by these trends; the International Food Policy Research Institute's IMPACT model predicts that under conditions with limited intervention to mitigate climate change, there will be an additional 4.8 million undernourished children by 2050 ( 22 ).

Role of Food Systems, Agriculture, and Diet on the Climate and Environment

The relation between food systems and the environment is complex because environmental changes are both a driver and an outcome of food systems. As Figure 1 shows, environmental inputs such as soil and water quality, weather patterns, and temperature influence food systems through their impact on the production, storage, and transportation of food. This, in turn, affects localized food environments—the place or places where consumers interact with the food system to buy and consume food (including markets, restaurants, and cafeterias, for example)—by influencing food availability, quality, safety, and affordability ( 23–25 ). Proximal outcomes of food systems include increased or minimized exposure to contaminants, diet quality, and food loss and waste. Each of these proximal outcomes affects both human and environmental health outcomes.

Conceptual framework for food systems and the environment. Environmental inputs such as soil and water quality, weather patterns, and temperature influence food systems through their impact on the production, storage, and transportation of food. This affects localized food environments—the place or places where consumers interact with the food system to buy and consume food—by influencing food availability, quality, safety, and affordability ( 23–25 ). Proximal outcomes of food systems include increased or minimized exposure to contaminants, diet quality, and food loss and waste. Each of these proximal outcomes affects both human and environmental health outcomes. Finally, a feedback loop exists in that environmental outcomes affect environmental inputs. GHG, greenhouse gas.

Food systems exemplify the characteristics of complex systems, including the existence of feedback loops. One important feedback loop in the food system is that environmental outcomes affect environmental inputs; for example, GHG emissions from food production and waste affect temperatures, and eutrophication from agricultural runoff affects water quality. In the context of food systems, resilience has been characterized as the ability to provide safe and sufficient food to all, not only in times of normalcy but also in times of disturbance and shocks to the system ( 26 ). Although shocks to the food system can include natural disasters, pandemics, economic instability, and political or social unrest, shocks can also include environmental stressors that push beyond the boundaries of the system. The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating the fragility of certain parts of current food systems and underscoring the interconnectedness of each component of the food system ( 27 ).

Numerous reports have measured the impact of food systems on the environment ( 28–32 ). Globally, agriculture and livestock production utilize ∼40% of arable land ( 33 ), account for ∼70% of fresh water withdrawn for human purposes ( 29 , 34 ), and are responsible for ∼11% of GHG emissions (although some estimates range from 11% to 24% depending on what is counted) ( 35 ). Of all GHG emissions from the food system, 80%–86% come from agriculture (with the remaining food systems–related emissions coming from food processing, packaging, transportation, or retail) ( 32 ). Expanding agricultural land use is a major contributor to rising carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, biodiversity loss due to deforestation, and draining of wetlands ( 31 , 32 ). Furthermore, the use of synthetic fertilizers—which contain high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus—is a significant source of eutrophication globally ( 36 , 37 ).

Climate change puts the quantity, quality, stability, and safety of the global food supply at risk ( 29 ). Changes such as rising temperatures, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns all affect the functionality and efficiency of food supply chains ( 38 ). Because optimal food production requires specific conditions (for example, certain crops or pests may thrive in a narrow band of temperatures), disruptions to environmental conditions can negatively affect crop yields, the nutrient content of crops, and the broader ecosystems that support food production and livelihoods ( 20 ). Climate forecasting models estimate that average land temperatures will increase in the next 100 y ( 29 ). As land temperatures increase, certain areas of the globe, particularly tropical low-latitude areas, will experience decreased crop yields, whereas higher-latitude areas may experience increased yields in the short term ( 39 ). Lower yields and instability of production, in turn, threaten food security and nutrition by increasing food prices, which can affect the dietary diversity of poor households ( 40–42 ). In addition, geospatial differences in crop yields may result in greater reliance on a global rather than on a local food supply ( 43 ), which in turn may affect the equity of food distribution, food sovereignty, and the sustainability of food systems.

Although rising atmospheric carbon dioxide may stimulate photosynthesis and improve water efficiency of crops ( 44 ), simulation models suggest that potential gains in crop yields from rising carbon dioxide will not fully offset diminished crop yields due to rising temperatures and other environmental consequences of climate change ( 45 ). Myers et al. ( 38 ) argue that with increased climate disruption, the protected purchasing power of wealthier populations could leave those who are poor more food insecure because of their inability to access and afford food. The impact of floods and heat stress will affect the health and welfare of animals as well ( 46 ).

