Scientific American Nutrition for a Changing World: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Third Edition ©2026 Jamie Pope; Steven Nizielski Formats: Achieve, E-book, Print
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As low as $71.99
Authors
-
Jamie Pope
Jamie Pope, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, is Adjoint Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences in the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She has been with Vanderbilt University since 1986, working in the areas of obesity research, weight management, health promotion, and heartdisease prevention and—for over 20 years—teaching introductory nutrition courses. Jamie’s popular course brought together undergraduate students from a wide range of majors to learn about the science of nutrition and its application to their personal and future professional lives. She was the recipient of the Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award in 2013.
Beyond the classroom,Jamie adapted portions of her Vanderbilt courses to produce an open online course on the Coursera learning platform, which attracted more than 175,000 students from all over the world. Outcomes and application of this online course to dietetic practice and nutrition education were published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics and presented at theAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Exhibition and Conference. Based on her professional and scholarly contributions, she earned the status of Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2017. Jamie was honored with the Dietetic Educator Excellence award by her peers in 2021. She serves on the executive leadership committee for Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals dietetic practice group. Jamie has also served as corporate nutrition consultant, media representative, and scientific advisor for several national companies and corporations. Earlier in her career, Jamie coauthored several popular press books, including The T-Factor Fat Gram Counter, which remained for more than three yearson the New York Times best-sellers list. She has authored or contributed to numerous other scientific and lay press publications. Jamie cherishes time with her family and friends and loves listening to historical fiction novels while she takes long walks with her dogs.
-
Steven Nizielski
Steven Nizielski, MS, PhD, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in Wildlife Biology and assisted in research projects involving Siberian tigers and gray wolves before entering graduate school. He earned his Master’s and Doctoratedegrees at the University of Minnesota in nutrition, with an emphasis in biochemistry. He was an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, for 19 years before retiring in 2020.
In his more than 25 years of teaching he has taught courses in introductory, clinical, life cycle, sports nutrition, and exercise physiology, as well as advanced metabolism. Past research activities include investigating brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and changes in adipose tissue gene expression in response to aging and exercise, and evaluating the campus food environment. Steve is a member of the American Society for Nutrition and of the American Physiological Society. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, and cooking.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
The Science and Scope of Nutrition
Exploring the Science of Nutrition
A new field in nutrition research is revealing surprising details about how food
affects our genes
Introducing the Science of Nutrition
Food Provides Nutrients and Energy
What Is Malnutrition?
Nutrient Intake Recommendations
Energy Recommendations
Nutrition Science in Action
Credible Sources of Nutrition Information
Health Goals for Americans
Assessing the North American Diet
Chapter 1 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 2
Healthy Diets
From Factory to Fork
Can ultra-processed foods fit into a healthy diet?
Healthy Diets Feature Variety, Balance, Adequacy, and Moderation
Understanding the Nutrient Density and Energy Density of Foo
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Global Nutrition
Understanding the Labeling on Food
Chapter 2 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 3
Digestion
Invisible Allies
Understanding the Vital Role of the Human Microbiome
Overview of the Digestive Process
Gastrointestinal Tract and Accessory Organs
Overview of Mechanical and Chemical Digestion
The Path of Digestion from the Mouth to the Large Intestine
The Role of Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Digestive Disorders
Chapter 3 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 4
Carbohydrates
Whole Grain Hype
Can Science Help Us Navigate the Perils of the Cereal Aisle?
What Are Carbohydrates?
The Digestion of Carbohydrates
Added Sugar
Sugar Alternatives
Understanding Fiber
Carbohydrate Intake Recommendations
Chapter 4 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT A
Nutrition and Diabetes
A Global Pandemic
A Projected 850 Million People in the World Will Be Living with Diabetes by the Year 2050
What Is Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
Spotlight A Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 5
The Lipids
Is Fish Really Brain Food?
Dietary Lipids Can Profoundly Affect Our Risk of Developing Dementia Later in Life
Dietary Fat
Overview of the Lipids
Lipid Digestion and Absorption
Lipoprotein Transport
Essential Fatty Acids
Trans Fats
Current Fat Intake and Recommendations
Chapter 5 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT B
Lipids in Health and Disease
Death in Bogalusa
From Tragic Deaths in a Southern Town, Insights into Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
A Heart-Protective Diet
Fat-Intake and Health—Beyond Cardiovascular Disease
Spotlight B Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 6
Protein
The Protein Craze
Is the Popular Macronutrient the Ticket to a Healthier Life?
