Nutrition Conversations

La nutrition sociale est un domaine émergent qui va au-delà des choix alimentaires individuels pour comprendre comment les facteurs sociaux, économiques, culturels et environnementaux influencent la façon dont les gens mangent et leur état de santé. Cette approche reconnaît que la nutrition n’est pas seulement une question de biologie, mais aussi d’accès, d’inégalités, de vie familiale, de soutien...

There’s growing interest in using genetic information to guide nutrition, alongside ongoing discussion about the strength of the evidence and its practical applications. As the field evolves, it’s raising important questions about how best to translate science into meaningful recommendations. Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy is a Professor and Associate Chair at the University of Toronto and held a Canada Rese...

Few nutrition topics have generated as much heat—and as little clarity—as seed oils. They are often blamed for inflammation, chronic disease, and poor metabolic health, yet they are also some of the most studied fats in human nutrition. Dr. Jessie Burns is a clinical scientist and consultant with a PhD in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph, where her doctoral resea...

Food is central to our health, but the work that goes into making food happen every day—planning, shopping, cooking, negotiating, and cleaning up—is often invisible. This foodwork shapes not only what we eat, but how food, care, responsibility, and power are shared within households. Yet it’s rarely measured, named, or addressed in health research or policy. Dr. Leah Cahill is a registered dietiti...

Nutrition plays a role in nearly every major chronic disease, yet the science behind what we eat often feels confusing or contradictory. Nutritional epidemiology is the field that tries to make sense of these patterns by studying diet and health across populations. In this conversation, we are going to explore what this field can—and can’t—tell us about how food affects our health. Dr. Russell de...

Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the most widely consumed sources of added sugars in our diets, and their impact on health has become a major focus of nutrition research and public policy. Governments around the world are exploring tools like taxation to curb intake, but how well do these strategies work—and for whom? Dr. Scott Harding is an Associate Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at M...

The first months of life are a special time for the health development and protection of infants. Breastfeeding is the natural and best way of feeding an infant, and positively influences their development and health. Human milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for the infant and contains countless bioactive ingredients such as immunoglobulins, hormones, oligosaccharides and others. Human m...

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide, affecting approximately 589 million adults between the ages of 20-79 years and shaping the way we think about diet, lifestyle, and long-term health. While advances in medicine have transformed treatment, nutrition remains one of the most powerful tools for both prevention and management. Dr. Hertzel Gerstein is an Endocrinologist...

Food security is a critical issue that affects communities worldwide, yet the challenges and solutions are deeply rooted in local contexts, cultures, and policies. Disadvantaged groups, including Indigenous Peoples in Canada, face unique barriers to food access, deeply tied to historical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. Ensuring culturally relevant and sustainable food systems requires e...

The first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—represent a critical window for growth, development, and long-term health. Nutrition during this period lays the foundation for growth, cognitive development, immune function, and chronic disease risk. Research in this area helps inform global strategies to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Dr. Kyly Whitfield is an Associa...

Les personnes âgées représentent le groupe démographique qui croît le plus rapidement au Canada, avec 19 ? la population âgée de 65 ans et plus, soit environ 7 millions de personnes. L’exercice, l’activité physique et la nutrition sont des éléments essentiels d’un vieillissement en santé, contribuant au maintien de la santé musculosquelettique et à la réduction du risque de sarcopénie. Dre Stéphan...

Digestive health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, impacting everything from nutrient absorption and immune function to mental health. At the heart of this system is the gut microbiome—a complex network of microorganisms that helps regulate inflammation, metabolism, and even the risk of chronic diseases. Despite its importance, digestive health is often misunderstood, with myths about pr...

Over the past decade, food and food systems have emerged as key to tackling non-communicable diseases, sustainability, and food security. This has spurred major investments in technologies that transform how we produce and consume food. Yet, regulation and policy remain major barriers to innovation, access, and identifying foods that support healthy diets. Dr. William Yan earned his Ph. D. in Medi...

Research shows that adipose (fat) tissue isn’t just stored energy—it plays a critical role in metabolism, inflammation, and disease risk. Biological, environmental and nutritional factors contribute to differences in how people store fat and develop conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Kafi Ealey is an assistant professor in the School of Nutrition at Toronto Metropolitan University...

Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, yet gaps in care persist, including limited healthcare access, social isolation, and rising cognitive decline. Addressing these challenges through diet and physical activity is key to promoting healthy aging and quality of life. Dr. Lora Giangregorio is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of...

Sodium is essential for our bodies, but too much can have serious consequences for our health, including raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease. Dr. JoAnne Arcand is an Associate Professor and Registered Dietitian in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. She leads a research program that explores evidence-based approaches to the implementation of nutri...

The world's over-65 population is expanding rapidly, and the risk of malnutrition is prevalent in this population. Meeting nutritional needs is a recognized strategy to reduce and address multiple debilitating adverse health outcomes associated with malnutrition. Dr. Agnes Siew Ling Tey, Senior Lead of Clinical Science & Nutrition at Abbott in Singapore. Her research centers on pioneering diet...

Alcohol is regularly used to relax after a long day at work, at dinner, and on the weekend as well as in connection with social events or to mark special occasions; however, we have learned that even low levels of regular use increases health risks. Dr. Erin Hobin is a Senior Scientist at Public Health Ontario, an Associate Professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of T...

Malnutrition in Canada is an overlooked health issue that can have a huge impact on individuals and the health care system. When it comes to pediatric malnutrition, the stakes are even higher, calling for urgent transformation in how we address and prevent it. . The Canadian Malnutrition Task Force, a group of clinicians, researchers and decision makers, has been advancing nutrition care research...

L'alimentation et la nutrition sont des sujets populaires dans les médias et sur les réseaux sociaux. L'omniprésence des médias sociaux a créé de nouvelles opportunités pour les experts qualifiés ou accrédités de la communauté scientifique de communiquer avec leurs clients et le public. Elle a également créé des défis. Dre Sophie Desroches est professeure titulaire et diététiste à l'École de nutri...

Most of us are familiar with vitamin and mineral supplements, but did you know that there are foods and drinks on the market called “supplemented foods”? These products have added ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and caffeine. While they can offer additional nutrients, some can pose a risk to your health if consumed excessively or by vulnerable groups (e.g. pregnant individuals). Elaine De...

Chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease are major public health concerns and on the rise worldwide. Dietary interventions that include foods such as fruit and vegetables may help improve health outcomes, but what about adherence? Could providing foods directly to people as part of health services be a solution? Dr. Dylan MacKay is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Chro...

Mentorship, often described as the art of guiding and nurturing, holds a special place in the fabric of human development. From ancient traditions of apprenticeship to modern-day corporate mentorship programs, the practice has evolved, yet its essence remains unchanged: the passing down of wisdom, experience, and support from one generation to the next. Dr. Sharon E. Straus is a geriatrician and c...

Food and nutrition literacy are concepts that may be important factors in supporting healthful dietary habits. Building these skills and knowledge at a young age is important for skill retention, confidence in food practices and supporting lifelong healthy eating habits. Dr. Maude Perreault is a Registered Dietitian and Assistant Professor at Université de Montréal. Her clinical and research inter...

On March 8, 2024 we celebrated International Women’s Day where the theme was to “Inspire Inclusion”. Over the past 20 years, studies have shown persistent gaps in gender representation at the top levels of parenteral and enteral nutrition societies. Why does this matter? It's not just about numbers; it's about equality, opportunity, and the ability for all voices to be heard. Dr. Carla Prado is a...