Seasonality of nutrition

Nutrition outcomes fluctuate throughout the year in a cyclic pattern, dubbed seasonality. These periodic changes result from the influence of climatic factors on agricultural and disease cycles that interact with food, livelihood, and environmental systems. As the climate changes, the need for more precise seasonality models increases. Measurement of the seasonality of nutrition outcomes is most accurately done using models that consider the continuous nature of the seasonality time series, rather than categorical variables designating discrete seasons. Bolstering understanding of nutrition seasonality using a systems perspective and precise models can improve well-being by informing the timing, nature, and targeting of nutrition policies and programs.