ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HUMAN
NUTRITION

By the middle of last century, the science of nutrition had identified most of the essential nutrients and had
provided evidence to propose specific dietary intake recommendations for many diet constituents, with the
practical aim of preventing nutrient deficiencies. As chronic, noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular
disease, cancer, etc., began to emerge as an important causal factor for disability and early death, scientists
turned their attention to the potential effects of nutrients and diet patterns on chronic disease risk. Pioneering
studies by Burkitt, Keys, Breslow, and others were followed by a large number of studies on the role of dietary
patterns and constituents on certain chronic diseases. Many important studies were completed over the second
part of the century, providing the evidence to support specific dietary recommendations to reduce disease risk