The U.S. National Committee to the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (USNC/IUNS) represents the field of nutrition and five major nutrition societies of nutrition in the United States that adhere to the IUNS, including the American Dietetic Association (ADA), American Society for Nutritional Sciences (ASNS), American Society for Clinical Nutrition (ASCN), Society for International Nutrition Research (SINR), and the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE). The IUNS is focused on international food and nutrition issues and provides a mechanism for linking activities in the United States to those of other areas of the world related to nutrition research, communication, technical assistance and training, and food safety.

Within the National Academies, the Board on International Scientific Organizations (BISO) of the Policy and Global Affairs Division (PGA) provides a link to the International Council for Science (ICSU) and 22 other disciplinary U.S. National Committees. The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) has been responsible for the oversight of the USNC/IUNS since 1995 and serves as the U.S. adhering body to the IUNS. There are a total of 68 international adhering bodies to the IUNS. FNB staff of the USNC/IUNS work with BISO staff to ensure the timely coordination of activities and dissemination of relevant information.

The committee members participate in the quadrennial congresses of the IUNS by appointing delegates to general assemblies, nominating candidates for officers, and suggesting topics for the scientific program. The committee functions as a conduit to connect U.S. nutrition scientists and professionals to individuals in other countries to address issues related to nutrition and health. The committee also assists in a number of ways in the conduct of travel award programs for the IUNS congresses. Thus, this committee has a convening and administrative function; however, it does not issue reports.