Nutrigenomics: use of personalized diet to prevent the onset of disease and optimize human health, Dr Nahlaa Khalifa
Dr Nahlaa Khalifa
King Abdulaziz University
Saudi Arabia
Purpose: Providing an insight into the nutrigenomics research concentrating on Europe for bringing: (1) Public understanding about changing food habits and lifestyle; (2) How nutrigenomics can contribute to making life healthier; (3) Support additional research in this area.
Methodology: Concentrating on Europe, a literature search on nutrigenomics was conducted by using diff erent databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, Scopus and views for the European Nutrigenomics Organisation (NuGO) reports, publications and newsletters.
Findings: Diet interrelates with the genotype to produce a phenotypical change. It has a signifi cant eff ect on health and chronic
disease. Functional genomic techniques could let the bioactivities of food ingredients to be described. Results showed the possibility of identifying gene polymorphisms, which predispose people to disease and adapt nutritional needs. Variances in genetic makeup (genotype) are causes in diff erent diseases. Nutrigenomics explain why some people can control disease with diet, whereas others require drugs.
Practical implications: Training a new generation of European scientists to practice nutrigenomics.
Social implications: Enable targeting of nutritional advice and treatment to 'at risk'groups.
Originality/value: Nutrigenomics is expected to contribute signifi cantly to personalized medicine.
Keywords: Nutrigenomics; Europe; Diet-gene Interaction; Personalized Nutrition.
Citation: Khalifa, N. (2016): Nutrigenomics: use of personalized diet to prevent the onset of disease and optimize human health. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): Europe at a Crossroads and the Impact of Globalization, Vol. 14, pp. 269-280.
