EC Nutrition

Commentary Volume 18 Issue 6 - 2023

Integrating Personalized Nutrition and Social Determinants of Health Can Improved Health Equity in Communities with Health Disparities: A Research Commentary

Thomas V Fungwe*

Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
*Corresponding Author: Thomas V Fungwe, Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.
Received: June 02, 2023; Published: June 13, 2023



Health disparities, defined as systematic, plausible, and avoidable health differences that adversely affect socially disadvantaged groups, with far-reaching implications for public health and societal well-being is today’s growing challenge [1]. Recent advances in personalized nutrition and increased recognition of social determinants of health (SDOH) provide promising avenues to address and bridge these disparities. Addressing health disparities in the context of personalized nutrition and understanding SDOH is critical for reasons that include the reduction of disease prevalence, improved overall health, lower healthcare costs, and the promotion of health equity.

According to Zeevi., et al. 2015, personalized nutrition, which takes into account an individual's genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment, can help mitigate the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease resulting in reduction of disease prevalence highlighted in their study, that personalized dietary advice based on personal gut microbiota could successfully modulate blood sugar levels, a key risk factor for diabetes and obesity [2]. In addition, personalized nutrition led to healthier eating habits, better dietary adherence, and improved health outcomes. Similarly, Celis-Morales., et al. 2017 showed that individuals who followed a diet tailored to their unique physiological and genetic profiles demonstrated significant improvements in health-related outcomes [3].

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Thomas V Fungwe. "Integrating Personalized Nutrition and Social Determinants of Health Can Improved Health Equity in Communities with Health Disparities: A Research Commentary". EC Nutrition 18.6 (2023): 23-25.