Nutrition Dissertation Topics

We see nutrition shaping immune function, growth, cognition, performance, and the burden of chronic disease in every community we study. We also know students face a huge, messy field that spans biochemistry, behavior, public health, policy, data science, and food systems. We wrote this post to share a focused set of fresh, feasible Nutrition Dissertation Topics you can actually carry to completion.

Good Dissertation Topic Ideas on Nutrition

We group the ideas by theme—clinical and community nutrition, food environment and policy, microbiome and metabolomics, digital tools, sustainability and planetary health, and education and behavior change. We add brief scope notes and possible methods or data sources so you can judge fit and feasibility fast.

We’re a team at TopicSuggestions, and today we will put practical ideas on your desk so you can pick a direction and get to work.

1. We investigate bioacoustic urban soundscapes as leading indicators of emergency department demand

– How do we quantify city-level sound features (e.g., siren density, traffic timbre, human crowding harmonics) to forecast ED arrivals in near real time?
– Can we disentangle how we attribute predictive value to sound versus co-varying factors like weather, events, or pollution?
– Do we improve surge staffing decisions when we integrate bioacoustic signals into hospital operations dashboards?
– To what extent do we generalize our models across cities with different infrastructural and cultural noise profiles?

2. We examine patient-owned microdata cooperatives and their effects on equity in healthcare AI model training

– How do we design governance so we equitably distribute data dividends while we protect privacy and allow dynamic consent?
– Can we reduce algorithmic bias when we train models on datasets curated and priced by communities themselves?
– Do we see shifts in research agendas when we let patient cooperatives negotiate terms for model access?
– To what extent do we mitigate data poverty in underrepresented groups when we adopt cooperative data markets?

3. We explore olfactory stimulation protocols to prevent ICU delirium

– How do we implement infection-safe, cyclic scent exposure to stabilize circadian cues in sedated or ventilated patients?
– Can we define dosage, timing, and scent families that minimize adverse reactions while we maximize cognitive orientation?
– Do we reduce delirium incidence or duration when we pair olfactory stimulation with light and sound hygiene bundles?
– To what extent do we sustain effects after ICU discharge when we continue olfactory cues in step-down settings?

4. We evaluate chronotype-aligned vaccine scheduling for shift workers to optimize immunogenicity

– How do we classify chronotypes operationally at scale so we time vaccinations to biological day rather than clock time?
– Do we observe improved seroconversion and durability when we align vaccine timing with individual circadian profiles?
– Can we implement workplace scheduling algorithms that we embed into EHRs without disrupting operations?
– To what extent do we achieve cost-effectiveness when we include absenteeism, adverse events, and booster needs?

5. We analyze haptic microfeedback in medication packaging to reduce polypharmacy errors in older adults

– How do we encode drug identity, timing, and warnings via distinct haptic patterns that we can perceive despite neuropathy?
– Do we reduce wrong-dose and wrong-drug events when we introduce haptic cues alongside visual and auditory aids?
– Can we ensure accessibility and safety when we tailor haptic intensity and patterns to individual sensory thresholds?
– To what extent do we protect privacy when we deploy connected haptic packaging in home settings?

6. We study acoustic anomaly detection for predictive maintenance of medical gas pipelines in hospitals

– How do we model baseline acoustic signatures of oxygen and vacuum lines so we detect microleaks early?
– Can we integrate edge sensors that we calibrate to avoid false positives from routine clinical noise?
– Do we prevent adverse clinical events and costly downtime when we act on anomaly alerts proactively?
– To what extent do we standardize data across facilities so we enable multicenter learning for infrastructure safety?

7. We model climate-adaptive dosing guidelines for heat-sensitive medications during extreme weather

– How do we quantify pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic shifts with heat stress, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance?
– Can we build decision support that we trigger with hyperlocal weather data and patient risk profiles?
– Do we identify populations where we prioritize adjustments (e.g., diuretics, insulin, antipsychotics) to reduce harm?
– To what extent do we address medico-legal and equity implications when we vary dosing by climate exposure?

8. We test micro-respite interventions for EMS crews between calls and downstream patient outcomes

– How do we design 5–10 minute micro-respite protocols (breathwork, visual rest, hydration) that we can deploy operationally?
– Do we improve protocol adherence, clinical judgment, and safety metrics when we implement micro-respite?
– Can we balance response times with crew recovery when we schedule protected micro-pauses dynamically?
– To what extent do we observe changes in patient outcomes and complaints when we roll out micro-respite systemwide?

