International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 299-311 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 306 products. Studies have shown that older consumers and women are more likely to accept functional foods due to their stronger belief in the health benefits and willingness to compromise on taste for health properties (Bimbo et al., 2017; Topolska et al., 2021). Additionally, consumers with higher nutritional knowledge and those who are more health-conscious are more likely to accept and prefer FMH functional foods (Bimbo et al., 2017; Baker et al., 2022). However, consumer acceptance is not uniform across all demographics. For instance, younger consumers and those with lower nutritional knowledge may be less familiar with the concept of functional foods and, therefore, less likely to accept them (Figure 2) (Baker et al., 2022). Moreover, the presence of an ill family member can increase the likelihood of acceptance, as consumers are more motivated to seek out health-promoting foods (Verbeke, 2005). Effective communication and education about the benefits of FMH functional foods are crucial in increasing consumer acceptance and driving market growth. Clear and evidence-based health claims can also enhance consumer trust and acceptance of these products (Birch and Bonwick, 2019; Topolska et al., 2021). 8 Future Development Trends and Challenges 8.1 Integration of technology and new techniques The integration of advanced technologies and innovative techniques is pivotal for the future development of functional foods based on food-medicine homology (FMH). Emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and network pharmacology are being increasingly utilized to enhance the development and efficacy of functional foods. For instance, machine learning algorithms have shown promise in precision nutrition by developing predictive models that can tailor nutritional advice to individual needs, thereby improving the effectiveness of dietary interventions (Kirk et al., 2021). Similarly, network pharmacology, which has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is now being applied to study the complex mechanisms of food, offering a more microscopic understanding of food bioactivity and nutrition (Yuanyuan et al., 2023). Moreover, the development of targeted delivery systems for food functional ingredients is another significant technological advancement. These systems enhance the bioavailability and controlled release of functional ingredients, thereby improving their efficacy in nutritional interventions. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of emulsion-based and polymer-based delivery systems in addressing chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, obesity, and cancer (Wang et al., 2023). These technological innovations are crucial for the modernization and effectiveness of FMH functional foods. 8.2 Personalized nutrition and precision health management Personalized nutrition and precision health management represent a significant trend in the development of functional foods. Precision nutrition aims to provide tailored dietary recommendations based on individual genetic backgrounds, physiology, microbiome, and other personal factors. This approach is particularly promising for the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (Toro-Martín et al., 2017). The integration of omics technologies, such as metabolomics, into nutrition science is paving the way for more personalized and clinically relevant nutritional interventions (Tebani and Bekri, 2019). The use of machine learning in precision nutrition is also gaining traction. By incorporating complex features and large datasets, machine learning models can provide high-performance nutritional recommendations that are more effective than generic advice (Kirk et al., 2021). However, the implementation of precision nutrition requires a concerted effort among basic and clinical scientists, health professionals, and policymakers to establish a comprehensive framework that can translate these findings into practical dietary advice (Toro-Martín et al., 2017). This multidisciplinary approach is essential for the successful adoption of personalized nutrition in clinical and public health settings.
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