International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 299-311 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 308 innovation, efficacy evaluation, and consumer feedback, which can drive the development of functional foods in a more systematic and effective manner. Furthermore, the concept of FMH itself is inherently multidisciplinary, as it combines principles from both traditional Chinese medicine and modern nutrition science. The development of FMH functional foods requires a deep understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of FMH materials, which involves both TCM and Western medicine perspectives (Hou and Jiang, 2013). Therefore, fostering multidisciplinary research collaborations is crucial for advancing the field of FMH functional foods and addressing the complex challenges associated with their development and application. 8.4 Challenges and coping strategies Despite the promising trends, several challenges hinder the development and clinical application of FMH functional foods. One major challenge is the lack of a universally recognized definition and dedicated regulation for functional foods. This regulatory gap creates inconsistencies and barriers in the development and commercialization of functional foods (Alongi and Anese, 2021). To address this issue, there is a need for clear definitions and regulations that can guide the development and evaluation of functional foods, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and consumer acceptance. Another challenge is the variability in individual responses to dietary interventions, which complicates the implementation of precision nutrition. Factors such as genetic background, microbiome composition, environmental exposures, and social determinants of health can significantly influence the effectiveness of nutritional recommendations. To cope with this challenge, researchers must adopt systems approaches and new technologies that can account for these variables and provide more precise and personalized nutritional advice. Additionally, training and workforce development are essential to equip researchers and health professionals with the skills needed to implement precision nutrition and reduce health disparities (Lee et al., 2022). The future development of FMH functional foods hinges on the integration of advanced technologies, personalized nutrition approaches, multidisciplinary research, and effective coping strategies to address regulatory and individual variability challenges. By embracing these trends and overcoming the associated challenges, the field of FMH functional foods can make significant strides in improving public health and well-being. 9 Concluding Remarks The concept of "medicine food homology" (MFH) has gained significant traction in recent years, aligning with contemporary demands for natural and health-promoting food products. Research has extensively documented the origins and evolution of MFH, highlighting its potential in modern functional foods. Over 80 MFH materials approved by China's Ministry of Health have been identified, with their effective ingredients and treatment mechanisms summarized. The development of functional foods has also seen a notable increase, driven by consumer interest in health benefits and the potential to reduce chronic health disorders. Studies have shown that older adults and women are particularly receptive to functional foods due to their perceived health benefits. Additionally, the integration of fruits into functional foods has been explored, emphasizing the importance of bioactive ingredient stability and consumer-oriented product development. Future research should focus on enhancing the bioavailability and clinical efficacy of active ingredients in functional foods. This includes developing innovative methods to blend bioactive ingredients without compromising organoleptic properties. The application of network pharmacology in food science offers a promising avenue for understanding the complex mechanisms of food bioactivity, leveraging the multi-component and multi-target properties of both food and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, there is a need for standardized guidelines to validate the functional claims of food products, ensuring that they meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. Research should also explore personalized nutrition, utilizing emerging technologies to cater to individual nutritional needs and preferences.
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