Reduce malnutrition: strategies in a sustainable framework

WP 6.2 developed sustainable and multidimensional strategies to prevent and counteract malnutrition, recognising that nutritional vulnerability arises from the interaction between diet, environment and individual biological characteristics. The work aimed to design adaptable prevention models tailored to different population groups, supported by a comprehensive chain of scientific evidence.

An initial phase focused on building a solid methodological foundation. Nutritional guidelines were collected, analysed and harmonised, and multidimensional questionnaires were developed to integrate dietary habits, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, pharmacological treatments and psychological well-being. This approach reduced fragmentation and ensured coherent nutritional pathways for vulnerable groups, including individuals with non-communicable diseases and metabolic frailties.

A significant research line investigated plant-based raw materials such as sorghum, rice and lentils to evaluate their potential role in preventing inflammation-related and metabolic forms of malnutrition. Experimental studies demonstrated favourable effects on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, supporting the identification of promising functional ingredients. Standardised protocols were adopted to assess compound stability and bioavailability, and experimental models were developed to validate biological effects in vitro and in vivo.

Advanced analytical techniques, including omics approaches integrated with artificial intelligence tools, strengthened the experimental pipeline. AI-based models enabled accurate prediction of antioxidant activity in plant extracts, accelerating the selection of the most promising bioactive compounds.

In parallel, WP 6.2 developed digital applications designed to facilitate monitoring of nutritional status and lifestyle behaviours in adults, older individuals and children. These tools, interoperable with wearable devices, support continuous data collection and contribute to personalised and sustainable dietary strategies.

The legacy of WP 6.2 is a complete and transferable pipeline connecting the study of food matrices to biological validation and digital monitoring tools, providing a structured framework for sustainable nutrition research and future public health applications.