Iowa State University
College of Human Sciences and College of Agriculture College of Human Sciences College of Agriculture


Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

International Nutrition in Peru

Multidisciplinary Experiential Study of International Nutrition in Peru is a 4-week (May 29- June 26, 2010) undergraduate summer course which covers diverse nutrition-related topics.

The objective of the program is to provide multidisciplinary hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate students to comprehend the diverse determinants of dietary behavior and nutritional status of populations. The emphasis will be on field activities that will allow students to directly interact with Peruvian families as well as health care professionals. This course will be guided by faculty from ISU and scientists from the Instituto de Investigación Nutricional (IIN), located in Lima, Peru

International Nutrition in Peru image
2003 group at Llanganuco, Callejon de Huaylas

Partner Institution

The Instituto de Investigación Nutricional is a private non-profit organization, dedicated to research, training and services in the areas of health and nutrition. The IIN serves as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Childhood Nutrition and Infant Feeding. The staff of IIN includes professionals from diverse fields such as physicians, nutritionists, nurses, psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists, educators, biochemists, microbiologists and epidemiologists.

Peru

Peru is the third largest country in South America. Located on the west coast of South America, Peru has three geographical regions: a desert coast running the length of the country, a vast Amazonian rainforest to the east, and the Andes mountains, running north to south as the backbone of the country, with many glaciated peaks jutting up to 19,800 feet.

The fertile valleys, mountain plateaus, and coastal desert areas have nurtured cultures at least as early as 1250 BC. European customs were imposed by the Spanish conquest of the Incan empire in the early 1500’s. Today, Peru is home to more than 27 million people. The region’s history leaves a legacy of artistic expression, religious philosophy, and architectural wonders such as the Incan fortress of Machu Picchu. The country has a vast diversity that is reflected also in the range of nutritional concerns, from malnutrition to obesity. Governmental health programs and non-profit organizations work throughout the country to improve the health and nutritional status of the population.

 

Food Science and Human Nutrition