Grand challenges in nutrition.

Abstract

No subject pertains more to human life than nutrition. Biologically, this statement is evident. Historically, we are aware of the impact nutrition can have on entire cultures as a result of abundant or diminished and impaired or restricted food supply. Nutrition and food always have been at the heart of human life. Owing to the significance of food and nutrition, the world is facing a continued set of challenges and Frontiers in Nutrition is determined to address all of them. Specifically, in an ever more densely populated world, we will continue to be confronted by problems of hunger on a massive scale, hence Eradicating Extreme Poverty and Hunger is the number one Millenium Development Goal of the UN (1) and the key issue for the post-2015 development agenda (2). At the same time, we observe a growing obesity epidemic in both developed countries and in emerging economies at an alarming velocity. Hunger, malnutrition, and obesity are linked to a variety of health and societal issues, such as impaired development, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and allergies, as well as an environmental burden and impaired economic performance – to name just a few. Yet, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, we are also embracing an era full of opportunity with breathtaking advances in science, agriculture, commerce, and global interaction. So, how do these challenges in the field of nutrition translate into tangible challenges for Frontiers in Nutrition? Ultimately, Frontiers’ ambition has to be directed toward the alleviation of hunger, malnutrition, and obesity. With a sober mindset this can be achieved through the publication of credible, rigorous, and meaningful science within the specialty sections of the journal.