These processes are studied in the context of both western society and the non-industrialised world. The nutritional issues in our society are dominated by the effects of overnutrition, while the attention in the non-industrialised world is primarily focused on the consequences of malnutrition. In addition, the socio-economic and behavioral aspects of nutrition are also considered within specific research themes.
Thevarious approaches are complementary.
This is essential for acquiring insight into the factors which determine health and disease. The first theme within this core programme includes the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle and health. It involves primarily epidemiological research in which methods for determining food consumption are important. The second theme focuses on the effects of food components on the metabolism. The third theme concerns the availability and requirements for energy and nutrients.