9. We assess conversational repair strategies in clinician–AI–patient triads during diagnosis

– How do we structure turn-taking and clarification moves so we resolve disagreements between clinicians and AI transparently?
– Do we reduce diagnostic anchoring and overreliance when we teach teams specific repair sequences?
– Can we preserve patient trust and autonomy when we surface model uncertainty and rationale in real time?
– To what extent do we transfer these strategies across specialties with different cognitive workflows?

10. We create digital twins of rural primary care clinics to simulate staffing, supply chains, and telehealth integration

– How do we parameterize twins with sparse data so we still capture demand seasonality, referral leakage, and transport delays?
– Can we reduce stockouts, wait times, and missed preventive services when we test interventions in silico first?
– Do we validate twin predictions prospectively when we stage phased real-world deployments?
– To what extent do we ensure community governance when we codify local knowledge into the twin’s assumptions?

11. Microbiome-mediated effects of fermented insect protein on metabolic health in older adults

We propose to test whether fermented insect-derived protein alters gut microbiome composition and improves markers of metabolic health in adults aged 65+.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether a 12-week fermented insect protein supplement improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and low-grade inflammation compared with isocaloric plant protein; (2) We ask which gut microbial taxa and functional pathways mediate any metabolic changes; (3) We ask about acceptability, safety, and tolerability in this age group.
We will work on this by designing a double-blind RCT, collecting shotgun metagenomics, targeted metabolomics (SCFAs, bile acids), and clinical biochemistry, and applying mediation analysis to link microbiome shifts with metabolic outcomes.

12. Circadian-timed ketogenic meals and cognitive performance in rotating-shift workers

We propose to evaluate whether delivering ketogenic meals aligned to endogenous circadian phase improves cognitive performance and metabolic markers among rotating-shift workers.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether time-of-day–matched ketogenic feeding reduces reaction-time lapses and improves working memory versus standard meals; (2) We ask whether circadian alignment modifies ketone production and glycemic variability; (3) We ask about feasibility and adherence in real-world shift schedules.
We will work on this by using actigraphy and melatonin assays to determine circadian phase, running a crossover trial with cognitive test batteries, continuous glucose monitoring, and capillary ketone measures, and analyzing time-dependent effects.

13. Edible seaweed polysaccharide supplementation to reduce microplastic translocation in the human gut

We propose to investigate whether seaweed-derived polysaccharides can bind or sequester microplastic particles in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce systemic translocation.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether dietary supplementation with specific seaweed polysaccharides reduces fecal and systemic microplastic burden; (2) We ask what binding mechanisms (electrostatic, adsorptive) operate in simulated gut conditions; (3) We ask whether such supplementation alters gut permeability or microbiome composition.
We will work on this by combining in vitro simulated digestion and gut barrier assays, spiking human stool samples with microplastics, then running a small human pilot with fecal and blood microplastic quantification and gut permeability biomarkers.

14. Personalized TAS2R (bitter receptor) modulation strategies to increase vegetable intake in adolescents

We propose to develop genotype- and phenotype-guided interventions targeting bitter taste perception to increase consumption of bitter vegetables among adolescents.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether TAS2R genotype-guided pairing of flavor masking (e.g., salt/umami enhancers, culinary fats) increases vegetable intake more than standard education; (2) We ask how bitter sensitivity relates to reward responses to vegetables on fMRI; (3) We ask whether changes persist at 6 months.
We will work on this by genotyping TAS2R variants, measuring bitter thresholds, randomizing participants to tailored flavor strategies versus control, and assessing intake via weighed food records and neural reward testing in a subsample.

15. Portable ultrasound estimation of gastric emptying to personalize meal timing for improved postprandial glycemic control in type 1 diabetes

We propose to validate a low-cost, handheld ultrasound protocol to estimate gastric emptying in clinic and use it to personalize insulin timing and meal composition for people with type 1 diabetes.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether portable ultrasound measures of gastric volume correlate with scintigraphic gastric emptying and predict postprandial glucose excursions; (2) We ask whether ultrasound-guided insulin-meal timing reduces time-in-range variability versus standard care; (3) We ask about device usability by clinicians and patients.
We will work on this by performing method-comparison studies against gold-standard gastric emptying tests, then running a randomized crossover trial integrating ultrasound feedback into insulin-dosing algorithms and assessing CGM outcomes.

