There is a growing scientific consensus that nutrition should be recognized as a fundamental part of health care – along with drugs, procedures and diagnostics – which is highlighted in a new report by the Council on Responsible Nutrition-International (CRN-I).
The report’s authors emphasize that a combination of healthy diets, evidence-based supplementation, and supportive public health policies are critical to improving health outcomes and addressing the growing global burden of chronic disease.
“Nutrition plays a fundamental role in helping people stay healthy for longer, and science continues to show how diet, lifestyle and targeted nutritional interventions can contribute to resilient and healthy aging,” says Luke Huber, VP of Scientific and Global Affairs at CRN and lead author of the report.
“We are encouraged to see policymakers—including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—clarify the importance of nutrition education for health care professionals. Ensuring that physicians and other clinicians receive strong training in nutrition will help patients make better-informed decisions about diet, lifestyle, and the responsible use of dietary supplements.”
Meeting on nutritional strategies
Published in European Journal of Nutritionthe new report summarizes the findings of the CRN-I Symposium “Food is Medicine: The Role of Nutrition in Extending Health”, held in Dresden, Germany.
The symposium brought together leading researchers and nutrition experts to explore how dietary strategies and bioactive nutrients can reduce chronic disease risk. However, the report balances this optimism while calling for scientific rigor, stressing that “food is medicine” potential health expansions lack safety data and clinical outcomes for many nutrients.
According to the authors, clinical evidence is vital because micronutrient deficiencies exist even in high-income countries. Consequently, they argue for a “social approach” that includes systematic monitoring of nutrient gaps and updating of dietary guidelines.
The symposium experts emphasized that dietary supplements may play a complementary role in supporting nutrition and health.The report identifies key areas where nutrition interventions may impact long-term health outcomes. The first focuses on how dietary patterns and targeted nutritional interventions enhance the body’s ability to respond to physiological stress and maintain function as it ages.
The report supports adequate protein intake—especially for older adults—to support muscle mass, metabolic health, and functional independence.
This suggests that phytochemicals – bioactive compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee – may help reduce the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Meanwhile, large clinical findings cited in the report suggest that vitamin D supplementation may affect inflammation and other health outcomes in older adults.
The report also highlights emerging evidence that micronutrients and other bioactive compounds—often delivered through dietary supplements—can support resilience and overall health when used in conjunction with a healthy diet.
The role of attachments
While initiatives under the “food is medicine” banner often focus on improving access to whole foods, symposium experts emphasized that dietary supplements may play a complementary role in supporting nutrition and health.
In the United States, nearly 75% of adults report using dietary supplements, usually to support general health and well-being, according to the report’s authors.
Advances in medical nutrition products – especially for elderly patients – have also raised the bar on palatability, to ensure a better taste and texture experience for consumers.
Danone’s specialty nutrition brand, Nutricia, recently launched its first delicious-flavored solution in the Fortemeal plant-based range. The company emphasizes enhancing personalized medical nutrition with familiar flavors to help patients adhere to their prescribed plans and support their recovery.
Nutrition and health
Recently, the US HHS has expressed support for expanding nutrition education in medical school curricula. CRN-I advocates as part of its efforts to ensure that health care professionals are better equipped to counsel patients about nutrition and dietary supplements.
In a previous study involving medical students, researchers found that practicing hands-on cooking could effectively increase resident physicians’ nutritional knowledge. They emphasized that this method may be better than traditional classes in improving participants’ confidence in dietary counseling.
Earlier this month, the Rockefeller Foundation predicted that food drug programs could boost the economy, generating more than $45 billion in economic activity and creating jobs. However, its successful implementation depends on whether states prioritize local resources and investments in food system infrastructure to grow local economies.
“The concept of food medicine goes beyond preventing malnutrition or targeting nutritional deficiencies. It suggests that the strategic use of food can help traditional medicine to prevent, treat, and even prevent certain health conditions,” conclude the authors of the CRN-I symposium.
Their report also highlights the economic barriers to these interventions. While evidence-based supplements are often recommended by health care professionals, they are generally excluded from health care coverage. Symposium participants suggested that it should be considered for reimbursement, similar to medically formulated foods, to ensure that they reach the most vulnerable populations.
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