Functional Foods:Bridging the Gap between Nutrition and Health
A topical collection in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This collection belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".
Editor
Interests: food chemistry; nutrients; food processing and engineering; bioavailability; functional foods
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
Functional foods represent a rapidly evolving area that combines the fundamentals of nutrition science, food engineering and technology, as well as preventive healthcare. These foods, beyond providing basic nutrition, offer additional health benefits that may reduce the risk of disease or promote optimal health. Functional foods impact health at the molecular level through several mechanisms. They regulate gut microbiota via probiotics and fibers, support the immune system by modulating inflammatory pathways, and aid metabolism through effects on glucose and lipid regulation. Technologies like nanotechnology, encapsulation, and fortification improve bioavailability and nutrient delivery. These foods help prevent chronic diseases: improving cardiovascular health, managing diabetes and obesity, and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases through bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, omega-3s, and antioxidants.The collection “Functional Foods: Bridging the Gap between Nutrition and Health” seeks to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and applications in this dynamic field.This issue invites original research, reviews, and case studies that deepen our understanding of how functional foods contribute to public health outcomes and personalized nutrition strategies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
· Bioactive Compounds: Identification, extraction, and analysis of health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols, probiotics, prebiotics, peptides, and omega-3 fatty acids.
· Mechanisms of Action: Investigations into how functional components influence physiological pathways, including gut microbiota modulation, immune response, and metabolic regulation.
· Product Development: Innovations in the formulation and delivery of functional foods, including nanotechnology, encapsulation, and fortification techniques.
· Clinical and Epidemiological Evidence: Studies assessing the efficacy of functional foods in disease prevention and management, including cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases.
This collection aims to serve as a multidisciplinary platform for scientists, health professionals, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in advancing knowledge and translating scientific insights into practical health solutions through functional foods.
Guest Editor
Dr. P. K. Vareltzis
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- functional foods
- bioactive compounds
- disease prevention
- nutritional health
- food innovation
