Nutrigenomics

Science programme: Nutrigenomics

The sequencing of the human genome and the ability to determine the genetic profile of individuals and their predisposition to diseases has coincided with the development of functional foods.

These are products which confer physiological benefits as well as nutritional or other health and lifestyle benefits on consumers.  One exciting development of this is the relationship between human genetics and functional foods.  There is increasing research showing that foods and food components can trigger changes in gene expression in animals and humans, and that some of these may be beneficial in disease and disorder prevention.  From a different angle, the genetic make-up of people may provide clues as to what food may be beneficial or disadvantageous.  This research area is known as nutritional genomics or nutrigenomics.

HortResearch is collaborating with AgResearch, Crop and Food and University of Auckland to build a programme of nutrigenomics research based on gut nutrition and human genomics and food development.  We will be contributing through our food science, and our new fruit-based foods and food components, testing functionality, and also contributing in the genomics and bioinformatics areas.

This is an advanced, exciting research area, which requires a wide range of skills and capabilities, and our partnership is likely to establish a NZ centre for nutrigenomics , with strong international linkages and future involvement of the NZ food industry.

HortResearch is monitoring developments in this area and is able to advise companies on how it might impact on their business.  We are also able to assist companies to develop their own “nutrigenomic” foods with proven efficiency against specific conditions.