WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to address the nation’s growing diet-related chronic disease crisis. Under the newly launched Nutrition Regulatory Science Program, the agencies aim to generate cutting-edge research to inform food and nutrition policies that promote healthier diets for Americans.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to “Make America Healthy Again.” With diet-related diseases on the rise and posing a significant burden on public health systems, this joint effort seeks to tackle underlying causes and improve health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations such as children.
Bridging Science and Policy
The Nutrition Regulatory Science Program will leverage the FDA’s expertise in regulatory science along with the NIH’s capacity to develop and manage high-quality research. Together, the agencies will implement a comprehensive nutrition research agenda focused on answering pivotal questions affecting public health. Key topics include the health impacts of ultra-processed foods, the potential metabolic effects of certain food additives, and the role of maternal and infant dietary exposures in lifelong health outcomes, including autoimmune diseases.
“The FDA is focusing resources on the greatest contributors to the staggering health care crisis: chronic diseases,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Mirroring the highly successful FDA and NIH Tobacco Regulatory Science Program, we’re bringing together scientific expertise from both agencies to transform nutrition and food-related research.”
Similarly, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., highlighted the importance of this partnership. “Nutrition has always been a priority at NIH. By teaming up with the FDA, we’re taking a major step toward answering big questions about how food affects health—and turning that science into smarter, more effective policy. It’s time to tackle the chronic disease crisis head-on. That’s why NIH is making this investment alongside the FDA,” he said.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Nutrition Regulatory Science Program will convene leaders across various fields, including nutrition, toxicology, chemistry, behavioral science, and chronic disease research. By integrating expertise from these disciplines, the partnership seeks to advance a “gold standard” of nutrition and food science, ensuring that policies are rooted in the latest evidence.
With NIH providing infrastructure for the solicitation, review, and management of research and the FDA offering technical and regulatory insights, the program will be designed for maximum impact. The agencies are also committed to maintaining fairness and independence in all research conducted under the initiative, ensuring it remains free of conflicts of interest.
Broader Implications
This joint initiative underscores the federal government’s recognition of the profound role that diet plays in public health. Diet-related chronic diseases—including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease—not only harm individual well-being but also drive up healthcare costs. By tackling questions around food processing, additives, and nutrition, the FDA and NIH aim to create science-driven policies that will empower Americans to make healthier choices.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program marks an ambitious step forward in addressing America’s chronic disease trajectory. By prioritizing research and transparency, the FDA and NIH aim to equip policymakers, food manufacturers, and the public with actionable insights to create a healthier food environment.
As the program moves forward, additional updates are expected to provide further details on its progress. By fostering collaboration between two of the nation’s most influential health agencies, this effort sets a precedent for transforming nutrition science into meaningful policy, paving the way for a healthier future for all Americans.
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