The Field

Nutrition plays a critical role in the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The study of nutrition focuses on the actions, interactions, and balance of nutrients and bioactive components in food in relation to human health. It also involves understanding special nutrient needs at different stages of life, from birth to older age, and among different populations, and explores the social determinants influencing food consumption, food access, and health. Nutrition status is strongly linked to many major health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, cardiometabolic disorders, certain cancers, osteoporosis and other chronic illnesses, as well as malnutrition and nutrient deficiency diseases. It plays a vital role in general wellness, fitness, athletics and healthy aging. The importance of nutrition in many other health conditions are on-going areas of study.