Developing Novel Personalized Foods

Abstract

Personalized nutrition is a growing concept that focuses on promoting dietary habits and health through individual-specific information and evidence-based science. This approach is particularly important for individuals with specific health conditions and preferences, and also those with specific professions and fields. Personalized foods, diets, and nutrition are becoming more accessible owing to personal choice, health consciousness, necessity, affordability, and availability. Public health recommendations mainly focus on preventing chronic health conditions, but other factors such as genotype, behavior, personality, phenotype, and socio-psychological environment also play a role in formulating personalized diet plans. A four-step cycle of personalized nutrition includes collecting individual-specific information, translating data into evidence-based dietary recommendations, promoting dietary behavior change, and measuring the success of advice and behavior change support. This approach helps individuals improve and sustain their health by tailoring foods for specific conditions and health benefits. This chapter discusses the importance of personalized diets for various age groups, genders, and individuals with certain health concerns, needs, and preferences. Additionally, it considers various functional food components utilized in the creation of customized foods.