Andrew Bremer, Director of the NIH Office of Nutrition Research, delivered the 2024 Dale E. Bauman Lecture titled “Nutrition is Everyone’s Business.” In his presentation, Bremer emphasized the critical role of nutrition in public health and advocated for a holistic approach to nutrition research. He also shared a vision for the future of the field to address urgent global challenges.
Bremer began by stressing that nutrition is a fundamental biological variable that influences every cell, system and stage of life. “Nutrition is everyone’s business because everyone eats,” he said. “It's not just about the food we eat, but the biology of that food. Nutrition is essential for every aspect of biology.”
He emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of nutrition science and the importance of collaboration among researchers from various fields. "We have a wonderful team of nine at the NIH," he stated, "and everyone brings a different lens and a different view to nutrition." This diverse team includes experts in applied nutrition, dietetics, biochemistry, policy and advocacy, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and its impact on health.
Bremer then discussed the integration of precision nutrition with the Food is Medicine initiative, which underscores the importance of nutritious food for health and well-being. “We're working to bridge the gap between personalized nutrition and the broader concept of food as a therapeutic intervention,” he explained. By understanding the biological functions of various foods and nutrients, personalized nutrition recommendations can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
The All of Us Research Program is a prime example of innovation in this field, Bremer said. This initiative, co-led by Cornell’s Division of Nutritional Sciences and RTI International, aims to develop algorithms that predict individual responses to food and dietary patterns. The program will create a nutrition assessment tool for use in clinical settings.
“We're excited about our data partnership with Cornell and RTI International,” he said. “This collaboration helps us gather and analyze diverse health data, including nutritional information, to better understand how individual differences affect health outcomes and response to interventions.”
“We can't discuss nutrition without considering its impact on, and influence from, our food systems and the environment. Climate change affects crop yields and nutrient content, while our food choices impact greenhouse gas emissions."
Bremer also addressed the interconnection between nutrition, food systems, climate and the environment. “We can't discuss nutrition without considering its impact on, and influence from, our food systems and the environment,” he said. “Climate change affects crop yields and nutrient content, while our food choices impact greenhouse gas emissions. Malnutrition and suboptimal diets are the leading risk factors for morbidity and mortality — more so than tobacco smoking, air pollution or high blood pressure. It's a complex system that requires a holistic approach to research and policy.”
He emphasized Cornell’s role in fostering a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between basic science and public health impact. “Cornell exemplifies how federal agencies work together,” he said. “There's a strong USDA presence on campus and an equally strong NIH presence.”
Bremer also highlighted the importance of translating rigorous and reproducible research into practical applications. “Our discussions range from very molecular and basic science to how we move from understanding mechanisms to making a global public health impact,” he said.