Recommendations for Protein Intake
Protein Synthesis
Digestion and Absorption of Proteins
Varied Functions of Protein
Protein Turnover and Nitrogen Balance
Older Adults May Benefit from Higher Intakes of Protein
Protein Sources
Protein Quality
Protein Deficiency
High-Protein Diets
Chapter 6 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT C
Plant-Based Diets
Pass the Plants, Please
What Does a Spanish Study Say About the Benefits of Following a Mediterranean-Like Diet?
Vegetarian and Semi-Vegetarian Diets
Benefits of Diet Rich in Plant Foods
How Cancer Develops
Benefits of Phytochemicals
Nutritional Considerations and Concerns Associated with Plant-Based Diets
Plant-Based and Vegetarian Guidelines
Spotlight C Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 7
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Biofortification in Bangladesh
Can a Public Health Crisis Be Solved with Rice?
Introducing the Vitamins
Properties of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Chapter 7 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 8
Water-Soluble Vitamins
It's Not a Germ
Pioneering Research Uncovers Vitamin Deficiency Diseases
Characteristics of the Water-Soluble Vitamins
The B Vitamins
Choline
Vitamin C
Chapter 8 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 9
Major Minerals and Water
Potassium Power
Eating a Diet Low in Sodium and Rich in Potassium May Offer Protection from Hypertension
Overview of the Minerals
Mineral Absorption and Bioavailability
Minerals in Our Food
Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus Have Diverse Structural Roles in the Body
Sulphur is a Component of Proteins
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride Maintain Fluid Balance in the Body
Water
Chapter 9 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 10
Trace Minerals
Small Quantities with Big Importance
How Lack of Trace Minerals Can Wreak Havoc on Your Health
Introducing the Trace Minerals
Iodine: Sources and Functions
Iron
Zinc
Copper
Selenium
Fluoride
Other Trace Minerals: Manganese, Molybdenum, and Chromium
Ultratrace Minerals
Chapter 10 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT D
Dietary Supplements
Supplements, Herbs, and Functional Foods
Surprising Studies on the Value of Vitamin Supplements
What Are Dietary Supplements?
Regulation of Dietary Supplements
Understanding Supplement Labels
Are Dietary Supplements Harmful?
Functional Foods
Spotlight D Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 11
Energy Balance and Obesity
The Sitting Disease
Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Obesity
Energy In, Energy Out
The Biology of Hunger
A NEAT Cause of Weight Gain
Lifestyle and Energy Balance
Weight Loss Recommendations
Chapter 11 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 12
Nutrition and Fitness
Eating to Win
The Amazing and Exacting Science of Sports Nutrition
Components of Fitness
Fueling the Body
Measures of Exercise Intensity
Dietary Carbohydrates for Endurance Exercise
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
Body Building
Hydrating the Athlete
Physical Fitness: Not Just for Athletes
Chapter 12 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 13
Nutrition During the College Years
Determinants of Eating Behavior, Disordered Eating, and Alcohol
How Food Choices Are Influenced by Social Norms
Growth, Development, and Nutrient Requirements in Late Adolescence
Determinants of Eating Behavior
Eating Disorders
Alcohol
Chapter 13 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT E
Nutrition for Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Infancy
Nourishing Mother and Baby
New Research Suggests That Delaying Cord Clamping After Birth Preserves Iron Status
Changing Nutritional Needs
Energy and Nutrient Needs During Pregnancy
A Healthy Pregnancy
Food Safety
Postnatal Nutrition
Nutrition for the Growing Child
Spotlight E Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT F
Childhood Nutrition
Food Allergies and Intolerances
As Paradoxical As It MIght Seem, Could Dirt and Germs Make Children Healthier for Life?
Growth and Development in Childhood
What Are Children Eating?
Nutritional Recommendations for Children
Nutrients of Concern in Childhood
Childhood Obesity
Food Allergies
Spotlight F Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT G
Nutrition and the Aging Adult
Live Long and Prosper
Can You Eat Your Way to a Longer, Healthier LIfe?
