Lifelong nutrition

Spoke 05 contributed to improving the understanding of how inadequate dietary patterns, whether in excess or in deficiency, significantly influence the development of non-communicable diseases. The research highlighted how nutritional risk is unevenly distributed across territories and socioeconomic groups, reflecting structural inequalities that accumulate over time.

A primary research axis focused on making nutritional status observable and measurable. By integrating existing datasets with new data collection initiatives, the Spoke identified patterns of overweight, obesity, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies within the Italian population. This work reinforced the importance of early and continuous nutritional assessment throughout the life course.

Particular attention was dedicated to sensitive life stages, including pregnancy, the first 1,000 days, childhood, adulthood and ageing. These phases were recognised as critical windows for the prevention of chronic diseases and the preservation of functional capacity. The findings emphasised the need for proactive and structured nutritional evaluation capable of identifying risk conditions before they evolve into clinically manifest diseases.

WP 5.1 developed a national map of nutritional vulnerability in Italy by integrating existing datasets with newly collected information on dietary habits, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Through harmonised protocols and the establishment of OnFoods cohorts, the work strengthened the capacity to monitor nutritional status across the life course and to support targeted prevention strategies at territorial level.

WP 5.2 refined the definition of energy and nutrient requirements across different life stages, with particular attention to older adults and early developmental phases. Through comparative evaluation of predictive models, prospective cohort studies and harmonisation of guidelines, the work strengthened the scientific basis for personalised and sustainable nutrition strategies across the lifespan.

WP 5.3 analysed determinants of Mediterranean diet adherence across different age groups and developed innovative, sustainable dietary models tailored to diverse socioeconomic contexts. Through experimental validation and personalised tools for sensitive life stages, including pregnancy and early childhood, the work reinforced the Mediterranean diet as a flexible and evidence-based framework for lifelong health promotion.

WP 5.4 developed and validated dietary biomarkers to objectively assess food intake and metabolic responses across the life course. Through multi-omics integration, standardised protocols and the establishment of a polycentric sample infrastructure, the work strengthened the scientific foundations of precision and population-based nutrition strategies.