Maximizing the Value of Preclinical and Translational Animal Research Models via Next-Generation Standardized Reference Diets: a White Paper from the Laboratory Animal Nutrition Taskforce for an Education and Research Network

Authors: WATTS, STEPHAN - University Of Alabama At Birmingham; ALLISON, DAVID - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); BEITZ, DONALD - Iowa State University; BOOTH, SARAH - Tufts University; COATES, PAUL - Indiana University; D'ABRAMO, LOUIS - Mississippi State University; DAVIS, TERESA - Texas A&M Agrilife; DILGER, RYAN - University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; ERDMAN, JOHN - University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; FAHEY, GEORGE - University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; FIOROTTO, MARTA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); GREGORY, JESSE - University Of Florida; HILL, JAMES - University Of Alabama At Birmingham; KLURFELD, DAVID - Indiana University; LEACH, STEVEN - Dartmouth Medical School; MILLER, PHILLIP - University Of Nebraska; NIELSEN, FORREST - Grand Forks Public Health; SCHALINSKE, KEVIN - Iowa State University; SMITH, DANIEL - University Of Alabama At Birmingham; VARGA, ZOLTAN - University Of Oregon

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2025
Publication Date: 12/31/2025
Citation: Watts, S.A., Allison, D.B., Beitz, D.C., Booth, S.L., Coates, P.M., D'Abramo, L.R., Davis, T.A., Dilger, R.N., Erdman, J.W., Fahey, G.C., Fiorotto, M.L., Gregory, J.F., Hill, J.O., Klurfeld, D.M., Leach, S.D., Miller, P.S., Nielsen, F.H., Schalinske, K.L., Smith, D., Varga, Z.M. 2025. Maximizing the Value of Preclinical and Translational Animal Research Models via Next-Generation Standardized Reference Diets: a White Paper from the Laboratory Animal Nutrition Taskforce for an Education and Research Network. Journal of Nutrition. Article 101309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.101309.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.101309

Interpretive Summary: Understanding the science behind how dietary nutrients affect human health has relied heavily on experiments performed in animal models. It has been recognized that for such research to be useful, it must be performed rigorously to ensure validity of the results; it has to be reproducible, and what was done must be transparent so that the implications of the work are evident to anyone interested. The composition of the animals’ diet, however, can significantly affect their metabolism and physiology, and will impact the outcomes of the intervention being evaluated. In this article, the necessity for and efforts needed from the research community to establish and support the use standardized reference diets to improve the quality and value of nutrition research is put forward.

Technical Abstract: A new generation of standard reference diets (SRDs) is essential to enhance the integrity of research associated with the use of laboratory animal models in the study of human disease. Support for the value of this fundamental facet of experimental methodology is provided via a historical overview, an assessment of current status, and the advancements and opportunities that will be realized through further development and routine use. An outline of the extensive investment in animal nutrition research by National Institutes of Health during the past 30 y is presented with specific reference to rodent animal models and standardization in dietary methodology. Timely recommendations for renewed action that revitalize and expand the use of SRDs in rodents and other models, such as zebrafish, are provided with the aim of achieving more rigor, transparency, replicability, interpretability, and integrity in preclinical and translational animal model-based research. Ultimately, the benefits of these efforts will be fulfilled through expeditious development of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for human diseases.