Integrated omics approaches with non-thermal food fortification: pathways to personalized nutrition solutions

TL;DR

This review explores how combining multi-omics and non-thermal food processing can create personalized nutrition solutions that improve health and prevent disease.

Contribution

The paper introduces a comprehensive framework integrating non-thermal food technologies with multi-omics for precision nutrition.

Findings

Non-thermal processing preserves nutrients and enhances bioavailability through matrix modification.

Multi-omics data informs targeted fortification strategies based on genetic and metabolic profiles.

Challenges include scalability, data harmonization, and regulatory issues for personalized food products.

Abstract

The integration of multi-omics technologies with non-thermal food processing represents a paradigm shift from population-based to precision nutrition interventions. This review synthesizes current advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics alongside emerging non-thermal technologies, including high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, cold plasma, ultrasound, and supercritical fluid extraction, to enable the development of personalized fortified foods. Non-thermal processing offers distinct advantages by preserving heat-sensitive nutrients, enhancing bioavailability through matrix modification, and supporting innovative encapsulation systems that overcome limitations of conventional thermal methods. Multi-omics approaches provide insights into genetic polymorphisms, metabolic phenotypes, and microbiome profiles that influence nutrient metabolism, thereby informing targeted fortification strategies for individuals and subpopulations. We examine nutrient-gene interactions, the impact of non-thermal processing on food matrices and fortificant stability, and the integration of complex omics datasets through systems biology. Key challenges include industrial scalability, harmonization of omics data interpretation, regulatory frameworks for personalized products, equitable access, and genetic data privacy. Emerging opportunities involve artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, biosensor-based monitoring, blockchain-enabled traceability, and convergence with precision medicine. This review provides a comprehensive framework to guide researchers, food technologists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in advancing omics-guided, non-thermally processed fortified foods as innovative strategies for addressing malnutrition, preventing chronic disease, and promoting optimized health across diverse populations.

Infographic illustrating the integration of multi-omics technologies—DNA, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics—via AI analysis to enable non-thermal food fortification, such as high-pressure processing, UV light, pulsed electric fields, cold plasma, and ultrasound, resulting in nutrient preservation and enhanced bioavailability in food products. These advances support personalized nutrition, yielding outcomes like disease prevention, optimal nutrition, improved wellbeing, and custom fortified food packages, shown as a feedback loop.

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