Sunmin Park ^*

• Hoseo University, Asan, Republic of Korea

1.IntroductionPrecision nutrition offers a transformative approach that transcends generic dietary guidelines, providing individualized strategies based on genetic, metabolic, and environmental variability (1). Unlike traditional nutrition frameworks, precision nutrition optimizes health outcomes by addressing specific genetic variations of individuals that influence nutrient metabolism, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to differential responses to vitamins, lipids, and other nutrients to influence metabolic disease risk (2-4).In addition to genetics, the gut microbiome further modulates the diet-health relationship (5, 6). Although not directly addressed in this issue, the microbiome's importance in nutrient absorption and metabolism is undeniable (7, 8). Genetic predisposition interacts with lifestyle behaviors including stress, sleep, physical activity, dietary intake, and environmental exposures, emphasizing the need for integrative frameworks in precision nutrition (9, 10). This special issue features eight studies exploring genetic and methodological advancements in precision nutrition, including SNPs influencing carotenoid bioavailability, gene-lifestyle interactions in lipoprotein metabolism, and machine-learning applications in predicting glycemic responses. Collectively, these contributions demonstrate the growing potential of precision nutrition for disease prevention and public health strategies.2.Overview of the Special IssueThe featured studies encompass diverse approaches to advancing precision nutrition (11-15).One study included in this issue substantially expands the understanding of novel SNPS (11) in the regulation of carotenoids, particularly lutein, and zeaxanthin. It also includes a comprehensive review of genome-based personalized nutrition technologies (15). Other studies address amino acid bioavailability and gene-lifestyle interactions in lipoprotein metabolism (11, 13, 14), collectively highlighting the role of genetic variations in tailoring dietary interventions. These findings form a robust framework for translating precision nutrition research into actionable clinical applications. 3.Theme Integration3.1. Genetic Basis of Precision NutritionAdvances in understanding the genetic factors influencing nutrient metabolism have laid the foundation for precision nutrition. Previous studies have shown that polymorphisms in the BCO1 gene are associated with the metabolism of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene (16). The current investigation, however, identifies novel SNPs (rs6564851-C and rs6420424-A) located upstream of the BCO1 gene, providing new insights into the genetic regulation of carotenoid metabolism (11). These specific SNPs were found to significantly impact circulating levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, further elucidating how genetic variations influence the nutrient responses of individuals (11). Additionally, the patent review in this issue highlights the expanding importance of genome-based personalized nutrition technologies (15). It explores how genetic information is increasingly being integrated into personalized dietary recommendations, particularly those tailored to disease prevention and management (15). While earlier reviews primarily focused on genetic insights without emphasizing their application (17), this study emphasizes the translation of genetic discoveries into commercial and clinical settings, illustrating the practical implementation of precision nutrition approaches. This study advances the field by illustrating how genetic discoveries are being translated into clinical and commercial applications.3.2. Dietary Interventions and Nutrient BioavailabilityThe investigation into amino acid bioavailability, using the indicator amino acid oxidation method, builds on earlier research that focused primarily on static measures of amino acid content to assess protein quality (18). The current study enhances this approach by incorporating dynamic metabolic markers, providing a more refined assessment of protein quality and complementarity in mixed dietary patterns (13, 14). Furthermore, the exploration of ketogenic therapy in treating brain diseases represents an expansion of its application beyond epilepsy, a well-established use in the literature (19). This issue extends the potential therapeutic scope of ketogenic diets to include other neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson’s disease (20, 21). The novelty of these findings lies in the adaptation of specific dietary interventions to optimize therapeutic outcomes across a broader spectrum of brain disorders. Together, these studies illustrate the growing promise of precision nutrition to improve health outcomes through integrating cutting-edge methodologies and personalized dietary interventions.3.3.Lifestyle and Polygenic InteractionsThe critical role of individual genetic variants, such as CETP_rs708272, in modulating HDL-C levels and cardiovascular risk is well established (22, 23). However, this issue presents new research identifying additional SNPs, including ZPR1_rs3741297, BUD13_rs180327, and ALDH1A2_rs588136, that interact with environmental factors, such as dietary energy intake and sulfur-containing microbial diets, that modulate HDL-C levels (12) in contrast to