Chr. Hansen to speak about nutrigenomics at FIE

On October 30, 2007, a theme of Food Ingredients Europe’s conference will be “The Future of Nutrigenomics”. The Conference features a long list of speakers including Dr Peter Olesen, Chief Science Officer of global ingredients supplier Chr. Hansen.

If you haven’t already come across the term ”nutrigenomics” chances are you will soon. This particular field is currently getting a lot of attention from food and nutrition researchers – and rightfully so.

A global obesity epidemic and an explosion in the number of people suffering from lifestyle-induced diseases have led to a sharper focus on critical issues such as obesity, diet, and health. Seeking to explore the connection between diet and genes, nutrigenomics constitutes a new, interesting tool within the area of research.

But what is nutrigenomics really, and what impact will it have on future food products? The FIE Conference seeks the answer to this question during the Conference “The Future of Nutrigenomics,” which includes Dr Peter Olesen, Chief Science Officer, Chr. Hansen, on the list of speakers.

“In brief, nutrigenomics refers to the connection between lifestyle choices – especially food and exercise – and the individual’s genetic composition,” explained Dr Olesen.

Instinctively, we are well aware that we all react differently to food and exercise. Some people can exercise all day long and not lose any weight, whereas others will lose weight just by the mere thought of going for a run. There are also people who can eat incessantly without putting on weight, while others react completely opposite.

“We all have genetically different backgrounds, and therefore react differently to what we eat and the lifestyle choices we make. However, I am certain that within the near future we will be able to develop genetic test methods that will provide us with valuable information on who should make which considerations when choosing the diet and lifestyle that are just right for them,” said Dr Olesen.

Apart from building the basis for a more healthy individual choice of food, nutrigenomics will also provide better documentation for future public dietary recommendations for genetically related groups of people and populations.

Peter Olsen will speak on the first day of the conference, October 30 at 0415 pm.