The mission of the Nutrition Program in the Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is to foster excellence in medical nutrition research and education aimed at reducing risk for chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. This is achieved through epidemiologic research, clinical trials and cohort analyses focused on the specific nutrients, dietary patterns, food groups and lifestyle behaviors associated with health and various diseases. Emerging work in epigenetics, metabolomics and dietary biomarkers offer potential for further assessment of gene-environment interactions. Outcomes of interest include: healthy aging, healthy pregnancy and reduced risk of chronic diseases throughout life via energy balance and optimal nutrient intake.

In coordination with the strong biostatistical, epidemiological and behavioral programs in the Department, the Nutrition Program faculty collaborate with other faculty who have expertise in designing, implementing and analyzing these studies. Likewise, the Nutrition Program within the DPM reaches across University departments as well as clinical environments, CORE facilities and other medical organizations to conduct its work, recruit research participants and teach medical students, graduate students and provide continuing medical nutrition education across all areas of the campus.