Background
Food contains major macro and micronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals that are important for proper body function, growth and health maintenance. Some of these nutrients and other components such as bioactive compounds found in foods are known to also confer additional benefits beyond basic nutrition requirements that, together with other positive lifestyle factors, may contribute towards optimal health status.
In Southeast Asia and Australasia, dietary patterns and lifestyles are in a state of rapid transition. With urbanization, globalization and aging populations, the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has continued to rise, placing an increased burden on healthcare cost and services. At the same time, malnutrition remains a significant issue among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, children and the elderly. The coexistence of this “double burden” of under- and overnutrition is challenging, yet offers opportunities to harness science and new technologies to gain better understanding of the underlying causes for appropriate preventative measures and
intervention.
At ILSI SEA Region, we recognize the importance of harnessing fast developing food technologies and digital data tools, aligning with advancing nutritional, biomedical and genomic science, and facilitating collaborative research. We aim to tap into the potential opportunities and solutions for improvement of population and public health by focusing on 4 key Thematic Areas.
Thematic Areas
- Nutrient Quality and Requirements
- Food Composition and Consumption Data
- Dietary Guidance and Regulations
- Innovations for Optimizing Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing
