Holistic & science-based nutrition shows us a path forward

With a holistic, science-based approach of nutrition, we can take important strides in the right direction, says Rousselot’s Science Integration Manager, Catarina Ferreira da Silva.

Today’s medical solutions and knowledge are mind-blowing,’ says Catarina. ‘We need them more than ever. At the same time, we also need to develop broader, more holistic knowledge – and especially focusing on preventative healthcare. Research into the preventative health benefits of natural foods has an exciting role to play in this field.

 

Everyone today holds a strong, and seemingly unchangeable, opinion on what's good and bad for them in terms of nutrition. The conversation lacks nuance, and this is something we need to change. We already know that factors such as age, gender, health condition, or ethnicity influence how we respond to different medical or nutritional solutions. So, when we talk about the benefits and dangers of certain foods the first question should be, for whom? Now, thanks to personal devices we can track how an individual reacts to certain foods and we can develop products that suit a personalized approach to nutrition.

We are now uncovering both the efficacy and efficiency of food products thanks to the combination of clinical trials with real world evidence.

Making the right nutrition, diet, and lifestyle choices can potentially aid in preventing diseases before the necessity for medical intervention arises. Today, this could evolve into an even more effective strategy, especially at a time when healthcare costs are higher than ever. We should be using every force we can harness to support and sustain people’s health by taking each individual’s needs into consideration.’

Roping in communicators and educators

Catarina adds that a holistic approach includes far more than just medicine and nutrition, or preventive diets. It can be dauting trying to navigate through all the information that is out there. ‘Other disciplines need to be brought into the game, too, such as communication and education. Experts in those areas are key to transfer knowledge to the people who need it – and mobilize them to start acting on it.

Supporting more people’s health

In the push for preventive health and nutrition solutions, Catarina believes collagen has yet to reveal its true potential. ‘As we continue to research and innovate, we may find, for example, collagen-based applications that will positively influence people’s sleep, or gut health, perhaps even contributing to the prevention of specific diseases.

The amazing thing about natural foods with preventive properties is that they often have a positive domino effect in the body. Scientists are only just beginning to explore this topic’s complexity. Take a question like this: could a nutritional solution directed at relieving gut issues also improve the user’s emotional well-being in the long run? As the gut is the port of entry to the body, it’s plausible that what affects the gut will also affect other areas of your body. We are keeping an eye on these new ways of viewing the body to inspire further product innovation.

By combining our medical knowledge with a more holistic understanding of nutrition and health, I am convinced we can support the quality of life of many more people.