In addition to affecting the quantity of food, rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations may also diminish the quality of food. Certain staple crops such as rice and wheat have decreased protein, iron, and zinc content when grown under high carbon dioxide conditions ( 38 , 47–49 ). Even if the decrements in micronutrient content are minor, they may disproportionately affect populations of lower socioeconomic status whose diets rely predominantly on nutrient-poor staple grains. When combined with rising food prices, particularly for more nutrient-dense foods that are already out of reach ( 50 , 51 ), this may worsen the risk of micronutrient deficiencies among more vulnerable populations.

The effects of climate change on human health are not limited to impacts on crop yields and the nutrient content of those crops. Temperature increases will also result in the proliferation of pests and pathogens in ways that may harm both crop production and human health. For example, aflatoxins—carcinogenic and immunosuppressive pathogens produced by certain molds—afflict crops such as maize and peanuts in tropical regions of the world and their consumption may be associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, poor pregnancy outcomes, and child growth ( 52 ). Researchers predict that aflatoxins may become a more prevalent food safety issue even in temperate regions where aflatoxin exposure has typically not been a concern: for example, for maize grown in Europe ( 53 ). In addition, increased proliferation of pests may result in increased use of pesticides, and we will discuss potential effects on human health in a subsequent section. Finally, warmer weather and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide facilitate harmful algal blooms that produce toxins, which can have negative impacts on the ability to access blue (aquatic) foods for diets, on human and marine health, and significant economic consequences ( 17 ).

Increased Attention to the Issue

National governments have been negotiating a response to climate change for nearly 3 decades, since the adoption of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. Yet states have still not reached a binding international agreement with provisions to avert environmental disaster ( 54 ). At the Paris climate conference in 2015, 196 states agreed on a goal to keep average global warming <2°C, but national pledges added up to only one-third of the emissions reductions required to meet the Paris deal's goal. In addition, some countries have yet to ratify the agreement, and the United States, the largest emitter of GHGs per capita, formally withdrew from the agreement on 4 November, 2020.

However, over the last 5 y we have seen increased attention from both nutrition and environmental scientists on the relation between food systems and the environment. Landmark reports on the causes and consequences of climate change have highlighted the importance of food systems and human diets for planetary health ( 1 , 7 , 30 , 55 ). The cyclical nature of the relation between the environment and nutrition demands that nutrition scientists engage in food systems transformation to improve diets of the current population while conserving natural resources for diets of future generations. Nutrition scientists are in a unique position to contribute to collaborative efforts that support both human and planetary health. Nutrition is inherently a multidisciplinary science with a wide umbrella that includes expertise ranging from molecular biology to community-level behavior change communication. In addition to encouraging dietary shifts that support both human and planetary health, nutrition scientists can collaborate with other disciplines to connect the dots between human health and efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce food loss and waste, improve food processing or packaging, and conserve resources in foodservice settings and food environments ( 56 , 57 ).

Nutrition scientists have been traditionally siloed into those who study undernutrition and food insecurity and those who study overweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) ( 58 , 59 ). There is also a disconnect between those who work on nutrition within a humanitarian context and those who focus on prevention or long-term development issues related to undernutrition ( 60 ). Given that many of the challenges we face are global in nature, and with rapid convergence in the type of diets being consumed and growing commonality in the type of disease burdens faced in both low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs), these traditional boundaries may adversely affect our ability to identify and implement public health interventions relevant to the field ( 61 , 62 ).

Because of the nature of food systems—complex and interconnected with multiple drivers, outcomes, and stakeholders—we cannot gain a better understanding of interventions and policies that will reduce all forms of malnutrition and mitigate environmental consequences without a systems approach that facilitates collaboration between experts in undernutrition, overweight and NCDs, environment, climate, and agriculture. Many gaps in our knowledge still persist on the relation between environmental factors, food systems, and nutritional outcomes. Evidence is just beginning to gather as nutrition research embraces a more inter- and transdisciplinary approach to improve diet quality and reduce all forms of malnutrition ( 63 ).

