Personalized nutrition is rapidly emerging as a key issue for the long-term future of the supplement industry, new research has shown. The findings come from a survey by the organizers of Vitafoods Europe 2017, which takes place from May 9-11 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. The survey included 143 people who have visited Vitafoods Europe in the past, and/or will visit the 2017 event; it was conducted between Dec. 6, 2016 and Feb. 3, 2017.
 
Organizers asked Vitafoods Europe visitors what they saw as the three most important trends in the nutrition industry. For the short term (over the next 12 months) personalized nutrition was picked by one in five respondents (19%). However, when they were asked to think about the long term (the next three years) over a third (35%) identified it as an important trend.
 
The figures reflect the emergence of new possibilities such as individualized dietary guidelines, wearable technology, and personalized nutrition based on genetic testing. Accordingly, another hot topic for the future was nutrigenomics, which was seen as an important short-term trend for 8% of respondents, but an important long-term trend for twice as many (17%).
 
The survey also demonstrates the continuing importance of high quality and evidence-based claims in order to meet regulatory requirements and consumer demand. The issue most likely to be seen as important—both now and in the future—was scientifically supported health claims, which was identified as a key trend in the short term by 47% of Vitafoods visitors, and in the long term by 50%. 
 
The health needs created by demographic trends such as population aging and obesity continue to shape the agenda for much of the industry. Respondents were asked which three health benefit areas were most important to their companies. Healthy aging, picked by one in four (23%) ranked top, followed by bone and joint health (22%), cardiovascular health (21%), general well-being (21%), and weight management (20%). 
 
Commenting on the survey findings, Chris Lee, portfolio director of Vitafoods Europe, said, “Part of the role of Vitafoods Europe is to help the industry prepare for challenges and opportunities approaching on the horizon. When it comes to personalized nutrition, our research suggests we’re at the start of the curve. Areas such as wearable technology and genetic testing for nutrition may seem niche now, but one day they’ll be the norm.”
 
He continued: “The fact that half our visitors list scientifically supported health claims as an important trend reflects the close relationship between science and our industry. That’s why Vitafoods Europe offers access to the latest cutting edge technical and scientific knowledge.”
 
Vitafoods Education Program
The importance of both personalized nutrition and scientifically supported health claims is reflected in this year’s Vitafoods Education Program (previously known as the Vitafoods Europe Conference) which runs alongside the trade show. 
 
For delegates seeking high-level technical knowledge for product development, seven R&D Forums will showcase the latest in applied nutrition science. They will focus on documented ingredient benefits and applications through a prism of clinical trials, observational studies and EU projects, and will be delivered by some of the world’s leading experts. Among these will be Dr. Harry Rice of GOED, who will present the findings of a recently conducted meta-analysis on EPA/DHA omega-3s and their impact on risk of coronary heart disease.
 
Personalized nutrition and the opportunities offered by advances in genetics will be among the topics discussed at a series of expert Business Workshops for visitors. New Nutrition Business U.K. will explain why “personalization is the new normal.” And speakers in the Botanical Workshop will include Prof. Vittorio Silano, chairman, EFSA Scientific Committee Working Group on Botanicals.
 
In the field of digestive health, which the survey finds to be the most important health benefit area for 19% of respondents, there will be the Probiotics Summit. Delegates will be able to learn more about the current market environment in the ever-growing field of probiotics, and to hear from experts such as Professor Michael Messora of the University of São Paulo.
 
Something for Everyone
In addition to the education program, personalized nutrition will be a key focus on the Vitafoods Europe show floor.
 
Vitafoods Centre Stage will host a panel discussion titled “Health by Design: The Future of Personalized Nutrition” featuring Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger of the Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva.
 
There will also be a presentation by Rajiv Khatau, managing director of Lodaat Pharma on product customization for individual personalized health. And Dr. Volker Spitzer, managing director at analyse&realize, will address best practice in consumer-centric innovation.
 
The Life Stages Theatre will review the bespoke nutrient requirements needed throughout the stages of a person’s life, covering the latest scientific research, and featuring a discussion on how to innovate in infant nutrition. Meanwhile, the Probiotics Resource Centre, in association with the International Probiotics Association, will showcase the latest R&D developments in probiotics.