What Happens When We Age?
Life Expectancy and Lifespan
Blue Zones
Energy Needs and Physical Activity
Special Nutritional Concerns for Older Adults
Nutrient Recommendations for Older Adults
Maintaining Physical Strength for a Lifetime
Blue Zone Secrets
Spotlight G Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 14
Global Nutrition: Food Security and Sustainability
Feeding the World Now and in the Future
How Will We Combat Global Hunger While We Promote Feed Security and Sustainability?
Food and Nutrition Security
Sustainability
How Are Organic Foods Different from Conventional Foods?
Chapter 14 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT H
Food Safety
How Cantaloupe Turned Lethal
Safe Food-Handling Practices from Farm to Table Can Dramatically Reduce the Risk of Foodborne Illness
A Brief History of Food Safety in America
Foodborne Intoxication and Infection
Engineering Food Safety: HACCP and Irradiation
Food Safety and Modernization Act
Food Safety in the Home
Spotlight H Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
(ONLINE ONLY) CHAPTER 15
Energy Metabolism: The Interactions and Transformations of Living Cells
The Brain on Ketones: Can It Be Good?
For Some Individuals with Epilepsy, a High-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Can Prevent ore Reduce Seizures
Overview of Energy Metabolism
The Breakdown of Glucose
Fatty Acid Oxidation Occurs in the Mitochondrial Matrix
Ketogenesis
Amino Acid Metabolism
Feasting and Fasting Cycle: Coordinating Metabolic Adaptations in Pathways of Energy Metabolism
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Chapter 15 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
Appendix 1: Dietary Reference Intakes for Individuals
Appendix 2: Conversions
Appendix 3: Key Functions of Micronutrients
Need To Know Review Question Answers
Glossary
References
Index
Product Updates
What’s New in the 3rd Edition
This edition coincides with the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, with updates across every chapter reflecting the latest USDA recommendations and the most current nutrition science.
We’ve also refreshed all chapters with updated statistics, new research references, and revised graphics to enhance accessibility and visual appeal. Each chapter includes a new “New for This Edition” reference list, highlighting the most recent research and data.
Five chapters now feature new storylines that explore cutting-edge research and contemporary nutrition issues:
- Chapter 1 – The Science and Scope of Nutrition: “Exploring the Science of Nutrition”
Expanded discussion on how a mother’s diet around conception can influence her baby’s long-term health, featuring Dr. Robert Waterland’s groundbreaking epigenetic research in The Gambia. - Chapter 2 – Healthy Diets: “From Factory to Fork”
Examines the latest research on ultra-processed foods and explores whether they can have a place in a healthy diet. - Chapter 3 – Digestion: “Invisible Allies”
Introduces students to the human microbiome, explaining how gut microbes interact with diet and affect health. - Chapter 6 – Protein: “The Protein Craze”
Investigates the rising popularity of high-protein diets and the flood of protein-enhanced foods and supplements in the marketplace. - Chapter 12 – Nutrition and Fitness: “Eating to Win”
Follows Vanderbilt University’s sports dietitians as they apply the science of sports nutrition to help football players achieve peak performance and long-term health.
Enhanced Digital Learning Tools
Nutrition for a Changing World remains the only product in the course that integrates AnalyzeMyDiet, a diet tracker with personalized, auto-graded analysis activities—saving instructors hours of grading time while giving students actionable feedback.
New Getting Started: AnalyzeMyDiet Interactive Video Tutorials help students master the AnalyzeMyDiet Tracker and Smart Worksheet Activities. These videos include troubleshooting support and interactive checkpoints to reinforce understanding.
In the enhanced ePub edition, Interactive Video Assignments have replaced traditional animation quizzes. These videos turn assessment into an active learning experience: students engage with key concepts, answer unpenalized reflection questions, and receive immediate feedback—all designed to foster metacognition and deepen understanding.
The Result
With its storytelling approach, contemporary science, and powerful digital tools, Nutrition for a Changing World, 3rd Edition equips students to think critically about the food choices they make—and empowers instructors with a course experience that’s engaging, current, and easy to teach
Authors
-
Jamie Pope
Jamie Pope, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, is Adjoint Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences in the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She has been with Vanderbilt University since 1986, working in the areas of obesity research, weight management, health promotion, and heartdisease prevention and—for over 20 years—teaching introductory nutrition courses. Jamie’s popular course brought together undergraduate students from a wide range of majors to learn about the science of nutrition and its application to their personal and future professional lives. She was the recipient of the Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award in 2013.