Gaps in Our Knowledge

We need to better understand how food systems will affect diets, nutrition, and health outcomes in different contexts, under different drivers, with different political and societal transitions, and the potential implications for environments and overall planetary health. Currently, there is a growing body of scientific effort in this space, but we need to ensure the generation of evidence includes a “nutrition lens” and disentangles the bidirectional relation between the environment and human diets, nutrition, and health. We also need to go beyond just understanding associations and impacts to also understanding levers of change within food systems and how to operate them.

The field of nutrition has further built upon its original focus on specific nutrients to now include examination of whole dietary patterns, with the rationale that behavior change may be more easily attained by addressing the whole of diet—a unit of analysis that more closely aligns with how people make food choices ( 64 ). A growing body of literature takes an even broader view on dietary patterns, assessing their associations with not only human health but also environmental impacts including GHG emissions, land and water use, and biodiversity ( 65–67 ), and the EAT– Lancet Commission Report represented an attempt to find synergies between healthy diets and sustainable food production at a global level ( 1 ). Research on the sustainability of various dietary patterns increasingly highlights the existence of both co-benefits and trade-offs between nutrition and environmental impacts ( 68 , 69 ). Although some research has shown that diets which rely mostly on plant-based sources have lower GHG emissions, reduced deforestation, and decreased water footprints (especially in HICs) ( 1 , 65 ), in many LMIC contexts improving nutritional status may benefit from a focus on adequate nutrients with more inclusion of animal source foods in the diet, which may be accompanied by an increased environmental footprint ( 70 ). Even in specific contexts where a reduction in animal source food consumption may be warranted (e.g., among populations where animal source foods are consumed beyond what is necessary to meet nutrient needs), the path to achieving this is not straightforward. To recommend such solutions, we need more information on local and country contexts, including the agricultural and livestock systems which livelihoods are dependent upon, micro-food environments, dietary needs and health considerations, the affordability of foods and overall diets, sociocultural norms, and lifestyles of specific subpopulations.

Environmental inputs and food system processes

Thus far, most research on the connection between food systems and nutrition has focused on the 2 “ends” of food systems: agricultural production and consumer dietary intake. However, a host of other activities exist between the farm and the fork that affect nutrition and health, which some have referred to as the “missing middle” of the food supply chain ( 71 ). Issues such as food processing and packaging, postharvest loss along the supply chain, and food distribution mechanisms all have an important bearing on nutrition and health outcomes.

Most research on the impact of climate change on the nutrient content of crops has focused on staple crops; to date, very few studies have examined how climate change may influence changes in the production and consumption of nonstaple food groups ( 20 , 72 ). More research is needed on how different kinds of crops—particularly those that are nutrient-dense such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes—will fare in a +2°C world. Understanding how nutrient content may differ in food grown under various climate change conditions will be vitally important for policies and interventions designed to promote diet quality and reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies. Similarly, there is a need to better understand the relation between climate and food production more broadly. For example, how is climate resilience in agriculture affected by the scale of food production, the extent of trade, or the amount of biodiversity?

In addition, further research is needed to identify and measure sustainability within food environments. An individual's food environment influences the food they choose to purchase and consume ( 23 , 73 ). Sustainability has not been incorporated within traditional food environment frameworks ( 74 ), but as more research and policies consider the sustainability of dietary patterns, there is a need to understand how food environments should be designed to address both health and sustainability. These measures include the ecological footprint of foods available within an environment (with metrics including water, land, and GHG emission footprints), the amount and type of packaging companies and retailers use, the availability of combined eco- and health labeling on food packages, the availability of consumer-facing information on food sourcing and origins, food safety labels and checks, and minimization of food waste in food environments ( 75 ). Governments may also prioritize the importance of sustainability relative to the food security of their populations very differently depending on the dominant problem they are trying to solve, leading to different policy choices ( 76 ).

