Dimensions, domains and principles of the new nutrition science.

OBJECTIVE Following the agreed principles, definition and dimensions of the new nutrition science, to elaborate its overall guiding principles, to propose some domains of its biological, social and environmental dimensions, and to propose a series of principles to govern and guide these dimensions and domains. This paper, part of The New Nutrition Science project, is initial work in progress towards a comprehensive typology of the science, and is designed to stimulate further work. METHOD A review that takes into account the discussions of the Giessen workshop on the new nutrition science, and in particular the workshop agreement as expressed in The Giessen Declaration. Three outlines of the evolutionary, historical and ecological general principles to guide the new nutrition science are given in boxed texts. The suggested specific principles, taken mostly from 14 associated papers and workshop discussion, are an informal supplement to the Declaration. They are presented as further work in progress, to be developed, revised and agreed at future meetings designed to develop the new nutrition science. CONCLUSION An essential aspect of the theory and the practice of the new nutrition science--in common with any scientific discipline and indeed any ordered human activity--is a specification of its dimensions and their domains, with definitions; and also considered and agreed principles to govern and guide its work.