Status of animal experimentation in nutrition and dietetic research: Policies of 100 leading journals and new approach methodologies.

Abstract

Given animal research is challenged with inadequacies, e.g., animal-to-human knowledge translation, ethical considerations, and cost:benefit, new approach methodologies (NAMs) have been proposed as a replacement. With reference to the field of nutrition and dietetics, our aim was to examine the policies of its leading journals regarding human-based vs. traditional animal-based research; and to explore emerging NAMs that provide alternatives to animal experimentation. We reviewed 100 leading journals from an established database (SCImago Journal Rankings) in the nutrition and dietetics category for the year 2022. Eighty-three journals met the inclusion criteria. NAMs were extracted from a range of established sources. 9.6% (n = 8) of journals state they do not publish animal-based studies; 4.8% (n = 4) consider animal studies with qualifications, whereas the remaining 85.5% (n = 71) publish animal studies without qualification. Across sources, NAMs commonalities were identified including in vitro, in chemico, and in silico methods; and individual and population-based studies. Of leading nutrition/dietetic journals, relatively few have shifted to strictly non-animal methods. Greater attention to the increasing range of NAMs may not only reduce the need for animal research in the field, but may provide superior human-relevant outcomes. Studies are needed to establish their potential superiority.