npj Science of Food (Aug 2024)

Implementing a food first strategy can transform preventive healthcare

  • Zhaoshuo Yu,
  • Lijing Ke,
  • Ting Lu,
  • Li Li,
  • Huaiyu Gu,
  • Pingfan Rao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-024-00297-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract The Food-First Strategy advocates seeking a nutritional solution for the prevention and treatment of disease before resorting to supplements or therapeutic agents. Advances in knowledge of nutrition at the cellular level are providing information on how micronutrients are incorporated into cells and how they exert their actions. Micronutrients, in the form of naturally occurring nanoparticles, are more bioavailable and also act as antioxidants to tackle inflammation and promote cellular regeneration and repair. They are the new “superheroes of nutrition” and an understanding of their metabolic impact can explain and support associated health claims.