Nuclear techniques in nutrition and health: importance and applications in developing regions

Nuclear and isotope methods in one form or another are regarded as essential tools for carrying out nutrition research besides enhancing sensitivity of nutrition monitoring techniques. They have been used extensively in industrialized countries to analyse human energy requirements, body composition including bone mineral density, and the metabolism of important nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The information acquired has led to many improvements in nutrition and health. Currently, several strategic applications of isotopic techniques are being introduced in developing countries where they can benefit millions through monitoring improvement in nutritional status, and serve as specific indicators of broader social and economic advances.