Abstract:
Nutritional Sciences encompass the study of "nutrition
processes as well as the components of food, their
actions, interaction, and balance in relation to health and
disease”. Over the years this emerging science has
contributed to the wellbeing of the people adding new
knowledge with innovative findings. The 20th century
became the era of the Golden Age of Nutrition, when
most discoveries were of the nutrients such as vitamin C,
folic acid, and B,2 pertaining to deficiency diseases.
During my talk, however, I would touch upon the
unfolding discoveries particularly that address the
issues related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as
it is very timely and applicable to Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka,
while demographic and epidemiological transitions are
underway, NCDs have already become the largest >
contributor to disease burden, accounting for 85% of ill
health, disability, and early death. The population is at
risk for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood
pressure and cancer due to poor dietary habits, lack of
physical activity, smoking and alcoholism.
