The "National Institute of Nutrition" (I.N.N.) is the single governmental research body operating in Italy having multidisciplinary competence and professionalism, in the various areas of study in food science and human nutrition. Estabilished in 1936 as a body of the Italian National Research Council, in 1958 it became an indipendent Research Institution on the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, supported also by contracts and/or grants from the Ministry of Health, the Italian National Research Council as well as other international bodies.

Original Tasks

1. to carry out biological investigations on human nutrition, as well as analyses on human nutrition, as well as analyses and assays of the composition and nutritional value of foods;

2. to provide information and consultation in the food science and nutrition to the Ministry of Agriculture and othe Public Bodies;

3. to contribute to the training of personnel specialized in the field of nutrition and food science.

To expand the knowledge in human nutrition, in relation to nutritional imbalances, resulting both by dietary excess or defect.

To improve and correct the food habits of Italian population, in relationship also with its composition (age, income, geographical area, etc.)

To contribute to the knowledge of nutritional problems of developing countries, also with the collaboration of FAO, WHO and other international bodies.

To promote a better knwoledge of the nutritional quality of foods and of nutrients' interactions, with a special reference to tipical Italian foods.

To improve the nutritional education of the population through the training of specialized personnel.

To promote the rationalization of the problems confronting the manufacturing, processing, storage and distribution of food; identifying the means to protect consumer's health and to promote the welfare of the population.