Life course nutrition research has evolved beyond its traditional focus on pregnancy and early childhood, recognising that environmental and nutritional exposures across the lifespan can shape health outcomes and influence patterns of health equity and disease risk across generations. Progress in this field continues to be constrained by challenges associated with conducting long-term cohort studies and analysing increasingly complex datasets, but emerging analytical approaches are enhancing the ability to investigate these dynamic relationships.
Translating evidence into culturally appropriate, affordable, and context-specific dietary guidance remains a significant challenge, highlighting the importance of developing adaptable nutrition policies and interventions that can accommodate diverse populations and settings.
In this presentation, the speaker will reflect on how life course nutrition research has evolved over the past two decades, discuss emerging directions that are shaping the field, and consider priorities for future research. She will also highlight local initiatives currently being implemented to support health and nutrition across different stages of the life course.