A growing area of research is how climate change may affect food purchasing behaviors and whether environmental sustainability is a motivation for behavior change among food systems stakeholders, including consumers. For stakeholders involved in food production and supply chains, how might economic incentives or other measures increase the adoption of practices that benefit human health while stewarding ecological resources? For consumers, how might environmentally motivated behaviors differ between various age groups, socioeconomic classes, and in different country contexts? Are the synergies with health sufficient for environmental sustainability to be a motivator for consumers when making dietary choices? Whose ability to purchase nutritious foods is more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and for those who are disadvantaged, how can we ensure they are not left behind? We need to better understand the extent to which people in different contexts are aware of the environmental impact of the food they buy, and how this awareness may affect food choices—does it bolster or hinder the healthiness of food choices? Finally, we need more research on policies and interventions that incentivize healthy and sustainable diets—both from the standpoint of consumer choice and from the standpoint of agricultural and food supply chain practices.

Proximal outcomes of the food system

Shifting dietary intake at the population level is a formidable challenge, regardless of whether it is motivated by health, environmental, or other reasons. In the United States, for example, diets do not align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as illustrated by the nationwide average Healthy Eating Index-2015 score of 56.6 out of 100 ( 77 ). Human dietary behavior is complex, and the extent to which it is driven by social norms related to environmental impact compared with health or other motivations is uncertain and an important topic for further research. One environmental motivation for dietary change is related to a question of resource use: even if the food system can produce adequate calories for a growing global population, can food production systems keep up with the demand for more resource-intensive foods? Rising incomes worldwide may increase the demand for animal source foods by 70% ( 7 ), which tend to have the highest environmental impact depending on where and how food is grown and raised.

In order to effectively change dietary intake, we need a comprehensive understanding of what people consume. Global dietary intake data that are nationally and subnationally representative remain sparse ( 78 ). Most countries do not consistently and systematically collect individual dietary intake data, and the data that do exist are often based on models relying on household expenditure and consumption survey data, food balance sheet data, and/or data from subpopulation nutrition surveys ( 79 , 80 ). Although these modeled estimates may give us a sense of dietary intake and patterns of consumption, they are an uncertain substitute for robust, representative individual dietary intake data reflecting recent consumption patterns at a national level. Collection of robust longitudinal dietary data will also allow researchers and policymakers to better understand how diets are changing over time and why. Since the early 1990s, researchers have been aware that diets are rapidly changing globally ( 81 ), but surprisingly little evidence has been collected to document this change and identify the primary drivers of change. Given that dietary factors are a leading cause of the global burden of disease ( 79 ), the time for a systematic global effort to understand how diets are changing is overdue.

There is a long, tangled history of discussions, definitions, and metrics around sustainable diets ( 82 ). Rachel Carson's influential Silent Spring , published in the 1960s, highlighted the human footprint on the environment, and Francis Moore Lappe's Diet for a Small Planet politicized the impact of large-scale animal production on natural resources. Joan Dye Gussow's work on “ecological nutrition” in the 1970s stressed the unsustainable nature of the United States’ food systems ( 83 ). Since that time, a growing body of literature has bridged the disciplines of public health, environmental sciences, and ecology. The terms may have changed—econutrition, sustainable diets, public health ecology—but the topic continues to be in the spotlight owing to the growing severity of climate change in the last 20 y and increased public awareness of the contribution of food systems to environmental degradation. Notably, the UN has not reached a consensus on an agreed definition of sustainable diets, although draft definitions have been developed. The definition drafted by the FAO in 2010 ( 84 ) did not provide substantive guidance on what specifically constitutes a sustainable diet from an environmental, biological, cultural, and health standpoint. A second attempt was made in 2019, where the FAO and WHO established guiding principles for sustainable and healthy diets ( 85 ). These guiding principles are a set of broad qualitative recommendations but may not be useful for quantitively assessing if a diet is sustainable. At the same time, Food in the Anthropocene: The EAT– Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems published in 2019 ( 1 ) proposed a healthy reference diet that could meet both human and planetary health needs. Although the Commission report had serious limitations ( 86 ), it called for grand food system transformation and laid out a roadmap for this transformation, starting with significant changes to what is currently consumed around the world.

One of the shortcomings of the EAT– Lancet Commission report was that it provided a single healthy reference diet for the world, and did not take into account that healthy and sustainable diets may differ in their availability, accessibility, and cost at the global, regional, and individual levels ( 87 ). Even more so, what is considered healthy is not always sustainable, and what is considered a sustainable diet is not always a healthy one ( 88 ). Moving forward, nutrition scientists need a better understanding of how diets are changing, more scientific consensus on definitions and metrics to assess the sustainability of dietary patterns ( 87 ), and methods to test the effectiveness of interventions to promote diets that are both healthy and sustainable.

