National Nutrition Fund Awards Fifth Round of Dietary Health Grants

Introduction: Nutrition as the Foundation of Health

Imagine if every meal could contribute not just to satisfying hunger but also to building better health. The ancient adage "food is medicine" underscores the critical role of dietary nutrition in maintaining health and preventing disease. Under China's "Healthy China 2030" strategy, scientific dietary interventions have become crucial for improving national nutrition and health. The National Nutrition Research Fund was established to support research in this field, with Phase V focusing on diet-related chronic diseases and nutrition improvement strategies tailored to China's population.

I. Fund Overview

Launched in 2019 by the Chinese Nutrition Society, the National Nutrition Research Fund aims to improve Chinese residents' nutritional health through clinical studies on targeted populations. The fund aligns with China's National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030) and prioritizes research on diet-nutrition-health relationships, particularly studies addressing specific population groups or regional nutritional challenges.

II. Funding Scope

The fund supports research in four key areas:

1. Diet-health relationship studies
2. Nutrition research for specific populations (infants, adolescents, pregnant women, elderly)
3. Regional nutrition studies addressing local dietary patterns
4. Nutrition intervention research (dietary modifications, supplements)

III. Phase V Research Priorities

A. Diacylglycerol (DAG) Oil Intervention Studies (Targeted Funding)

Three priority research areas examine DAG oil's health effects:

1. DAG oil for overweight/obese adults with hyperlipidemia: Randomized controlled trials evaluating effects on lipid profiles and body composition
2. DAG oil for adolescent weight management: Studies on lipid metabolism and body composition in overweight youth
3. DAG oil meals for elderly visceral fat reduction: Full-meal interventions targeting abdominal obesity in seniors

B. Dietary Fiber Research

Investigating wheat, corn, and soybean fibers for:

• Structural analysis and functional characterization
• Development of fiber-enriched staple foods
• Clinical validation of health benefits (blood sugar/lipid regulation, gut health)

C. Functional Food Policy Research

Developing evidence-based frameworks for:

• Nutrition and health claim regulations
• Standardized evaluation methods
• Approved ingredient lists

D. Nutrition Information Platform

Building authoritative resources for:

• Evidence-based nutrition knowledge dissemination
• Standardized food composition database
• Professional nutritionist training

IV. Funding Details

Total funding: ¥9 million (maximum ¥1 million per project). Project duration: 24 months. Implementation begins March 2026.

V. Eligibility

Principal investigators must hold at least mid-level professional positions in research institutions, universities, hospitals, or nutrition-related organizations. Priority given to Chinese Nutrition Society members and early-career researchers.

VI. Application Process

Deadline: October 5, 2025. Submit electronically via the Chinese Nutrition Society's funding management system, followed by three signed paper copies by October 16, 2025. Results announced by December 31, 2025.

VII. Review Process

Following National Natural Science Foundation evaluation procedures. Funded projects must complete contract signing within 30 days of notification.

VIII. Additional Notes

Projects involving human genetic resources must comply with national regulations. Funding is provided by Wilmar International, with contracts directly between funder and recipients.