Implementation of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics Research and Training Activities for Developing Precision Nutrition Strategies in Malaysia.

Journal: Nutrients
PMID:

Abstract

Nutritional epidemiological studies show a triple burden of malnutrition with disparate prevalence across the coexisting ethnicities in Malaysia. To tackle malnutrition and related conditions in Malaysia, research in the new and evolving field of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics is essential. As part of the Gene-Nutrient Interactions (GeNuIne) Collaboration, the Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics Research and Training Unit (NRTU) aims to solve the malnutrition paradox. This review discusses and presents a conceptual framework that shows the pathway to implementing and strengthening precision nutrition strategies in Malaysia. The framework is divided into: (1) Research and (2) Training and Resource Development. The first arm collects data from genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, gut microbiome, and phenotypic and lifestyle factors to conduct nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and nutri-epigenetic studies. The second arm is focused on training and resource development to improve the capacity of the stakeholders (academia, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the food industry) to utilise the findings generated by research in their respective fields. Finally, the NRTU framework foresees its applications in artificial intelligence and the implementation of precision nutrition through the action of stakeholders.

Authors

  • Anto Cordelia T A Dhanapal
    Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia.
  • Ramatu Wuni
    Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK.
  • Eduard F Ventura
    Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK.
  • Teh Kuan Chiet
    Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia.
  • Eddy S G Cheah
    Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia.
  • Annaletchumy Loganathan
    Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia.
  • Phoon Lee Quen
    Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia.
  • Mahenderan Appukutty
    Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia.
  • Mohd F M Noh
    Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia.
  • Ian Givens
    Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH), University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK.
  • Karani Santhanakrishnan Vimaleswaran
    Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK.