OptiBiotix calls on nutraceutical industry to unite in obesity battle OptiBiotix is urging the nutraceutical industry to redouble efforts into developing weight managing products in response to a new report highlighting record numbers of obesity-related hospital admissions.
In a statement, the UK-based microbiome specialists, the firm called for a ‘united front’ from the weight management sector in delivering ‘science-driven’ and ‘sustainable solutions’ to the current epidemic.
“The nutraceutical industry must unite together during the global health crisis to retain the positive lifestyle changes many consumers have made since the start of the pandemic,” says Stephen O’Hara, OptiBiotix’s CEO.
Policy experts are calling for a shift from food security to nutrition security, to reflect a growing emphasis in food quality that in recent years has prioritised quantity as a solution to address hunger.
Writing in the journal
JAMA, researchers comment that in the past the nutritious part has been overlooked or lost in national policies and solutions – an omittance that may’ve contributed to the rise of diet-related diseases.
“It s the right time for this evolution, states Sheila Fleischhacker, adjunct professor at Georgetown Law School in Washington and co-author of the article. By prioritising nutrition security, we bring together historically siloed areas hunger and nutrition which must be tackled together to effectively address our modern challenges of diet-related diseases and disparities in clinical care, government food and food assistance policies, public health investments, and national research.
Ireland’s authorities update nutrition advice for the country’s elderly The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has updated nutritional guidance for the over 65s in a move to improve the quality of life for an age group that in 2016, increased by 19% in Ireland to 630,800.
Published earlier this week, the FSAI’s scientific
report updates general age-related advice such as the need for a more protein and to stay hydrated as well as the consumption of specific supplements and fortified foods.
“This report sets out a number of science-based recommendations that will underpin national guidelines being prepared by the Department of Health, to support optimal nutritional status and health of older adults in Ireland,” says Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI.
Immune system positioning is a dynamic market. In everything from food supplements to functional foods, probiotics and prebiotics are very effective and there is a growing recognition of the connection between digestive health and immune system health.