Food safety in the food system

Human exposure to harmful chemical and biological agents occurs throughout multiple stages of food supply chains. In food production, agricultural workers may be exposed to high amounts of pesticides or other agrochemicals, which are associated with increased risk of poisoning, decreased fertility, and potential increased risk of cancer and diabetes ( 89–91 ). More research is needed on the nutrition and health effects of pesticide usage ( 92 ), particularly in LMICs, where a significant proportion of the population depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Currently, few studies have explored the relation between pesticide exposure and adverse maternal and nutritional outcomes in LMIC settings ( 91 , 93–95 ). Because pesticide and chemical regulation varies from country to country, it is important to have representative data regarding the health and nutritional risks associated with pesticide and chemical use and exposure within the food system. It is also critical to assess the extent to which consumer perceptions of pesticide, chemical, and antimicrobial exposure may influence food purchasing decisions ( 96 ). Information regarding food safety and its impacts on producer behavior, consumer awareness, and consumer behavior is limited, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia ( 97 ).

The world's reliance on plastics for production, manufacturing, and packaging has made plastics ubiquitous in the environment and, in turn, in food systems. Plastics enter food systems directly through food packaging or indirectly through the environment. As countries develop longer supply chains, packaging becomes necessary to preserve shelf life. Plastic packaging can lead to exposure to chemicals such as Bisphenol A and phthalates, which have been linked to increased risk of obesity, cancer, and diabetes ( 98–100 ). Although some governments in HICs have mandated more regulation over these chemicals, in many instances they are replaced by structurally similar chemicals that may have similar or worse health effects ( 101 ). On the other hand, little is known about the use of these chemicals in food packaging in LMICs, and more research is needed to assess the prevalence of exposure, potential health outcomes, and to find solutions to reduce these exposures ( 102 ). More distal sources of plastic enter the food supply when discarded plastic breaks down into particles known as microplastics and these are released into the surrounding environment. The prevalence of microplastics has been documented in oceans and marine life, but currently, little evidence is available on how microplastic consumption affects human health ( 103 ).

Food loss and waste

Food loss typically refers to losses that occur earlier in the supply chain between the farm and the retail market. Food waste typically refers to food discarded at the retail or consumption phase of the food supply chain. Food loss and waste increase the environmental footprint of food systems owing to methane emissions from the breakdown of organic materials in landfills and owing to the natural resources embedded in the production of wasted food. Food loss and waste also expose inequities in access to safe and healthy foods and represent a missed opportunity for nutrition. Food waste is nutrient waste. In the United States, nutrient-rich foods such as animal source foods, fruits, and vegetables account for >70% of food loss and waste ( 104 ). Food wasted at the retail and consumer levels alone averages 1217 calories, 33 g protein, 6 g fiber, and 286 g Ca per person per day ( 105 ). What does nutrient waste look like in other countries, especially those with a higher prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies? There is a need for more accurate data on the scale of food loss and waste globally and subnationally, and a need for research to identify cost-effective policies and interventions to reduce food loss and waste ( 106 ). The FAO has established 2 new indexes to measure food loss and waste. The food loss index estimates that 14% of the world's food produced is lost up to the retail level, with South and Central Asia experiencing the most significant losses of ≤20%. The food waste index will be published later this year ( 107 ).

Distal outcomes of food systems

Nutrition and health outcomes.

The Global Syndemic Commission recently published a report in The Lancet in which they defined the “syndemic”—the consequences of undernutrition, overweight/obesity, and climate change—as being related, interactive, and bound. The authors make a strong case with the support of other studies that climate change will diminish projected reductions in undernutrition ( 59 ). Policymakers and researchers have noted that many policies and interventions to address obesity may also have simultaneous positive effects on climate change progression ( 59 , 108 ), but more evidence is needed on how climate change may affect obesity prevalence and how the rising prevalence of obesity affects climate change. Furthermore, there are uncertainties on the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on micronutrient deficiencies. Plenty of research is emerging on the micronutrient content of foods with increased temperature changes and the carbon dioxide fertilization effect earlier described, but much less so on the impacts that climate change may have on the micronutrient status of populations.

