Nutrition across the life cycle
A balanced diet is essential for mother and child during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for fast growing children during infancy and adolescence. Increased nutrient density of diets is key during these vulnerable life periods to support growth, immunity and cognitive development.
In low- and middle-income countries, food insecurity results in monotonous diets that are low in essential vitamins and minerals, and bioavailability of micronutrients is often compromised. Frequent or chronic infectious diseases, such as helminth infections or malaria, deplete essential micronutrients from the body. Simultaneously, overweight and obesity are causing a still increasing worldwide pandemic amongst all age groups and social classes.
Our aim
We aim to assess dietary intake and adequacy, and to evaluate the efficacy of nutritional interventions among women, children and adolescents across the globe. Breastmilk volume and composition is one of the aspects that we are studying. In low- and middle-income settings, we explore innovative solutions, either food-based or not, to improve nutrient status and health outcomes. Further, we study causes and consequences of overweight and obesity in various population groups and settings.
Contact us
Please contact Academic staff member Edith Feskens, if you have any questions about nutrition across the life cycle.
prof.dr.ir. EJM (Edith) Feskens
Contact person
Research themes
Nutrition across the life cycle
We study diet quality and nutrition intake during vulnerable life periods, from pregnancy to infancy and adolescence.
Sustainable diets across the globe
Our research focuses on the assessment of diet quality worldwide. We analyse food systems with special emphasis on drivers of food choice related to the external and personal food environment.
Dietary assessment
We develop new methodologies and tools that assess dietary intake and dietary behaviour.