16. Influence of ambient urban air pollutants on micronutrient bioavailability (iron and vitamin D) in adult populations

We propose to examine whether chronic exposure to urban air pollutants alters absorption, serum levels, and tissue distribution of key micronutrients such as iron and vitamin D.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether long-term particulate and NOx exposure associates with lower serum 25(OH)D and altered iron indices independent of intake and sun exposure; (2) We ask whether pollutant-associated oxidative stress modifies intestinal transporters or hepatic metabolism of these nutrients; (3) We ask if mitigation (air filtration) restores bioavailability.
We will work on this by combining exposure modeling (personal monitors/GIS), cross-sectional biomarker studies, mechanistic in vitro assays of epithelial transport under pollutant exposure, and a small intervention using indoor air filtration.

17. Effects of plant-based heme analogs on maternal iron homeostasis and the maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy

We propose to test whether novel plant-derived heme-mimetic compounds can improve maternal iron status without promoting dysbiosis or increased enteric pathogen growth.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether supplementation with plant heme analogs maintains hemoglobin/ferritin better than ferrous sulfate with fewer gastrointestinal side effects; (2) We ask how these analogs influence maternal gut microbiota composition and iron-responsible pathogens; (3) We ask about placental transfer and neonatal iron status.
We will work on this by conducting a pregnancy RCT with safety monitoring, serial maternal and cord blood iron indices, fecal microbiome sequencing, and targeted pathogen qPCR.

18. Gamified mobile app integrating real-time oral microbiome feedback to reduce added sugar intake in school-aged children

We propose to create and test a gamified behavior-change app that uses simple oral microbiome or plaque acidity indicators to deliver immediate feedback and rewards to children to reduce sugar intake.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether microbiome- or acidity-based feedback leads to sustained reductions in added sugar consumption compared with standard nutrition education; (2) We ask which game mechanics (points, social comparison) enhance adherence; (3) We ask whether changes translate to improvements in caries risk markers and oral microbial profiles.
We will work on this by developing a low-cost saliva test device, building a gamified app co-designed with children, piloting a cluster-RCT in schools, and measuring dietary intake, dental plaque microbiome, and caries biomarkers.

19. Nutrient density and phytochemical profiles of vertical-farmed versus conventionally-grown leafy greens across seasons

We propose to compare micronutrient, phytochemical, and sensory profiles of produce from urban vertical farms with conventional field-grown supply chains across seasonal cycles.
Research questions: (1) We ask whether vertical-farmed greens show less seasonal variability in vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols than conventional supply; (2) We ask how controlled-environment parameters (light spectra, nutrient solution) modulate nutrient content; (3) We ask about consumer acceptance and perceived freshness.
We will work on this by sampling matched cultivars monthly from vertical farms and conventional suppliers, running nutrient and phytochemical assays (HPLC, ICP-MS), performing controlled environment manipulations, and conducting sensory and consumer surveys.

20. Intergenerational epigenetic effects of paternal Western-style high-fat diet on offspring feeding behavior and hypothalamic development

We propose to investigate whether paternal consumption of a Western high-fat diet induces sperm epigenetic changes that program offspring hypothalamic circuits, altering feeding behavior and energy balance, and whether interventions can reverse these effects.
Research questions: (1) We ask which sperm DNA methylation and small RNA changes correlate with altered offspring neurodevelopment and hyperphagia; (2) We ask whether preconception dietary intervention or exercise in sires normalizes offspring phenotypes; (3) We ask which hypothalamic gene networks are epigenetically and transcriptionally affected in offspring.
We will work on this using controlled rodent models with paternal dietary manipulations, sperm epigenome and small RNA sequencing, offspring behavioral phenotyping and hypothalamic transcriptomics, and intervention arms to test reversibility.

21. Seasonal diet-microbiome resilience in climate-impacted subsistence communities

We examine how seasonal shifts in available foods alter gut microbiome composition and functional resilience in communities experiencing altered seasonality due to climate change. Research questions: 1) Can we detect predictable microbiome changes tied to seasonal dietary availability shifts over three years? 2) How do those shifts correlate with markers of nutritional status and infectious disease susceptibility? 3) Can we identify dietary components that preserve microbiome functional redundancy? Overview: We will run a longitudinal cohort (quarterly sampling, n≥120) combining 7-day food recalls, remote-sensed local food-availability indices, shotgun metagenomics, and inflammatory/nutritional biomarkers; we will use mixed-effects models and network resilience metrics to link diet-season changes to microbiome function and health outcomes.

