Human-driven global nutrient imbalances increase risks to health

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Human Health
• Ecology

Background:

• Human activities have significantly increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs into the biosphere.
• This has led to an escalating global anthropogenic N:P ratio, a key driver of environmental change.
• The implications of this N:P ratio for human health remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential effects of the N:P ratio on human health, specifically concerning non-infectious and infectious diseases.
• To highlight the need for scientific and policy attention on the human-induced biospheric N:P ratio's health impacts.

Main Methods:

• Review of preliminary data and existing literature on N:P ratios and disease.
• Exploration of potential links between N:P ratios and disease etiology.
• Identification of research gaps and future directions.

Main Results:

• Preliminary data suggest a potential role of N:P ratios in the rise of non-infectious diseases (e.g., cancer).
• The N:P ratio may also influence the proliferation of infectious diseases (e.g., Zika, malaria).

Conclusions:

• The human-induced N:P ratio presents a significant, underappreciated factor affecting human health.
• Understanding the mechanisms driving these effects is critical.
• Manipulating N:P ratios offers potential avenues for improving human health through medical and agricultural strategies.