Environmental outcomes

The effects of food systems on environmental outcomes may vary by region and by method of food production. Many data gaps and methodological gaps remain in our understanding of how different foods, food groups, and dietary patterns affect a suite of environmental outcomes, including GHG emissions, blue and green water use, land-use change and deforestation, eutrophication, and acidification. These effects, of course, depend on how food is grown, where, and by whom. For example, the livestock animal systems of Brazil have very different water and land use footprints than a pastoralist system in Northern Kenya ( 109–111 ). Tomatoes grown in hothouses have a different GHG profile than tomatoes grown in Southern California ( 112 ). Cashews have a much higher blue and green water footprint than peanuts ( 113 ). Live lobsters flown from Maine to Paris have a different GHG emissions footprint than mussels harvested locally ( 114 ). Our current knowledge of the environmental footprint of food is limited by the fact that most data to date focus on a few specific foods (livestock and staple grains), on a few specific environmental stressors (namely GHG emissions), and mostly on HIC settings ( 115 ).

There is a need for the nutrition community to work with climate and environmental scientists to go beyond global and regional averages and understand how healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns and the foods that comprise those diets affect the environment in more localized contexts. For example, a given dietary pattern may have a low average environmental impact at the global level; but what is the environmental impact of that dietary pattern in a specific region, and how might that dietary pattern align with the nutritional needs of specific subpopulations such as hospital patients or university students? A higher resolution of data is required before dietitians and other nutrition professionals are equipped to make menu planning or nutrition education decisions that appropriately reflect both health and environmental considerations.

The Call for Research and Innovation

AJCN ’s call for innovative food systems research is looking for work that draws from a broader range of research methods, points of intervention within food systems, and goals of intervention—as outlined in Figure 2 —as well as work that attempts to make connections within each domain. For example, in looking at points of intervention throughout the food system, how do food supply chains affect dietary patterns? In looking at how intervention goals may complement each other, how might reducing structural inequities improve nutrition and health outcomes? Areas of research include:

Roadmap for evidence at the intersection of food systems, the environment, and nutrition. An innovative program of food systems research draws from a range of methods, intervenes on multiple points throughout the food system, and embraces a diversity of goals that support and complement the traditional goal of improving nutritional status and health outcomes. Within each domain, the items are not intended to be hierarchical; the goal is to show that there are a range of complementary methods, points of intervention, and goals.

Research that illuminates the connections between agriculture, food value chains, climate, environment, diet, nutrition, and human health.

Research that seeks to improve public health through efforts related to environmentally sustainable food production and value chains.

Studies of food systems stakeholders, food environments, consumer behavior, and dietary consumption that are representative of low- and middle-income contexts and how health and environment are measured in these contexts.

High-quality analytical methods and tools to collate, curate, and analyze data across food systems; integration of data sets across disciplines; and new empirical research to solve the grand challenge of sustainable development. The recently launched Food Systems Dashboard is one such tool that brings together a vast array of food system indicators across countries ( 116 ).

Transforming food systems to ensure that the food we produce is accessible, affordable, safe, nutritious, sustainable, and equitable for all is our moral imperative. At a time when science, evidence, and facts are increasingly scrutinized, and, at times, disregarded in political decision-making processes, research and scientific endeavor has never been more important. Research plays an important role in charting the course for nutrition, health, and sustainability. This will require a creative approach that bridges knowledge across disciplines in publications that inform action at different levels from subnational and national to regional and global. As researchers and generators of data and evidence, we need to ensure that our scientific pursuits answer the critical, real-time questions that are dividing our world. One of those questions is how both human and planetary health can thrive while meeting the demands of a growing human population, and if we can't have it all, what trade-offs are we willing to live with? It is time for the nutrition community to answer this question, laying out the paths forward along with the trade-offs. To fully address this question, it will require that nutrition scientists collaborate with other sectors, disciplines, and experts to develop a more nuanced understanding of how specific shifts in food systems can have broad impacts on sustainability.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Parul Christian for providing comments to the manuscript in its earlier drafts and Andrew Jones and Anna Herforth for providing expertise on existing gaps in the literature.

The authors’ responsibilities were as follows—JF and ALB: drafted the initial manuscript; MLS: contributed to the conceptualization of Figure 2 ; MLS, ALT-L, and MWB: provided extensive edits and feedback throughout the review process; and all authors: read and approved the final manuscript. MLS has received fellowship funding from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation through an educational grant from the National Dairy Council (2018–2020). The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

The authors reported no funding received for this study.

