Health researchers from across the world have outlined new research priorities on the role of nuts and dried fruit in human health, identifying links between their consumption and areas such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, fertility, immunity, bone health, and brain function. The discussion also addressed emerging findings related to the gut microbiome and biomarkers of nut consumption.
The conclusions were presented at the NUTS 2025 conference, held on October 9–10, 2025, and hosted by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC). The event was organised by Rovira i Virgili University, the Pere Virgili Institute of Health Research, and CIBERobn, and chaired by Professor Jordi Salas-Salvadó of the World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination.
Researchers shared updates from recent studies examining how nuts and dried fruit may influence major public health issues and the mechanisms involved. An update on the INC-funded NUTPOOL study was also presented. This project aggregates data from about one million individuals from multiple international cohorts to expand understanding of the health impacts of nut consumption.
Another key point of discussion was the process of obtaining an official health claim for nuts in the United States, which researchers described as a first step before pursuing similar recognition in other regions.
For upcoming research, diabetes prevention was identified as the top priority, followed by cognitive function and gut microbiota. Given current evidence suggesting potential effects of nut consumption on glucose metabolism, experts proposed an international multicenter trial to further assess the relationship between nuts and diabetes prevention. Such a study could influence dietary guidelines by expanding the basis for recommending nuts beyond cardiovascular benefits to include diabetes prevention.
"This international meeting brought together 28 researchers from across the globe to review what we know about nuts and dried fruit, and, crucially, to define where the science needs to go next," said Professor Salas-Salvadó.
According to INC Executive Director Goretti Guasch, future research efforts will focus on strengthening the scientific evidence base on nut and dried fruit consumption to better inform dietary recommendations worldwide.
For more information:
Rovira i Virgili University
Tel: +34 977 759313
Email: [email protected]
www.nuts2025.com