Beyond the classroom,Jamie adapted portions of her Vanderbilt courses to produce an open online course on the Coursera learning platform, which attracted more than 175,000 students from all over the world. Outcomes and application of this online course to dietetic practice and nutrition education were published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics and presented at theAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Exhibition and Conference. Based on her professional and scholarly contributions, she earned the status of Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2017. Jamie was honored with the Dietetic Educator Excellence award by her peers in 2021. She serves on the executive leadership committee for Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals dietetic practice group. Jamie has also served as corporate nutrition consultant, media representative, and scientific advisor for several national companies and corporations. Earlier in her career, Jamie coauthored several popular press books, including The T-Factor Fat Gram Counter, which remained for more than three yearson the New York Times best-sellers list. She has authored or contributed to numerous other scientific and lay press publications. Jamie cherishes time with her family and friends and loves listening to historical fiction novels while she takes long walks with her dogs.
-
Steven Nizielski
Steven Nizielski, MS, PhD, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in Wildlife Biology and assisted in research projects involving Siberian tigers and gray wolves before entering graduate school. He earned his Master’s and Doctoratedegrees at the University of Minnesota in nutrition, with an emphasis in biochemistry. He was an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, for 19 years before retiring in 2020.
In his more than 25 years of teaching he has taught courses in introductory, clinical, life cycle, sports nutrition, and exercise physiology, as well as advanced metabolism. Past research activities include investigating brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and changes in adipose tissue gene expression in response to aging and exercise, and evaluating the campus food environment. Steve is a member of the American Society for Nutrition and of the American Physiological Society. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, and cooking.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
The Science and Scope of Nutrition
Exploring the Science of Nutrition
A new field in nutrition research is revealing surprising details about how food
affects our genes
Introducing the Science of Nutrition
Food Provides Nutrients and Energy
What Is Malnutrition?
Nutrient Intake Recommendations
Energy Recommendations
Nutrition Science in Action
Credible Sources of Nutrition Information
Health Goals for Americans
Assessing the North American Diet
Chapter 1 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 2
Healthy Diets
From Factory to Fork
Can ultra-processed foods fit into a healthy diet?
Healthy Diets Feature Variety, Balance, Adequacy, and Moderation
Understanding the Nutrient Density and Energy Density of Foo
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Global Nutrition
Understanding the Labeling on Food
Chapter 2 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 3
Digestion
Invisible Allies
Understanding the Vital Role of the Human Microbiome
Overview of the Digestive Process
Gastrointestinal Tract and Accessory Organs
Overview of Mechanical and Chemical Digestion
The Path of Digestion from the Mouth to the Large Intestine
The Role of Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Digestive Disorders
Chapter 3 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 4
Carbohydrates
Whole Grain Hype
Can Science Help Us Navigate the Perils of the Cereal Aisle?
What Are Carbohydrates?
The Digestion of Carbohydrates
Added Sugar
Sugar Alternatives
Understanding Fiber
Carbohydrate Intake Recommendations
Chapter 4 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT A
Nutrition and Diabetes
A Global Pandemic
A Projected 850 Million People in the World Will Be Living with Diabetes by the Year 2050
What Is Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
Spotlight A Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 5
The Lipids
Is Fish Really Brain Food?
Dietary Lipids Can Profoundly Affect Our Risk of Developing Dementia Later in Life
Dietary Fat
Overview of the Lipids
Lipid Digestion and Absorption
Lipoprotein Transport
Essential Fatty Acids
Trans Fats
Current Fat Intake and Recommendations
Chapter 5 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT B
Lipids in Health and Disease
Death in Bogalusa
From Tragic Deaths in a Southern Town, Insights into Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
A Heart-Protective Diet
Fat-Intake and Health—Beyond Cardiovascular Disease
Spotlight B Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 6
Protein
The Protein Craze
Is the Popular Macronutrient the Ticket to a Healthier Life?