JF is an Associate Editor of the Journal.

Abbreviations used: GHG, greenhouse gas; HIC, high-income country; LMIC, low- and middle-income country; NCD, noncommunicable disease.

Contributor Information

Jessica Fanzo, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA.

Alexandra L Bellows, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Marie L Spiker, Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.

Andrew L Thorne-Lyman, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for a Livable Future, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Martin W Bloem, Center for a Livable Future, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

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333 Good Nutrition Research Topics & Ideas
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 ...
15 Trending Nutrition Research Articles from 2021
January 5, 2022 by ASN Staff. 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 most in news and social ...
494 Nutrition Research Topics & Interesting Essay Titles on Food for
494 Nutrition Research Topics & Interesting Essay Titles on Food for Students. A wise man once said that your food can be the slowest killing poison or the most powerful and safest medicine. This adage underscores nutrition's supreme place in human health and life. Composing a paper on this topic can be of great value to you.
Frontiers in Nutrition
Teresa Balboa-Castillo. Rubén Fernández-Rodríguez. Miriam Garrido-Miguel. Estela Jiménez López. Desirée Victoria-Montesinos. Carla Soraya Costa Maia. 402 views. A multidisciplinary journal that integrates research on dietary behavior, agronomy and 21st century food science with a focus on human health.
Food science
The following Research Topics are led by experts in their field and contribute to the scientific understanding of food-science. These Research topics are published in a variety of our peer-reviewed journals, such as Frontiers in Nutrition and Frontiers in Plant Science, as open access articles.
Top Nutrition Research Paper Topics for Students
2 Interesting Nutrition Topics for Research Paper. 3 Research Topics in Nutrition and Dietetics. 4 Sports Nutrition Topics for Research. 5 Nutritional Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 6 Advances in Food Technology and Biotechnology. 7 Emerging Topics in Nutrition and Health. 8 Innovations in Food and Dietary Patterns.
Food Science & Nutrition
Food Science & Nutrition is an open access journal enabling the rapid dissemination of fundamental and applied research related to all aspects of food science and nutrition, as well as interdisciplinary research that spans these two fields. We believe that all research, so long as it is evidence-based and factually correct, deserves a forum to be read and commented upon.
Nutrition
Claims about food and immunity are everywhere. Now scientists are exploring exactly how nutrition acts on the immune system to boost health and treat disease. Nic Fleming. News 16 Oct 2024 Nature ...
Current Research in Food Science
Topics covered in Current Research in Food Science include food chemistry, physics, microbiology, nutrition and nutraceuticals, process and package engineering, materials science, food sustainability, and food security. Current Research in Food Science builds on Elsevier's reputation for excellence in scientific publishing and long-standing ...
The importance of food systems and the environment for nutrition
Roadmap for evidence at the intersection of food systems, the environment, and nutrition. An innovative program of food systems research draws from a range of methods, intervenes on multiple points throughout the food system, and embraces a diversity of goals that support and complement the traditional goal of improving nutritional status and health outcomes.

333 Good Nutrition Research Topics & Ideas

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Top Nutrition Research Paper Topics for Students

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Interesting Nutrition Topics for Research Paper

Research Topics in Nutrition and Dietetics

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Association between diet protein score comprising plants to animal protein ratio and body composition in an Iranian population

Comparative effects of different beverages on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

Association between dietary inflammatory index and adolescent myopia based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Ampelopsis grossedentata tea alleviating liver fibrosis in BDL-induced mice via gut microbiota and metabolite modulation

Assessing the efficacy of pearl millet and finger millet enriched breakfast cereals to combat obesity

News and Comment

The time has come to reconsider the quantitative sugar guidelines and related policies

Diabetes risk soars for adults who had a sweet tooth as kids

The complex effects of dietary restriction on longevity and health

Your diet can change your immune system — here’s how

Dietary restriction can extend lifespan — but genetics matters more

Quick links

The importance of food systems and the environment for nutrition

Introduction

The Climate Crisis and Environmental Degradation across the Planet

Climate disruption and environmental degradation

Impacts of climate and environmental change on health and nutrition