Personalized nutrition (PN) is a growing field with the potential to significantly improve human health by considering individual differences in genetics, metabolism, and other factors that influence dietary response. To further advance the field, it is important to reach a consensus on the definition and applications of PN. The three main areas of application include PN science and data, PN education and training, and PN guidance and therapeutics.
Personalized nutrition science and data aim to better understand how various factors, such as genetic and biochemical inputs, influence individual health outcomes. By exploring these factors, it becomes possible to develop more effective, targeted interventions. PN education and training are crucial for preparing healthcare professionals to apply PN strategies across various settings. This training enables professionals to better tailor interventions for individuals or groups with similar traits.
Goals of Personalized Nutrition
- Promote health and wellbeing
- Tailor nutrition interventions to the individual
- Incorporate genetic and biosensor data into clinical assessment
- Apply nutrigenomics (interactions between genes, nutrients, and health) to care plans
- Integrate biomarkers of physiological function
- Identify trends toward dysfunction and pathology
The integration of PN into clinical practice has shown promising results. For example, genetic testing has become more accessible and affordable, allowing practitioners and the public to gain more insight into gene variants that can impact health and disease. Studies have shown that DNA-based dietary advice can lead to greater changes in dietary intake compared to population-based advice.
The role of nutrition professionals is essential in the effective implementation of PN. Studies have demonstrated that programs combining multi-omic data with personalized coaching can produce significant improvements in health markers. Likewise, a collaborative approach, utilizing advanced technologies and data analysis, facilitated by trained professionals, can help achieve long-term health goals and outcomes.
In summary, personalized nutrition has the potential to revolutionize human health by tailoring nutritional recommendations and interventions to individuals or groups with similar traits. A consensus on its definition and applications will foster standardization and scalability across research, data, training, products, services, and clinical practice. By addressing challenges and working towards favorable policies, the field of PN can continue to evolve and contribute to improved health outcomes worldwide.
Reference
Bush, Corinne L et al. “Toward the Definition of Personalized Nutrition: A Proposal by The American Nutrition Association.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition vol. 39,1 (2020): 5-15. doi:10.1080/07315724.2019.1685332
