Nutrition Literacy Conceptual Framework for Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Low- and Middle-Income Communities

Nutrition literacy, defined as the ability to obtain, process, understand, and apply basic nutrition information for informed dietary choices, is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of health outcomes. In low- and middle-income communities (LMICs), persistent knowledge gaps regarding food quality, dietary diversity, and nutritional requirements contribute significantly to the dual burden of undernutrition and rising diet-related noncommunicable diseases. A structured conceptual framework for nutrition literacy is therefore essential to guide interventions that address these challenges systematically and equitably. The proposed framework situates nutrition literacy at the intersection of individual, community, and systemic determinants of health. It emphasizes three interlinked domains; functional literacy, which relates to basic comprehension of nutrition facts and guidelines; interactive literacy, which encompasses communication, cultural adaptation, and community engagement in nutrition-related decision-making; and critical literacy, which enables individuals and groups to evaluate, contextualize, and apply nutrition information within broader social, economic, and environmental contexts. This framework acknowledges the influence of demographic variables such as age, gender, and education, as well as structural factors including food systems, healthcare infrastructure, and policy environments. By integrating behavioral science, public health nutrition, and community-based participatory approaches, the framework supports the design of targeted interventions such as culturally relevant educational programs, school-based nutrition curricula, digital health tools, and community health worker initiatives. Furthermore, it provides a lens for evaluating how food marketing, misinformation, and socioeconomic disparities shape nutrition-related knowledge and behaviors in LMICs. Ultimately, the nutrition literacy conceptual framework advances a comprehensive strategy for addressing knowledge gaps that perpetuate poor dietary practices and health inequities. By strengthening nutrition literacy, LMICs can empower individuals, enhance community resilience, and improve population-level dietary outcomes, thereby contributing to sustainable development and global health equity.