Editorial Policies
The standards behind every decision we make — how manuscripts are reviewed, how ethics and integrity are protected, and how authors are treated. Written plainly so you can check us against them.
Sound decisions, made transparently
International Journal of Nutrition follows the publication-ethics guidance of COPE and applies the same standards to every manuscript, regardless of where it comes from. Acceptance is based solely on scientific merit and fit with our scope — the article processing charge applies only on acceptance and never affects a decision. Every decision is signed by a named editor, and the policies on this page set out exactly how we get there.
How a manuscript moves from submission to decision
1. Editorial screening
An editor first checks each submission for scope, ethics and basic methodological soundness before it is sent for review.
2. Independent peer review
Single-blind (double-blind on request) assessment by at least two independent experts who evaluate the work on its scientific merit.
3. A signed decision
A named editor weighs the reviews and signs the decision — typically a first decision within about three weeks of submission.
Open access never changes a decision: acceptance rests on scientific merit and scope alone. See the full instructions for authors for what to prepare.
Eight standards we hold every paper to
From authorship to corrections, each area is governed by a clear, COPE-aligned policy.
Peer review & editorial process
Single-blind review (double-blind on request) by at least two independent experts. An editor screens scope, ethics and methodology before review, and every decision is signed by a named editor — with a first decision in about three weeks.
Publication ethics & integrity
COPE-guided throughout. Every submission is screened for similarity with iThenticate and checked for image and figure integrity, with zero tolerance for plagiarism, fabrication and falsification.
Authorship & contributions
All listed authors approve the final manuscript, and contributions are described using the CRediT taxonomy. Funding and any medical-writing or editorial assistance must be acknowledged.
Use of AI tools
In line with COPE and ICMJE, generative-AI and large-language-model tools cannot be listed as authors and cannot be credited as a source. Authors must disclose any use of AI in writing or in producing data, figures or analyses — stating the tool and how it was used — and remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of their work.
Conflicts of interest
Authors, editors and reviewers disclose competing interests, financial or otherwise. Conflicts are managed and recused before a reviewer is assigned.
Corrections, retractions & concerns
Transparent post-publication notices protect the research record. Authors cooperate, supply underlying data on request, and post-publication discussion is welcomed.
Appeals & complaints
Authors may appeal with a clear, evidence-based rationale, reviewed by a senior editor not involved in the original decision. Complaints are handled confidentially with documented outcomes.
Data, reporting & transparency
We ask for data-availability statements, prospective registration of clinical trials, and recognised reporting standards (CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE) where applicable.
Copyright & open access
Articles are published under CC BY 4.0 with authors retaining copyright, made immediately open access, and assigned a permanent Crossref DOI. Anyone may read, share and reuse the work with attribution.
Self-archiving & repository rights
Because every article is CC BY 4.0, authors may deposit the published version in any repository — institutional, subject (e.g. PubMed Central, Europe PMC) or preprint — immediately and with no embargo, satisfying funder open-access mandates such as Plan S and NIH public-access requirements.
Reporting-guideline checklists (CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE and more) are detailed on the instructions for authors page.
What these policies protect
A trustworthy record
iThenticate screening, image-integrity checks and zero tolerance for plagiarism, fabrication and falsification.
Fair treatment
Conflicts disclosed and recused before assignment; appeals reviewed by an uninvolved senior editor; complaints handled confidentially.
Accountable authorship
All authors approve the final manuscript, contributions are described with CRediT, and funding and writing help are acknowledged.
An honest, correctable literature
Transparent corrections, retractions and expressions of concern, with authors supplying underlying data on request.
Open, citable science
CC BY 4.0 with authors retaining copyright, immediate open access and a permanent Crossref DOI on every article.
Discoverable work
Articles are discoverable via Google Scholar and OpenAlex. See indexing & discoverability →
The pages these policies connect to
Instructions for authors
Article types, formatting, reporting checklists and the single ManuscriptZone submission path.
Instructions for authors →Aims & scope
What we publish, the applied nutrition domains we lead with, and a quick in/out-of-scope fit check.
Aims & scope →Editorial board
The named editors who screen, assign and sign the decisions described in these policies.
Editorial board →Indexing & discoverability
Permanent Crossref DOIs and where to verify that articles are discoverable.
Indexing & discoverability →Article processing charges
What the APC covers and why it applies only after acceptance — never to submit or be reviewed.
Article processing charges →Editorial office
Questions about a policy, an appeal or a correction? Reach the editorial office directly.
Email the editorial office →Frequently asked questions
Does open access change editorial decisions?
Is peer review single- or double-blind?
Who makes the final decision?
How are conflicts of interest handled?
What plagiarism check do you use?
What is your policy on AI and ChatGPT?
Can I appeal a decision?
Are corrections and retractions published?
Who keeps copyright, and how is the work licensed?
Ready to submit to a journal that plays fair?
Clear policies, named decisions and a first decision in about three weeks. Read the author guidelines, then submit through ManuscriptZone.