Recommendations for Protein Intake
Protein Synthesis
Digestion and Absorption of Proteins
Varied Functions of Protein
Protein Turnover and Nitrogen Balance
Older Adults May Benefit from Higher Intakes of Protein
Protein Sources
Protein Quality
Protein Deficiency
High-Protein Diets
Chapter 6 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT C
Plant-Based Diets
Pass the Plants, Please
What Does a Spanish Study Say About the Benefits of Following a Mediterranean-Like Diet?
Vegetarian and Semi-Vegetarian Diets
Benefits of Diet Rich in Plant Foods
How Cancer Develops
Benefits of Phytochemicals
Nutritional Considerations and Concerns Associated with Plant-Based Diets
Plant-Based and Vegetarian Guidelines
Spotlight C Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 7
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Biofortification in Bangladesh
Can a Public Health Crisis Be Solved with Rice?
Introducing the Vitamins
Properties of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Chapter 7 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 8
Water-Soluble Vitamins
It's Not a Germ
Pioneering Research Uncovers Vitamin Deficiency Diseases
Characteristics of the Water-Soluble Vitamins
The B Vitamins
Choline
Vitamin C
Chapter 8 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 9
Major Minerals and Water
Potassium Power
Eating a Diet Low in Sodium and Rich in Potassium May Offer Protection from Hypertension
Overview of the Minerals
Mineral Absorption and Bioavailability
Minerals in Our Food
Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus Have Diverse Structural Roles in the Body
Sulphur is a Component of Proteins
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride Maintain Fluid Balance in the Body
Water
Chapter 9 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 10
Trace Minerals
Small Quantities with Big Importance
How Lack of Trace Minerals Can Wreak Havoc on Your Health
Introducing the Trace Minerals
Iodine: Sources and Functions
Iron
Zinc
Copper
Selenium
Fluoride
Other Trace Minerals: Manganese, Molybdenum, and Chromium
Ultratrace Minerals
Chapter 10 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT D
Dietary Supplements
Supplements, Herbs, and Functional Foods
Surprising Studies on the Value of Vitamin Supplements
What Are Dietary Supplements?
Regulation of Dietary Supplements
Understanding Supplement Labels
Are Dietary Supplements Harmful?
Functional Foods
Spotlight D Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 11
Energy Balance and Obesity
The Sitting Disease
Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Obesity
Energy In, Energy Out
The Biology of Hunger
A NEAT Cause of Weight Gain
Lifestyle and Energy Balance
Weight Loss Recommendations
Chapter 11 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 12
Nutrition and Fitness
Eating to Win
The Amazing and Exacting Science of Sports Nutrition
Components of Fitness
Fueling the Body
Measures of Exercise Intensity
Dietary Carbohydrates for Endurance Exercise
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
Body Building
Hydrating the Athlete
Physical Fitness: Not Just for Athletes
Chapter 12 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 13
Nutrition During the College Years
Determinants of Eating Behavior, Disordered Eating, and Alcohol
How Food Choices Are Influenced by Social Norms
Growth, Development, and Nutrient Requirements in Late Adolescence
Determinants of Eating Behavior
Eating Disorders
Alcohol
Chapter 13 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT E
Nutrition for Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Infancy
Nourishing Mother and Baby
New Research Suggests That Delaying Cord Clamping After Birth Preserves Iron Status
Changing Nutritional Needs
Energy and Nutrient Needs During Pregnancy
A Healthy Pregnancy
Food Safety
Postnatal Nutrition
Nutrition for the Growing Child
Spotlight E Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT F
Childhood Nutrition
Food Allergies and Intolerances
As Paradoxical As It MIght Seem, Could Dirt and Germs Make Children Healthier for Life?
Growth and Development in Childhood
What Are Children Eating?
Nutritional Recommendations for Children
Nutrients of Concern in Childhood
Childhood Obesity
Food Allergies
Spotlight F Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT G
Nutrition and the Aging Adult
Live Long and Prosper
Can You Eat Your Way to a Longer, Healthier LIfe?
What Happens When We Age?
Life Expectancy and Lifespan
Blue Zones
Energy Needs and Physical Activity
Special Nutritional Concerns for Older Adults
Nutrient Recommendations for Older Adults
Maintaining Physical Strength for a Lifetime
Blue Zone Secrets
Spotlight G Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
CHAPTER 14
Global Nutrition: Food Security and Sustainability
Feeding the World Now and in the Future
How Will We Combat Global Hunger While We Promote Feed Security and Sustainability?
