Alida Melse-Boonstra

Dr. Alida Melse-Boonstra is an Associate Professor at the Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University & Research, within the Faculty of Human Nutrition and Health. Her work focuses on sustainable solutions for micronutrient malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing vitamin A, iron, iodine, and zinc deficiencies in populations like pregnant women, infants, and adolescents. She employs stable isotope dilution techniques for nutrient status assessment and absorption studies.

Her research highlights include the evaluation of biofortified cassava in Kenya and Nigeria, and exploring edible insects as alternative nutrient sources. She is actively involved in teaching undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses on global nutrition and health, including modules on hidden hunger and research practices.

In projects, she leads Zero Hidden Hunger EU, funded by Horizon Europe, which quantifies micronutrient interventions' impacts. She also investigates obesity’s effects on vitamin status and food security through nutrient-dense whole foods and insects.

Melse-Boonstra’s advising and grants include coordinating MSc internships and thesis work in Global Nutrition, alongside securing EU Horizon funding for her projects. She is available for consultation throughout the week, as indicated in her schedule, and collaborates with teams focused on global nutrition challenges and sustainable food systems.