CORDIS Express: Research for improved nutrition
In Europe, it may seem that everyone has access to the wide variety of nutritious foods necessary for a balanced and varied diet. Why then, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is the burden of disease associated with poor nutrition continuing to grow in the WHO European Region? WHO tells us that unhealthy diets, overweight and obesity contribute to a large proportion of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, which together are the main killers in the Region. Apart from excessive consumption of energy, saturated fat, trans fats, sugar and salt, national surveys show a low consumption of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Simultaneously, in some countries and among some vulnerable groups, undernutrition remains a concern. The new WHO European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020 encourages action in a range of policy areas through a whole-of-government, health-in-all-policies approach. The goal is to improve the availability, affordability and attractiveness of healthy foods, with a view to improving the overall quality of the population’s diet and ultimately health and well-being. EU-funded researchers are also helping to ensure that we improve diet and nutrition – from our knowledge of food allergies to how information on nutrition is communicated. This week’s edition of CORDIS Express takes a look at these efforts. - How unravelling the mystery of food allergies could benefit millions(opens in new window) - Clear communication is key for the success of personalised nutrition(opens in new window) - Long-term effects of early nutrition on later health(opens in new window) - Conflicted consumers: anxiety and food decisions(opens in new window) - Trending science: Vitamin B3 may have been delivered from space(opens in new window)
Countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, United Kingdom