Food and Nutrition Security
Sustainability
How Are Organic Foods Different from Conventional Foods?
Chapter 14 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
SPOTLIGHT H
Food Safety
How Cantaloupe Turned Lethal
Safe Food-Handling Practices from Farm to Table Can Dramatically Reduce the Risk of Foodborne Illness
A Brief History of Food Safety in America
Foodborne Intoxication and Infection
Engineering Food Safety: HACCP and Irradiation
Food Safety and Modernization Act
Food Safety in the Home
Spotlight H Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
(ONLINE ONLY) CHAPTER 15
Energy Metabolism: The Interactions and Transformations of Living Cells
The Brain on Ketones: Can It Be Good?
For Some Individuals with Epilepsy, a High-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Can Prevent ore Reduce Seizures
Overview of Energy Metabolism
The Breakdown of Glucose
Fatty Acid Oxidation Occurs in the Mitochondrial Matrix
Ketogenesis
Amino Acid Metabolism
Feasting and Fasting Cycle: Coordinating Metabolic Adaptations in Pathways of Energy Metabolism
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Chapter 15 Bring It Home
Key Ideas
Need To Know: Review Questions
Appendix 1: Dietary Reference Intakes for Individuals
Appendix 2: Conversions
Appendix 3: Key Functions of Micronutrients
Need To Know Review Question Answers
Glossary
References
Index
Product Updates
What’s New in the 3rd Edition
This edition coincides with the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, with updates across every chapter reflecting the latest USDA recommendations and the most current nutrition science.
We’ve also refreshed all chapters with updated statistics, new research references, and revised graphics to enhance accessibility and visual appeal. Each chapter includes a new “New for This Edition” reference list, highlighting the most recent research and data.
Five chapters now feature new storylines that explore cutting-edge research and contemporary nutrition issues:
- Chapter 1 – The Science and Scope of Nutrition: “Exploring the Science of Nutrition”
Expanded discussion on how a mother’s diet around conception can influence her baby’s long-term health, featuring Dr. Robert Waterland’s groundbreaking epigenetic research in The Gambia. - Chapter 2 – Healthy Diets: “From Factory to Fork”
Examines the latest research on ultra-processed foods and explores whether they can have a place in a healthy diet. - Chapter 3 – Digestion: “Invisible Allies”
Introduces students to the human microbiome, explaining how gut microbes interact with diet and affect health. - Chapter 6 – Protein: “The Protein Craze”
Investigates the rising popularity of high-protein diets and the flood of protein-enhanced foods and supplements in the marketplace. - Chapter 12 – Nutrition and Fitness: “Eating to Win”
Follows Vanderbilt University’s sports dietitians as they apply the science of sports nutrition to help football players achieve peak performance and long-term health.
Enhanced Digital Learning Tools
Nutrition for a Changing World remains the only product in the course that integrates AnalyzeMyDiet, a diet tracker with personalized, auto-graded analysis activities—saving instructors hours of grading time while giving students actionable feedback.
New Getting Started: AnalyzeMyDiet Interactive Video Tutorials help students master the AnalyzeMyDiet Tracker and Smart Worksheet Activities. These videos include troubleshooting support and interactive checkpoints to reinforce understanding.
In the enhanced ePub edition, Interactive Video Assignments have replaced traditional animation quizzes. These videos turn assessment into an active learning experience: students engage with key concepts, answer unpenalized reflection questions, and receive immediate feedback—all designed to foster metacognition and deepen understanding.
The Result
With its storytelling approach, contemporary science, and powerful digital tools, Nutrition for a Changing World, 3rd Edition equips students to think critically about the food choices they make—and empowers instructors with a course experience that’s engaging, current, and easy to teach
Real Science. Real Stories. Real-World Relevance.
Where science meets storytelling.
Written and illustrated in the engaging, journalistic style of Scientific American, Nutrition for a Changing World connects students to the science of nutrition through real stories, real people, and real discoveries. Each chapter opens with a compelling narrative that brings the latest nutrition research to life, while stunning visuals and dynamic infographics help students see—and understand—how nutrition impacts health and well-being.
