2006 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being
resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims
and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
The research falls under the Human Nutrition Program (107) and
within Action Plan 188.8.131.52 that addresses a continuing need
to expand our understanding of the roles nutrients play in
maintaining health and to identify those components of foods
that are most beneficial. The research promotes several goals of
Action Plan 3.1.1 including:. 1)the need to establish healthful
intakes of specific nutrients;. 2)defining interventions for
reducing disease risks; and 3)develop effective strategies,
based on the results of sound human nutrition research, to lower
the cost of health care by prevention of diseases. A common
dietary problem in Westernized societies is functional
deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins due to poor eating
behavior. There are also harmful environmental conditions that
contribute trace mineral pollutants