22. Bioavailability and metabolic effects of ultra-processed plant-based meat analogues in older adults

We investigate whether protein and micronutrient bioavailability from plant-based meat analogues differs from whole-food proteins in adults aged 65+. Research questions: 1) Can we quantify differences in amino acid absorption kinetics and iron/zinc bioavailability between analogues and matched whole-food controls? 2) How do acute postprandial satiety hormones and muscle protein synthesis responses compare? Overview: We will conduct a crossover metabolic study (stable isotope-tracer for protein synthesis, serial blood sampling for micronutrient speciation and satiety hormones, DXA and muscle function measures); we will analyze bioavailability differences and model recommendations for elderly dietary guidelines.

23. Low-resource personalized nutrition: combining handgrip strength, urinary metabolomics, and SMS counseling

We test a scalable personalized nutrition algorithm for low-resource settings using handgrip strength and spot urinary metabolomics as intake/function proxies. Research questions: 1) Can we build models that predict micronutrient deficiencies and dietary inadequacy from combined handgrip and metabolomic signatures? 2) Does tailored SMS-based counseling driven by these models improve nutritional status over standard care? Overview: We will develop predictive models from cross-sectional data (n≈500), then run a cluster-randomized trial delivering algorithm-generated SMS advice vs standard messaging, measuring changes in biomarkers, dietary diversity scores, and functional outcomes after 6 months.

24. Postbiotic supplementation for cognitive resilience in night-shift healthcare workers

We evaluate whether defined postbiotics (microbial metabolites without live organisms) improve cognitive performance and sleep-related metabolic markers in rotating-shift nurses. Research questions: 1) Can we demonstrate acute and chronic effects of a postbiotic blend on attention, working memory, and subjective fatigue? 2) Do postbiotics modulate circadian-linked metabolites (e.g., kynurenine pathway) and anti-inflammatory markers? Overview: We will perform a double-blind RCT (n≈200) with cognitive test batteries, actigraphy, plasma metabolomics, and inflammatory panels at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks; we will explore mediation by metabolic shifts.

25. Stability and consumer uptake of nanoencapsulated micronutrients during artisanal cooking practices

We assess whether nanoencapsulation improves retention and bioaccessibility of fortified micronutrients when exposed to common artisanal cooking methods (open-fire, clay-pot, fermentations). Research questions: 1) Can we quantify retention and in vitro bioaccessibility of nanoencapsulated iron and vitamin A vs conventional fortificants across cooking scenarios? 2) How do sensory properties and household acceptability change with encapsulation? Overview: We will run laboratory cooking simulations, in vitro digestion assays, and small household acceptability trials in target communities; we will pair results with cost and scalability analyses to inform programmatic deployment.

26. Modulating oral texture to reduce opioid dose in chronic musculoskeletal pain via sensory-nutritional pathways

We explore whether altering oral food texture (e.g., increased chew time, enhanced viscosity) can modulate endogenous analgesic pathways and reduce opioid consumption in chronic pain patients. Research questions: 1) Can structured texture-modified meals acutely change pain thresholds and opioid-sparing behavior? 2) Are changes mediated by gut-brain peptides or oral-sensory-induced hedonic shifts? Overview: We will pilot a randomized crossover feeding intervention in chronic pain patients (n≈60) measuring quantitative sensory testing, opioid use diaries, gut peptide assays, and qualitative interviews to develop a definitive trial protocol.

27. Fermentation-enhanced insect protein: nutrient retention, allergenicity, and cultural acceptability

We determine whether targeted fermentation can improve nutrient bioavailability and reduce allergenicity of edible insects while increasing cultural acceptability. Research questions: 1) Can specific fermentation strains degrade chitin and allergenic proteins without reducing essential amino acids? 2) Does fermented insect product demonstrate higher acceptability and nutrient uptake in sensory trials and short-term feeding studies? Overview: We will combine lab-scale fermentations with nutrient and allergen assays, in vitro digestibility, and community sensory panels followed by a short-term feeding bioavailability study (stable isotopes for protein assimilation).

