Nutrition Research Institute hailed as leader in nutrigenomics
| September 13, 2011 | |
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The Sept. 12 issue of Time magazine features an article by Dr. Mehmet Oz, surgeon, author and talk show host, which describes his dietary recommendations for optimal health. In the article, Oz recognizes the UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) as a “leader in the growing field of individualized nutrition, studying what’s known as nutrigenomics, or the link between genes and diet.” “The science is a comparatively new one,” Oz says, “but the early reports are tantalizing.” Dr. Steven Zeisel
“It’s exciting to see influential people like Dr. Oz recognizing our work,” said NRI director Steven Zeisel, MD, PhD. “Nutrigenomics is a rapidly developing new body of knowledge that is changing research and practice in human nutrition. At the NRI, we are using nutrigenomic profiling to identify common subgroups that differ in nutrient requirements. As we continue to unravel this field and apply this knowledge, we will be able to make personalized nutrition recommendations that can make people healthier. Long term, the NRI’s work has the capacity to provide solutions to some of our greatest health challenges.” Zeisel is Kenan Distinguished Professor of nutrition at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. The UNC NRI is dedicated to developing the field of individualized nutrition — understanding variance in people’s DNA, metabolism and nutrient requirements and how these differences impact health outcomes. The NRI’s discoveries are leading to individually tailored nutrition recommendations that will allow people to customize their diets in order to maximize wellness and reduce risk of disease. The Time magazine article is available online. For more information about the UNC NRI, visit www.uncnri.org. # # #
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: Ramona DuBose, director of communications, (919) 966-7467 or ramona_dubose@unc.edu. |
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