A conversation on personalized nutrition with Silvia Berciano
What is Personalized nutrition?
The customization of dietary recommendations and nutritional interventions based on individual characteristics such as
Biological factors, like genetics, microbiota and biomarkers
lifestyle,
medical history, and
personal needs and preferences, taking into consideration its socioeconomic context
The goal is to provide individuals with tailored and optimized dietary guidelines that are better suited to their unique needs. Acknowledging the one-size-fits-all approach.
Why does Personalized nutrition matter?
Biological Variability: genetic variations, gut microbiome and metabolic profiles can impact nutrient absorption and metabolism, influencing recommended intakes and their impact on health.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: dietary requirements also vary based on lifestyle, physical activity levels, stress, sleep, and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
Health Conditions and Medical History: Existing and pre-clinical conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type-2-diabetes, kidney disease and many other health concerns can be addressed with personalized nutrition. Individuals at high-risk of developing a diet-related condition based on their family history, lifestyle or health trajectory may be able to prevent or delay the onset of disease by making the dietary changes that more effectively reduce their risk.
Preferences, Cultural and Social Considerations: By aligning dietary recommendations with an individual's taste preferences and lifestyle, adherence to the nutrition plan is more likely. Social settings can be challenging for adherence, so personalized nutrition solutions are strengthened by features that enable meal planning as a family/group and while eating out.
Meal Optimization: Instead of focusing solely on macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and one-size-fits-all micronutrient recomendations, personalized nutrition takes a more holistic approach, considering the optimal macronutrient ratios and micronutrient requirements of the individual, bioactive ingredients that support their specific goals, and even personalizing the timing and frequency of the meals according to the persons chronotype and lifestyle to optimize their metabolism and wellbeing.
Prevention and Precision Medicine: Personalized nutrition aligns with the concept of precision medicine, which aims to tailor healthcare interventions to the individual characteristics of each patient. By preventing and addressing health issues at an individual level, the potential for positive outcomes increases.
Where are we now?
Several companies and initiatives are exploring ways to integrate genetic information, lifestyle data, and other individual factors to offer tailored dietary recommendations. Technologies such as DNA testing, gut microbiome profiling, continuous glucose monitors and data analytics are being used to provide insights into individual metabolic variation and dietary responses.
Additionally, advancements in wearable devices and health monitoring tools enable the collection of real-time data on individuals' activities, sleep patterns, and physiological responses.
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Dr. Silvia Berciano is a nutrition scientist and food technologist specializing in precision nutrition, food innovation and artificial intelligence.
Silvia serves as Director of Nutrition & Health Innovation at WISEcode, developing precision nutrition solutions with a strong consumer-centric vision and state-of-the-art nutrition science.