28. Intergenerational metabolic programming: maternal religious fasting patterns and offspring cardiometabolic markers

We study how repeated maternal fasting patterns (e.g., prolonged religious fasts across pregnancies) influence offspring epigenetic marks and early-life metabolic phenotypes. Research questions: 1) Can we link timing and duration of maternal fasting during pregnancy to DNA methylation patterns in cord blood and early childhood metabolic markers? 2) Are observed epigenetic changes associated with growth trajectories or insulin sensitivity at age 3–5? Overview: We will recruit a prospective pregnancy cohort with detailed fasting- and dietary-exposure logs, collect biospecimens at birth and follow-ups, perform epigenome-wide assays, and model associations controlling for confounders and maternal diet quality.

29. Rooftop vs ground-level urban agriculture: microclimate, heavy-metal uptake, and nutrient density trade-offs

We compare nutrient density and contaminant uptake in vegetables grown on urban rooftops versus ground-level community gardens to inform urban nutrition policy. Research questions: 1) Do microclimate differences (temperature, UV) across rooftop and ground plots alter phytochemical and micronutrient concentrations? 2) Does substrate choice and elevation affect heavy-metal uptake and food safety? Overview: We will run matched planting experiments across multiple cities measuring soil/substrate composition, microclimate telemetry, plant tissue nutrient and contaminant assays, and model best-practice recommendations for urban growers.

30. Machine-learning optimization of emergency rations for climate-displaced populations balancing shelf-life, nutrition, and cultural acceptability

We create and validate an ML platform that designs context-specific emergency rations optimizing nutrient completeness, shelf stability under variable climates, and cultural acceptability constraints. Research questions: 1) Can we integrate shelf-life kinetics, nutrient retention models, supply-chain constraints, and local taste profiles into an optimization algorithm that outperforms standard formulations? 2) Does ML-optimized ration deployment improve nutritional status and acceptance in pilot displacement camps? Overview: We will assemble datasets on ingredient stability, costs, and acceptability; develop multi-objective optimization and reinforcement-learning models; then field-test top candidates in pilot distributions with nutritional and acceptability outcome measures.

31. Nutrient bioavailability from urban rooftop garden produce exposed to vehicular pollution

— Research questions: 1) How does chronic exposure to urban airborne pollutants alter micronutrient (iron, zinc, folate, vitamin C) bioavailability in rooftop-grown leafy greens? 2) What cultivation practices mitigate pollutant-associated reductions in bioavailability? Short overview: We will sample produce from paired rooftop sites across a pollution gradient, measure pollutant deposition and speciation on leaves, analyze total and bioaccessible nutrient fractions using in vitro digestion and Caco-2 uptake assays, and model associations with microclimate and cultivation variables to propose practical mitigation strategies.

32. Chrononutrition personalization using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in rotating-shift healthcare workers

— Research questions: 1) Can CGM-informed meal timing adjustments reduce postprandial glycemic variability in rotating-shift workers compared with standard guidance? 2) Which circadian biomarkers best predict individual response to timing interventions? Short overview: We will run a randomized crossover trial enrolling rotating-shift nurses, deploy CGMs and salivary melatonin assays, co-design time-restricted feeding windows per participant, and analyze CGM-derived metrics, sleep/circadian markers, and metabolic biomarkers to derive personalization algorithms for shift-worker chrononutrition.

33. Fermentation-driven reduction of allergenicity in novel plant proteins (e.g., duckweed, algae)

— Research questions: 1) Which microbial consortia and fermentation conditions most effectively reduce IgE-binding epitopes in emerging plant protein sources? 2) How do fermentation-induced structural changes affect digestibility and sensory attributes? Short overview: We will screen defined lactic acid bacteria and fungal starters to ferment target plant proteins, map epitope changes using proteomics and immunoblotting with plasma from sensitized donors, assess in vitro digestibility and sensory panels, and validate reduced allergenicity in murine allergy models.

34. Postbiotics to enhance nutrient absorption in pediatric short-bowel syndrome

— Research questions: 1) Which defined postbiotic metabolites improve intestinal barrier function and micronutrient uptake in short-bowel models? 2) Can targeted postbiotic supplementation reduce parenteral nutrition dependence? Short overview: We will identify candidate postbiotic molecules from commensal strains, test effects on epithelial transporters and tight junctions in organoid and enteroid models derived from pediatric patients, and conduct a pilot clinical trial measuring enteral tolerance, nutrient absorption tests, and PN weaning rates.

