Most scientific evidence that drives policy comes from epidemiological data. However, there are some challenges with the interpretation of epidemiology. Examples of where the context and extrapolation have led to unanticipated results will be reviewed, highlighting important concepts in nutrition studies: the role of the food matrix and dose. With the increasing use of systematic reviews and meta-analyses used to pool data and drive policies, this session will build on these 2 important concepts by presenting examples demonstrating the importance of the research question and methodology applied which can influence results and conclusions. Attendees will understand how to identify elements of high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses in nutritional science, including robust methodologies and framing of research questions which integrate the role of the food matrix, dose and comparator, which can support guidelines and policy change.
Dr. Laura Chiavaroli is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and Affiliate Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Chiavaroli’s research program addresses the important implementation gap between guidelines-based nutrition therapy for cardiometabolic diseases and effective strategies to mobilize them, while also addressing the equity gap. She leads large interdisciplinary teams in the co-design and testing of innovative implementation strategies leveraging the use of digital tools and randomized controlled trials to drive effective policies and programs related to dietary patterns for cardiometabolic disease across diverse communities. She also tests new policy enhancements to support adherence and demonstrates novel applications of methods to improve assessments of social and gender determinants of health, to identify communities to target and provide evidence to drive inclusivity in guidelines and advance health equity. She is an expert in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses to address important public health questions to drive policy modernization and support increased adherence to dietary recommendations. She has authored over 90 publications and holds several grants, including multiple grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. She was recently awarded the 2024 American Society for Nutrition Mead Johnson Award for outstanding research from a young investigator and the 2025 IAFNS Emerging Leader Award.