The Field

Nutrition is the study and application of food and diet in their relation to health. Studies in nutrition focus upon nutrients and other bioactive compounds in foods, their actions, interactions, and balance in relation to health and disease. In addition, nutrition studies explore the social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors that influence the selection, preparation, consumption, or utilization of foods by individuals and population groups. The challenges facing nutritionists today range from problems of obesity and chronic diseases to those of malnutrition, food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies. Nutritionists work in hospitals and clinics, communities and institutions throughout the world. Nutritionists provide dietary counseling and education, conduct research, develop menus and foodservice systems, and deliver many other services for individuals and populations.  These skills require interdisciplinary training, which is reflected in the coursework required for a degree in Nutrition.

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