35. Interaction of dietary microplastics and micronutrient status in coastal fishing communities

— Research questions: 1) Do ingested microplastics alter intestinal absorption or systemic levels of key micronutrients (iodine, selenium, vitamin D) in populations consuming local seafood? 2) What are the exposure–effect relationships when accounting for seafood-derived nutrient intake? Short overview: We will perform cross-sectional biomonitoring of microplastic burdens (stool, seafood samples) and micronutrient biomarkers, use in vitro gut models to test competitive adsorption or transport effects, and apply mixed-effects models to separate dietary confounding from microplastic-associated changes.

36. AI-driven sensory-nutritional pairing to restore appetite in chemotherapy patients

— Research questions: 1) Can machine-learning models that pair nutrient-dense formulations with individualized flavor profiles improve intake and weight maintenance during chemotherapy? 2) Which sensory features most strongly predict improved compliance in different chemotherapy regimens? Short overview: We will collect sensory preference data and intake outcomes from patients, train recommender systems linking flavor–texture profiles to nutrient-dense recipes, run an intervention delivering personalized meals, and evaluate caloric/protein intake, weight, and patient-reported appetite measures.

37. Maternal circadian disruption, dietary composition, and offspring epigenetic programming of nutrient-sensing pathways

— Research questions: 1) How does maternal circadian misalignment combined with high-fat or high-fiber diets alter offspring methylation of genes regulating nutrient sensing (AMPK, mTOR) and metabolic outcomes? 2) Are effects reversible through postnatal dietary modulation? Short overview: We will use controlled rodent models exposing dams to shifted light cycles with defined diets, perform epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling in offspring metabolic tissues, measure physiological outcomes (glucose tolerance, body composition), and test postnatal dietary interventions for reversibility.

38. Nutritional and microbiome effects of insect-based complementary foods in infants transitioning from breastmilk

— Research questions: 1) Do insect-derived complementary foods (processed for safety) improve iron and zinc bioavailability and beneficially modulate the infant gut microbiome compared with standard cereal-based weaning foods? 2) What are safety, acceptability, and growth outcomes over the first year? Short overview: We will design a randomized controlled trial providing insect-enriched vs. conventional complementary foods, monitor growth and micronutrient status, perform metagenomic sequencing of stool, and conduct acceptability/safety surveillance and in vitro allergenicity screening.

39. Olfactory–nutrient conditioning to reduce salt and sugar in institutional meals

— Research questions: 1) Can repeated pairing of specific congruent food odors with low-salt/low-sugar recipes increase perceived palatability and reduce added sodium/sugar intake in long-stay care facilities? 2) What are the persistence and transfer effects to other menu items? Short overview: We will co-develop odor-priming protocols with chefs, implement a stepped-wedge trial across care homes measuring plate waste, sodium/sugar content served and consumed, resident hedonic ratings, and follow-up to assess persistence and generalization across meals.

40. Socioeconomic impacts and nutritional outcomes of micronutrient fortification in food-bank distributions

— Research questions: 1) Does targeted micronutrient fortification of food-bank parcels improve recipient biomarkers without reducing food security or dignity-of-choice? 2) What are cost-effectiveness and acceptability trade-offs from client and provider perspectives? Short overview: We will run a mixed-methods implementation study randomizing distribution centers to fortified vs. standard parcels, measure recipient micronutrient biomarkers, household food security instruments, conduct qualitative interviews on acceptability, and perform cost-effectiveness and equity analyses to inform scalable policy recommendations.

41. Bioavailability of micronutrients from hydroponic versus soil-grown microgreens in low-income urban diets

Research questions: 1) Do hydroponically grown microgreens provide higher bioavailable iron, zinc and folate than soil-grown counterparts? 2) How does short-term inclusion of each source affect biomarkers of micronutrient status in adults with marginal deficiencies? 3) What are acceptability and cost-effectiveness trade-offs for urban household adoption?
We will perform compositional analyses and stable-isotope absorption studies in a randomized crossover feeding trial. We will recruit low-income adults with marginal deficiencies, measure serum and isotopic uptake, and run sensory and cost surveys to model scalability.

42. Circadian-timed personalized meals: effects on postprandial lipidome and glycemic variability in night-shift workers

Research questions: 1) Does aligning meal timing to individual chronotype reduce postprandial glycemic excursions and adverse lipid metabolites in night-shift workers? 2) Which macronutrient distributions at scheduled times most favorably modulate the circadian lipidome?
We will design a randomized crossover intervention with continuous glucose monitoring and serial lipidomic profiling. We will stratify by chronotype, prescribe time- and macronutrient-controlled meals, and analyze metabolomic signatures and symptom diaries.