previous studies that predominantly focused on the effects of single-gene variants (24). This research introduces a more elegant and comprehensive approach by interjecting multiple genetic variants and their interactions with lifestyle factors. This multifactorial perspective is novel in its application to precision nutrition, highlighting the importance of integrating genetic predisposition with environmental influences to optimize dietary interventions. It advances a significant advance in the understanding of gene-environment interactions, paving the way for more personalized dietary recommendations aimed at improving lipoprotein metabolism and overall health.4. Path Forward: Precision Nutrition and Genetic PredispositionsThe future of precision nutrition lies in the seamless integration of multi-omics data, dietary interventions, and advanced computational tools. The framework for the implementation of precision nutrition is present in Figure 1. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) continue to uncover genetic variants that influence nutrient metabolism, whereas metabolomic profiling provides a detailed understanding of individual metabolic responses (7). Intervention studies focusing on responders and non-responders to dietary modifications further refine these personalized approaches. Machine learning algorithms have emerged as invaluable tools for codifying complex datasets, as evidenced by their successful application in predicting glycemic responses (7). These technological advances are driving the evolution of precision nutrition from theoretical research to practical applications.To bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, it is essential to translate genetic discoveries into actionable dietary recommendations. Genetic variants influencing vitamin metabolism, for instance, serve as a foundation for personalized supplementation protocols. Similarly, polygenic risk scores (PRS) integrated with lifestyle factors provide a more accurate framework for dietary guidance (25). Developing personalized meal plans that align genetic predispositions with practical and sustainable dietary strategies offers a promising pathway for real-world implementation.Future research must also prioritize inclusivity by addressing the limitations of current studies, which have predominantly been conducted in European populations. This lack of diversity restricts the generalizability of findings to underrepresented groups (26, 27). Expanding research frameworks to include diverse populations will ensure equitable access to the benefits of precision nutrition and help uncover population-specific genetic and dietary interactions (28). In addition to genetic predispositions, emerging evidence suggests that specific genetic variants, such as missense mutations or those located in the 5’- or 3’-UTR regions, may serve as potential drug or nutrient targets for personalized nutrition strategies (4). Nutrient-based interventions tailored to these genetic targets could provide innovative approaches to disease prevention and management. Emerging mobile smartphone technologies enable easy access to and utilization of medical and nutritional information for many people, including those who have limited access to high-quality healthcare. Mohajeri et al. (29) demonstrated that mobile phone support for patients with cardiovascular disease was preferred for communicating individualized information, especially for preventive care. Florez et al (30) demonstrated that a mobile phone utilizing three-dimensional imaging can be utilized for obtaining anthropometric data for assessing physical fitness status. These developments suggest smartphone technologies may soon be useful for providing precision nutrition information as well as monitoring progress in many people, even in remote locations.Finally, integrating microbiome profiling with other omics technologies, such as proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of individual variability in nutrient responses. This systems biology approach will enable the design of more nuanced dietary interventions and functional food solutions, tailored to an individual's unique genetic, microbiome, and metabolic profile (31, 32). These efforts will pave the way for more effective, personalized strategies in nutrition and health, ultimately advancing the field of precision nutrition toward clinical implementation.5. ConclusionThe studies in this special issue represent significant progress in precision nutrition, ranging from identifying genetic variants influencing nutrient metabolism to dietary optimization. Together, these findings illustrate the potential of precision nutrition to transform dietary guidelines and clinical practice. While challenges remain, particularly in integrating multi-omics data and scaling personalized approaches, the contributions highlighted here provide a clear path forward. The promise of precision nutrition lies in its ability to optimize health outcomes through tailored interventions that consider genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors. With continued innovation and collaboration across disciplines, the goal of delivering personalized nutritional guidance is becoming an increasingly attainable reality, which may someday assure quality health for all people while simultaneously considering unique individual requirements.