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Food and nutrition science: The new paradigm
Geoffrey Cannon1, Claus Leitzmann2
1Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Nutrition and Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 31, 2022
Summary
The biochemical paradigm of nutrition science, established in the 19th century, is now obsolete for addressing modern health issues like obesity and diabetes. A new conceptual framework is proposed to replace the outdated biochemical approach.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Nutrition science originated as a biochemical discipline, reducing foods to chemical constituents.
- Dietary guidelines have evolved from preventing deficiencies to addressing chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
- Current guidelines, based on the biochemical paradigm, are ineffective against pandemic obesity and diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the historical effectiveness of nutrition science paradigms.
- To propose a new conceptual framework for nutrition science.
- To address the limitations of the current biochemical model in tackling modern health challenges.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of dietary guidelines and their underlying nutritional paradigms.
- Review of the efficacy of nutrition recommendations in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
- Conceptual critique of the biochemical paradigm in nutrition.
Main Results:
- Early dietary guidelines effectively prevented nutrient deficiencies.
- Later guidelines addressing heart disease had limited impact.
- Current guidelines for obesity and diabetes are ineffective.
- The biochemical paradigm of nutrition science is outdated and requires replacement.
Conclusions:
- The biochemical paradigm of nutrition science is obsolete for current public health challenges.
- A new paradigm is needed to effectively address issues like obesity and diabetes.
- Rethinking the foundational principles of nutrition science is crucial for future public health interventions.
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