43. Fermentation-driven enhancement of anti-nutrient degradation in composite plant-based weaning foods

Research questions: 1) Which starter cultures and fermentation parameters most effectively reduce phytate and tannin levels in mixed-grain weaning porridges? 2) Does fermentation increase in vitro iron and zinc bioaccessibility and improve short-term growth markers in infants?
We will screen microbial strains in controlled fermentations, perform in vitro digestion and Caco-2 uptake assays, and run a small community-based pilot RCT measuring hemoglobin, ferritin, and growth indices.

44. Effects of traditional culinary herbs on gut microbiome-mediated conversion of dietary polyphenols to bioactive metabolites

Research questions: 1) Do common cooking herbs (e.g., coriander, fenugreek, turmeric) shift microbial polyphenol metabolism toward more or less bioactive phenolic metabolites? 2) Are these shifts associated with changes in host systemic markers of inflammation?
We will conduct in vitro fecal fermentation experiments and a short-term human crossover feeding study measuring fecal metagenomics and plasma polyphenol metabolites along with CRP and cytokine panels.

45. Nutritional and metabolic impacts of lab-grown meat cultured on divergent nutrient media compositions

Research questions: 1) How does variation in cell-culture media (lipid sources, micronutrient fortification) alter the macronutrient, fatty-acid, and micronutrient profile of cultivated meat? 2) Do these differences translate into distinct postprandial metabolic responses in humans?
We will produce small-batch cultured meat using defined media variants, conduct compositional and lipidomic analyses, and run randomized acute feeding trials measuring postprandial lipemia, amino acid kinetics, and satiety hormones.

46. AI-optimized low-FODMAP diets personalized for microbiome resilience in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Research questions: 1) Can machine-learning models trained on diet, symptom, and microbiome data predict individualized low-FODMAP meal plans that minimize IBS symptoms while preserving beneficial microbes? 2) Does AI-guided personalization outperform standard low-FODMAP guidelines in symptom reduction and microbiome diversity?
We will build predictive models using existing datasets, implement an N-of-1 RCT comparing AI-generated plans to standard care, and assess symptoms, stool microbiome, and quality-of-life outcomes.

47. Intergenerational epigenetic effects of paternal preconception micronutrient supplementation in humans

Research questions: 1) Does a defined paternal micronutrient supplement regime modify sperm DNA methylation patterns at developmentally relevant loci? 2) Are sperm epigenetic changes associated with neonatal anthropometry or early developmental markers in offspring?
We will conduct a preconception supplementation trial in men, profile sperm epigenomes before and after intervention, and follow resulting pregnancies to collect neonatal outcomes and early growth metrics.

48. Micronutrient retention and neoformation during traditional solar-drying of edible aquatic insects

Research questions: 1) How does indigenous solar-drying (temperature, duration, solar flux) affect retention or neoformation of vitamins and essential fatty acids in aquatic insect species? 2) Does solar-drying alter bioavailability of iron and zinc compared to fresh or heat-dried processing?
We will sample commonly consumed aquatic insects, apply controlled solar-drying simulations, perform nutrient and lipid analyses, and assess bioaccessibility with in vitro digestion and small animal feeding assays.

49. Influence of high-altitude cultivation on antinutrient profiles of legumes used for plant-based milk and subsequent human nutrient absorption

Research questions: 1) Do legumes grown at high altitude express different levels of trypsin inhibitors, phytates, and lectins compared with lowland crops? 2) Does plant-based milk made from altitude-grown legumes yield different micronutrient bioavailability in consumers?
We will collect matched legume samples across altitude gradients, produce standardized plant milks, analyze antinutrient and micronutrient content, and conduct stable-isotope absorption studies in healthy volunteers.

50. Interaction of dietary microplastics with nutrient digestion and gut barrier integrity in processed-food consumers

Research questions: 1) Does co-ingestion of microplastic particles with meals alter lipid emulsification, digestive enzyme activity, or micronutrient solubilization in simulated digestion? 2) Do chronic low-dose dietary microplastics impair gut epithelial barrier function and nutrient absorption in vivo?
We will combine in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion with intestinal epithelial monolayer permeability assays, followed by a controlled rodent feeding study that measures absorption kinetics, gut histology, and systemic inflammatory markers.