Empowering Food and Agricultural Research through New Initiatives John E. Courtney, Ph.D. Executive Officer American Society for Nutrition

ASN Mission To advance excellence in nutrition research and practice through the creation, translation, and dissemination of science-based nutrition information

ASN At-A-Glance Established in 19285,000+ members worldwide in 60+ countries ASN’s Scientific Sessions: 3,000+ scientists from 45+ countries Publisher of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), Journal of Nutrition & Advances in Nutrition Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland

Why nutrition research matters… Saves lives Backbone of dietary guidance and nutrition policies Healthcare savings, jobs, & revenue

Empowering Food and Ag Research through New Initiatives The world will have more than 9 billion people by 2050 Agricultural sciences must provide the growing world population with diverse, nutrient-rich, affordable, sustainably-grown food, as well as bio-based alternatives WHY ITS IMPORTANT

Identify emerging issues and data gaps Build evidence-base to support policy changes Provide important info on areas including: – Improved agricultural practices – Improved food processing, packaging, storage – Nutrient fortification/ biofortification To get there more ag research is needed!

Responsibilities of Ag Research Stakeholders Strengthen research through advocacy  Critical to sustain funding of ag research Ensure widespread access to ag research  Research findings must be highlighted in order to lead to changes in society and policy

Responsibilities of Ag Research Stakeholders Conduct education to empower consumers and communities Attract young people to fields within food and agriculture Partner with other stakeholders

Strategic PPPs necessary to empower ag research Foster open, continuous dialogue Create win-win situation for all involved All stakeholders require a seat at the table Non-profits, gov’t, academia, industry, public health organizations, consumer groups, others Public/Private Partnerships

Will ultimately improve plant, animal and human health Possible actions taken by PPP: Raise awareness of issue/ solutions Propel research Create guidelines/ best practices/ etc. Assist with implementation of infrastructure/ policy changes Consumer education/ support

ASN Nutrition Research Priorities An Example Initiative To highlight areas of nutrition that urgently need future research To advance the health and wellbeing of future global populations and economies To relay the need for increased support of nutrition, food, & agricultural research

How the food environment influences food choice and behavior Novel foods and ingredients - biotechnology and nanotechnology Nutrient-related public policiesPublic-private partnerships Food Supply & Environment 1

Nutrition-related Behaviors 2 Drivers of food choice Brain function Understanding how the human brain influences food choice and nutrition- related behaviors. Imprinting

Epigenetics & ImprintingChildhood obesityReproductive health Healthy Growth, Development, & Reproduction 3 Understanding how nutrition during critical, early periods of development, including pregnancy, impacts future health.

Proper nutritionSystems approachPhysical activityEnergy balance Health Maintenance 4 Improving health through non-communicable disease prevention and weight maintenance.

Variability in Response to Diet & Food 5 Personalized Nutrition Provides customized dietary recommendations for each individual’s needs. Omics MicrobiomeImprinting Biological Networks Tissue Specificity & Temporality

Disease initiation/ progression Minimize unfavorable impacts of both and nutrients Nutrition support for survival Response to therapy Medical Management 6 Slowing disease progression through nutrition with improved responses to therapy and survival rates.

Cross-cutting Tools Essential to advance nutrition research Omics Bioinformatics Enables researchers to more efficiently manage, analyze and understand nutrition data Databases Track and observe trends related to nutrition Biomarkers Determine and monitor nutrition status Nutrient interaction with genes, proteins, metabolites, etc. Calculate and compare costs of research Cost effectiveness analysis

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