Foundational basic science and discovery
Fundamental research in nutrition is essential to accelerate progress but is hampered by the absence of any federal home for its investment and coordination. For example, little is known about the molecular basis of varying nutritional needs across continua from birth to older age, health to disease, or inactive to active lifestyles (11). Pathways of nutritional influences during the first 1000 days of life, when critical metabolic programming can alter lifelong and possibly epigenerational disease risk, remain critically understudied (237). Food allergies have exploded among US children, yet with little understanding of their underlying determinants or effective preventive measures (238). The molecular and metabolic influences of food on aging—including frailty, suppressed immune responses, brain function, sarcopenia, macular degeneration, renal decline, and functional decline—are essential areas of research for an aging population (11). Thousands of poorly characterized bioactive compounds in foods, such as flavanols and other phenolics, require basic research to elucidate their biochemical and physiologic effects. Accelerated basic research is also essential to assess the molecular and health impacts of other factors such as food additives, gluten, FODMAPS (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols), low-calorie sweeteners, and other food components of public health interest.