Research Guides: NUTR 331 Nutrition Through the Life Cycle: Research Topics

Developing a Research Topic

Start with Background Reading: Use OneSearch and online sources.
Narrow Your Focus by asking:
- Who is affected? Where and when is it relevant?
- Are organizations or policies involved?
- What are the key debates or unanswered questions?
- Does it challenge current thinking?
- Is it a long-term issue or a recent trend?
- Has its relevance changed over time?

A well-defined topic leads to a clear, researchable question.

Public Health Nutrition

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN

Policy Memos - Child Nutrition Programs

Policy Memos - Food Distribution Programs

Policy Memos - Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

USDA Life Stage Nutrition The USDA's Life Stage Nutrition resource provides tailored nutrition guidance for all life stages, from pregnancy to older adulthood. It offers evidence-based recommendations, dietary guidelines, and tools to support healthy eating at every stage of life.
ACOG Good Health Before Pregnancy: Pregnancy Care The ACOG Prepregnancy Care guide provides essential health recommendations for women planning a pregnancy. It covers key topics like nutrition, lifestyle, medical conditions, vaccinations, and prenatal vitamins to help optimize health before conception.

USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) The Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) from the USDA provides reliable nutrition resources for professionals, educators, and the public. It offers research-based dietary guidelines, food safety information, and tools on topics like life stage nutrition, dietary supplements, and meal planning.

Today's Dietitian Issues & Trends Archive The Issues & Trends Archive on Today's Dietitian offers a comprehensive collection of articles that delve into current topics in nutrition and dietetics.
Today's Dietitian Current Issue Today's Dietitian magazine. The Current Issue page provides access to the newest articles on evidence-based nutrition, emerging health topics, industry news, and expert commentary for dietitians and nutrition professionals.

Dairy Council of California – Trends & Insights key nutrition and dairy industry trends, including consumer behaviors, sustainability, and evolving dietary guidelines.
KHNI Ten Key Health and Nutrition Trends for 2025 top health and nutrition trends shaping the year, including functional foods, personalized nutrition, and sustainability.
Natural Grocers – 2025 Trends upcoming health, nutrition, and sustainability trends shaping the year, from functional foods to eco-friendly living.
Healthy Eating – Nutrition Topics science-based nutrition information on healthy eating, dairy, meal planning, and wellness trends.