Food and Behaviour Research
About
Established in 2003, Food and Behaviour Research (FAB) is a charitable organisation committed to advancing and sharing information on the links between nutrition and human behaviour in its broadest sense.
While we do not offer treatment or advice, we do provide important information that is not readily available elsewhere, grounded in world-class academic research, and informed by both clinical and practical, real-world perspectives.
Our Mission, Aims & Values
We are committed to
Raising Awareness
Raising awareness of the fundamental importance of food and diet for brain health, and therefore mood, behaviour, learning ability and wellbeing – among professionals, policymakers and the general public.
Making a Practical Difference
Making a practical difference to the health, wellbeing and lives of the many people affected by developmental and mental health conditions and behaviours such as:
- ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, the autism spectrum and other forms of behaviour and learning difficulty that are usually first evident in childhood
- Anxiety, insomnia, depression and other mood disorders, self-harm and suicide, aggression and violence, addiction, eating disorders, psychosis and other psychological problems
- Age-related mental health problems like cognitive decline, dementia and other neurological disorders
Supporting Further Research
Promoting and supporting further research into the fundamental role that nutrition plays in the origins and maintenance of all of these conditions, as well as in everyday difficulties with behaviour, learning and mood.
For more, see our current research opportunites.
By continuing to share the extensive knowledge and insights that FAB has acquired throughout its 20+ years of operation, and integrating these with new and emerging findings from both research and best practice, we aim to inspire more people to appreciate and act on the ever-increasing evidence that:
Nutrition really does matter for healthy brain development and function.
Integrating Different Perspectives
While scientific knowledge is key to understanding the links between nutrition and behaviour, much of the relevant research into ‘nutritional neuroscience’ is not easily accessible to non-specialists.
Similarly, food preferences and dietary choices reflect the highly complex interaction of innumerable biological, psychological and social factors - as well as the equally complex web of economic and political factors that influence not only these but also our systems of food production and distribution. Behavioural and mental health problems also arise from the interaction of these multiple interacting influences – as recognised by ‘bio-psycho-social’ approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
FAB aims to simplify this complexity as far as possible – but without ‘dumbing it down’ – in the information, education and training we provide. Our speakers and other contributors, therefore, include experts who are not only specialists in their fields but can communicate their knowledge clearly to interested but non-specialist audiences.
Independence and Impartiality
Much of the information provided by both mainstream and social media on both food, nutrition and diet, and on issues concerning mental health, is heavily influenced (if not dictated) by advertising or other commercial sponsorship.
Similarly, much scientific and other research is supported by partnerships between academics and commercial organisations, which need to be well-managed to ensure that conflicts of interest do not distort the way findings are presented.
As an independent, researcher-led charity, FAB does not accept advertising or commercial sponsorship of the information we provide or any research we carry out. Exceptions include limited support in the past for some of our physical conferences and events (governed by a strict sponsorship policy) and for some of the research carried out by FAB’s collaborators within Universities that have strict policies, procedures and agreements in place to protect academic independence.
Promoting Positive Change
Much media coverage of both nutrition and diet or mental health and ‘neurodiversity’ can often lead to undue anxiety – which is very rarely helpful in promoting positive behaviour change.
FAB is dedicated to providing ‘facts not fear’ - providing accessible and relevant information to allow individuals and families, practitioners and policymakers to understand:
How diet can – and does – influence mental health and wellbeing
What they can do to reduce difficulties with mood, behaviour, wellbeing and performance by taking steps to improve nutrition – both for themselves and those they care for or serve.
Collaborative Working and Inclusion
FAB has always believed that the best outcomes are achieved by collaboration rather than competition – so we have always worked and liaised closely with many other organisations and individuals with overlapping aims and values.
We also believe that progress in scientific research and positive behaviour change - both in clinical practice and wider society - is best achieved by respecting alternative viewpoints and perspectives and, wherever possible, integrating these into a holistic framework.
With respect to both developmental and mental health conditions and food, nutrition, and dietary choices, FAB, therefore, works and liaises with many other organisations, charities, researchers, professionals and support groups with interests in these areas.
Who We Work With
FAB’s extensive network of speakers, researchers, practitioners and other supporters includes leading experts from a highly diverse range of fields and areas - including not only medical and ‘health sciences’ such as nutrition, dietetics, psychology, psychiatry, physiology, general medicine, neurology, neuroscience, biochemistry and genetics, but also public health, environmental and social sciences, arts and humanities.
These fields are all relevant to mental health, wellbeing and performance, and to how difficulties affecting mood, behaviour or learning develop and can be influenced, as well as to how food and diets are regarded, provided and consumed.
Our Growing Community
FAB Research remains honoured and delighted to be able to engage such a broad and varied range of contributors and audiences interested in – and often passionate about - the interplay between nutrition and mental health and wellbeing.
Our growing community includes:
Researchers and Students
Contributing to the latest developments and discoveries in the many fields relevant to understanding the links between nutrition and behaviour.
Healthcare Professionals
Medical professionals, psychologists, nutrition practitioners and other healthcare professionals integrating nutrition into patient care.
Families and Educators
Parents, carers, and teachers looking for insights to support development and learning.
Media Professionals
Journalists and media figures disseminating accurate, research-backed information.
Get in Touch
Together, we seek to foster a rich exchange of knowledge, expertise and ‘practical experience’ – as we believe that the serious challenges caused by the growing ‘epidemic’ of mental health problems affecting 21st-century societies worldwide can only be met by taking an inclusive and collaborative approach to understanding nutrition's impact on behaviour and mental health – and developing workable solutions.
If you’d like to get involved with FAB or simply find out more about what we do – please get in touch.
Join Us as a FAB Associate
Become a FAB Associate and gain exclusive access to a unique and ever-growing library of FAB resources, including regular webinars and other events - and in-depth answers to your questions - from our multi-disciplinary network of expert researchers and professionals.
By joining us as an Associate, you will also be helping us to continue and extend the work we do as a small, independent, researcher-led charity.
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Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
what we do
Important Notice:
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.