Now fully updated to align with the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Third Edition reflects the most current science, refreshed graphics, and new data throughout. Five chapters debut brand-new storylines exploring cutting-edge topics—from epigenetics and the human microbiome to ultra-processed foods, protein trends, and sports nutrition.
In Achieve, Nutrition for a Changing World continues to lead the way with AnalyzeMyDiet, diet tracker and with personalized, auto-graded assignments. New interactive tutorials, video-based assessments, and instant feedback turn learning into an active, reflective experience—saving instructors time while deepening student understanding.
The result: a course that’s engaging, evidence-based, and designed for today’s students—connecting the science of nutrition to the choices we make every day.
Success Stories
Here are a few examples of how Achieve has helped instructors like you improve student preparedness, enhance their sense of belonging, and achieve course goals they set for themselves.
Prof. Kiandra Johnson, Spelman College
See how the resources in Achieve help you engage students before, during, and after class.
Prof. Jennifer Duncan
Use diagnostics in Achieve for a snapshot into cognitive and non-cognitive factors that may impact your students’ preparedness.
Prof. Ryan Elsenpeter
Here’s why educators who use Achieve would recommend it to their peers.
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Our courses currently integrate with Canvas, Blackboard (Learn and Ultra), Brightspace, D2L, and Moodle. Click on the support documentation below to find out more details about the integration with each LMS.
Integrate Macmillan courses with Blackboard
Integrate Macmillan courses with Canvas
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If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
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Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
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Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Most Achieve Essentials courses do not include our e-books and adaptive quizzing.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
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Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Achieve Read & Practice only includes our e-book and adaptive quizzing, and does not include instructor resources and assignable assessments. Read & Practice does integrate with LMS.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
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We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
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ISBN:9781319618964
Access all your course tools in one place!
ISBN:9781319606732
Take notes, add highlights, and download our mobile-friendly e-books.
ISBN:9781319606749
Save money with our hole-punched, loose-leaf textbook.
ISBN:9781319624699
This package includes Achieve and Loose-Leaf.
FAQs
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Are you a campus bookstore looking for ordering information?
MPS Order Search Tool (MOST) is a web-based purchase order tracking program that allows customers to view and track their purchases. No registration or special codes needed! Just enter your BILL-TO ACCT # and your ZIP CODE to track orders.
Canadian Stores: Please use only the first five digits/letters in your zip code on MOST.
Visit MOST, our online ordering system for booksellers: https://tracking.mpsvirginia.com/Login.aspx
Learn more about our Bookstore programs here: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/contact-us/booksellers
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Our courses currently integrate with Canvas, Blackboard (Learn and Ultra), Brightspace, D2L, and Moodle. Click on the support documentation below to find out more details about the integration with each LMS.
Integrate Macmillan courses with Blackboard
Integrate Macmillan courses with Canvas
-
-
-
If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
-
-
-
Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
-
-
-
Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Most Achieve Essentials courses do not include our e-books and adaptive quizzing.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
-
-
-
Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Achieve Read & Practice only includes our e-book and adaptive quizzing, and does not include instructor resources and assignable assessments. Read & Practice does integrate with LMS.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
-
-
-
We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
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Scientific American Nutrition for a Changing World: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Where science meets storytelling.
Written and illustrated in the engaging, journalistic style of Scientific American, Nutrition for a Changing World connects students to the science of nutrition through real stories, real people, and real discoveries. Each chapter opens with a compelling narrative that brings the latest nutrition research to life, while stunning visuals and dynamic infographics help students see—and understand—how nutrition impacts health and well-being.
Now fully updated to align with the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Third Edition reflects the most current science, refreshed graphics, and new data throughout. Five chapters debut brand-new storylines exploring cutting-edge topics—from epigenetics and the human microbiome to ultra-processed foods, protein trends, and sports nutrition.
In Achieve, Nutrition for a Changing World continues to lead the way with AnalyzeMyDiet, diet tracker and with personalized, auto-graded assignments. New interactive tutorials, video-based assessments, and instant feedback turn learning into an active, reflective experience—saving instructors time while deepening student understanding.
The result: a course that’s engaging, evidence-based, and designed for today’s students—connecting the science of nutrition to the choices we make every day.
Select a demo to view:
Sample Achieve