This presentation highlights the importance of and the rationale for appropriate food selection in childhood as a means of establishing optimal cellular function in upstream biochemical processes. Good dietary habits in childhood can provide a solid biochemical foundation well into the child’s future in adulthood.
Although core dietary principles are generally well-understood, rapidly-evolving nutrition science over the last two decades has significantly expanded our understanding. The coupled roles of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics have led to a greater practical understanding of the clinical benefits bestowed by food-derived signalling molecules, especially from plants.
The mainstay of nutrition therapy has, to a large extent, relied on manipulating food macronutrients supplemented by micronutrients, whereas 21st century nutrition science is now strongly focused on utilising the signalling properties of the many non-nutrient components of food. This presentation aims to build on a clinician’s current knowledge by identifying the key food-derived factors that can greatly impact cellular function. When this is implemented in childhood, such a foundation has the potential to future-proof a child’s health as he or she enters adulthood.
Learning Outcomes:
- To be able to identify a number of common non-nutrient food components with potential therapeutic effects
- To understand how many food components act as signalling molecules to influence the expression of the genes associated with key upstream processes
- To appreciate that there are 3 main ways in which food components can influence gene expression