Academy and ASPHN Receive CDC Funding to Advance Nutrition Guidance for Infection Prevention

Two-year collaboration will examine nutrition, the gut microbiome and antimicrobial resistance to inform evidence-based guidance

Chicago, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) has received initial funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a two-year initiative examining how nutrition may influence infection prevention and antimicrobial resistance. The Academy will work with the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) on the initiative. 

The funding is part of the CDC's Building National Partnerships for the Prevention of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases cooperative agreement. 

Together, the Academy and ASPHN will conduct a systematic review of scientific evidence examining how dietary patterns and nutrition interventions affect the gut microbiome and infection risk. The review also will explore how nutrition may contribute to broader efforts to address drug-resistant infections.  

“Nutrition professionals play an important role in infection prevention and public health, and the Academy is committed to strengthening that role through science and evidence-based guidance,” said Wylecia Wiggs Harris, chief executive officer of the Academy. “This initiative will help turn emerging research into practical recommendations that support healthcare professionals and improve patient care. 

The findings will be used to develop evidence-based guidance for healthcare and public health professionals across clinical and community settings. 

“Understanding the connections among nutrition, infection prevention and population health opens an important new area for public health nutrition,” said Jami Rokala, MS, RDN, LD, CLC, president of the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists. “Bringing that knowledge into public health settings can help professionals strengthen the well-being of the communities they serve.” 

The resulting resources will include implementation toolkits, educational materials, webinars and continuing education opportunities to help registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs) and other health professionals incorporate the findings into practice. 

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About the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of nutrition and dietetics through research, education and advocacy. For more information, visit eatright.org. 

About the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists 

Founded in 1952, the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) is a non-profit membership organization that provides state and national leadership on food and nutrition policy, programs, and services aimed at improving the health of our population. The association’s membership is comprised of over 900 public health nutritionists located throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. 

Mike Zande
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
312/899-4734
media@eatright.org