Washington, DC—The Council for Responsible Nutrition-International (CRN-I) announced that the conference report Advancing Nutrition Science to Meet Evolving Global Health Needs has been published in the European Journal of Nutrition. The report summarizes the proceedings of CRN-I's annual Scientific Symposium, which was held in Düsseldorf, Germany, earlier this year.

Experts from around the world gathered at the event to explore critical issues surrounding global nutrition challenges and policy efforts. The symposium addressed growing gaps in nutrition and obstacles to better health, emphasizing the importance of precision and personalized nutrition.

According to the report, global challenges related to nutrition and health encompass many diverse populations. This includes vulnerable groups such as preschool children and women of reproductive age.  

3 key categories that have the potential to make a difference globally

The meeting focused on key nutrient categories that can have a global impact. As outlined by CRN-I:

  • Choline is an essential nutrient for early life development. Choline intake during pregnancy boosts brain development and inadequate dietary choline intake is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, making it a critical nutrient for expectant mothers and early childhood, CRN-I reported.
  • NAD replenishment has a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Dietary modifications and nutritional supplementation were identified as potential strategies to reduce the risk of debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 
  • Xanthophyll carotenoids may protect eye health. Carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are natural lipid-soluble micronutrients that have potent biological activities that may protect against age-related diseases and vision-related conditions, CRN-I said.

"Developing science demonstrates that choline, NAD replenishment, and xanthophyll carotenoids are helpful in preventing certain health problems,” said James C. Griffiths, Ph.D., co-author and Senior Vice President, International and Scientific Affairs, CRN. “Choline, for example, helps reduce issues with the brain and spinal cord in babies, NAD-replenishment can protect your brain against neurodegenerative diseases, and xanthophyll carotenoids help prevent the deterioration of eye and brain health.”   

COVID-19 + rising food prices contribute to malnutrition

Experts also addressed the problem of malnutrition in many parts of the world. As CRN-I explained, "The COVID-19 pandemic and rising food prices have raised concerns about reversing progress in addressing various forms of malnutrition, including when it is related to micronutrients."

The importance of precision nutrition, including factors like age, gender, environment, genetics, and the human microbiome, was a key focus. 

Looking for solutions

Addressing these global nutrition challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, according to the experts. This includes innovative policy shifts and evidence-based solutions. Researchers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers must work together to find effective strategies to optimize nutrient status and prevent health-related issues. CRN-I, the worldwide arm of CRN, remains committed to advancing nutrition science and policy across the globe, with the goal of enhancing human health and well-being.  

Reports from past CRN-I symposia are available on the CRN-I website. 

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