Food and nutrition science involves multiple scientific disciplines to study food and its components’ interactions with the body. Food scientists must have knowledge of chemistry, biology, and nutrition to develop new foods and address interactions. Students interested in this field must have a basic understanding of these fields. Food science jobs can be found at food processors and government agencies.
Food and nutrition science is a field of study that involves multiple scientific disciplines, all related to the main study of food and how its different components interact with each other and with the living body. The science involved in food production can be quite extensive. This is especially true when it comes to hybrid crops, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and even foods that undergo substantial processing to become an entirely different product, such as many grains.
Those involved in food and nutrition science must have knowledge of different scientific fields including chemistry, biology, and nutrition. Together, all of the principles learned in these areas will be used in the work of a food scientist. Without a comprehensive background in these fields, food and nutrition science cannot be fully understood. Therefore, as a prerequisite, students interested in this field must have a basic understanding of these other scientific fields of study.
For example, to understand how acidic or alkaline foods will affect the body, it is first necessary to understand what acid and alkalinity are and how the human body handles these foods. Blood is known to be slightly alkaline, having a pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Therefore, trying to balance foods at this level will provide the most natural intake possible for the body. Those individuals who do not have a pH balanced diet will put pressure on the body to regulate pH on its own, which could lead to overall health problems and fatigue, as the body works to do things that would otherwise be done through proper diet.
Food scientists are also responsible for researching and developing new foods. Just as with the alkaline versus acidity issue, there are hundreds of other interactions that need to be addressed with food and nutrition science. Observing the chemistry of a new product and testing its interaction with other chemicals can be very important. While some ingredients may be seemingly inert on their own, they could become very potent, and even dangerous, when mixed into the wrong formula.
Students interested in a career in food and nutrition sciences will take courses in the basic sciences, as well as advanced courses in several food areas. The common courses for students, in addition to the basics, are food safety, food engineering, human nutrition and microbiology. After graduation, many food science jobs can be found at food processors and government agencies, such as the Food & Drug Administration.
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