January in review: Marine mismanagement, CBD regulation and AI’s role in nutrition

29 Jan 2024 --- January’s major health and nutrition news included the Gates Foundation increasing its budget to combat global health inequities, the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) urging faster UK authorization for ingestible cannabidiol (CBD) products and a study revealing mismanagement of global marine resources. 

In our January review, Nutrition Insight looks back at some of the biggest stories of the month, including the tenth year of Veganuary, arguments in favor of the Nutri-Score system, mycelium’s potential in addressing world hunger, AI’s role in personalized nutrition and Canada’s support for the use of psychedelics for end-of-life care.

January
Regulating CBD: ACI puts pressure on FSA and UK Home Office to speed up authorization process
The ACI urged the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Home Office to expedite the authorization process for ingestible CBD products. ACI stressed the need for a more efficient system to prevent market stagnation and ensure consumer access to safe and regulated products. The call to action addressed delays and complexities in the current regulatory process, highlighting the importance of swift and clear guidelines for the growing CBD industry.

Meati Foods-backed review flags nutrient-dense mycelium can “address world hunger”
A review supported by Meati Foods found the potential of nutrient-rich mycelium in addressing world hunger. The study suggested that mycelium has a dense nutritional profile and capability as a sustainable food source. This research underscored the growing interest in utilizing mycelium for its environmental benefits and nutritional value, offering a promising solution to global food security challenges.

On the tenth anniversary of its campaign, Veganuary revealed a rise in participation alluding to a shift in attitudes toward veganism.The Future of Health: Gates Foundation spearheads 11th-hour campaign to lift people out of poverty
The Gates Foundation increased its philanthropic budget to US$8.6 billion to drive health innovations and lift people out of poverty by 2030. The organization said it would focus on reducing health inequities, particularly in low-income countries, by developing tools to combat infectious diseases and child mortality. Featured at the “The Future of Health” event, the Foundation showcased innovations like AI-assisted diagnostics and vaccine patches. Other proposed efforts included addressing maternal and infant mortality and malnutrition.

Veganuary sees growing appetite to “try vegan” in tenth annual campaign
Veganuary’s tenth annual campaign witnessed a significant surge in interest, with a growing number of people globally opting to try a vegan diet. The campaign, promoting plant-based lifestyles for health, environmental and ethical reasons, has seen increasing participation and awareness. The organization stated that the rise reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes toward more sustainable and health-conscious food choices.

Staggering global marine resource mismanagement uncovered in longitudinal analysis
A comprehensive study revealed significant mismanagement of global marine resources. The longitudinal analysis, spanning several decades, found widespread inefficiency in marine resource utilization. Moreover, the mismanagement led to substantial economic losses, negatively impacting marine ecosystems and the global fishing industry. The study highlighted the need for improved management strategies to harness marine resources sustainably while protecting ocean environments.

World Economic Forum: Hologram Sciences unveils AI potential to unlock precision nutrition
At the World Economic Forum, Hologram Sciences showcased the potential of AI in revolutionizing personalized healthcare and nutrition. The company’s AI-driven Precision Nutrition Platform, designed to optimize dietary plans based on individual health and sustainability considerations, could represent a significant advancement in addressing malnutrition in clinical settings.

New survey says Canadians strongly support using psychedelics for patients at end-of-life
A recent survey revealed strong support among Canadians for using psychedelic substances like psilocybin to treat terminally ill patients experiencing existential distress. The survey found that 79% of respondents endorsed this therapeutic use. While the production, sale and possession of psilocybin are currently prohibited in Canada, a special access program allows exemptions for medical or scientific reasons.

A survey found that almost 80% of Canadians support the use of psilocybin for end-of-life care.Nutri-Score originator supports EU-wide adoption of the nutritional ranking system
The creator of the Nutri-Score system spoke with us about his advocacy for its adoption EU-wide. The endorsement emphasized the system’s benefits for guiding healthier food choices. He also addressed concerns and pointed out the positive impacts of Nutri-Score on consumer decision-making.

ISAPP strives for clear postbiotic definition in emerging innovation “excitement”
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) moved to define “postbiotics” amid growing innovation and excitement in the field. The effort aimed to clarify the term for researchers, industry professionals and consumers, ensuring a clear understanding and accurate representation of postbiotic products in the market.

DNA analysis reveals diet and microbiome composition of prehistoric people
DNA analysis of prehistoric human remains provided insights into their diet and microbiome composition. The study found that their diet primarily consisted of meat and dairy, with evidence of milk consumption detected. The research also revealed variations in their gut microbiome, influenced by diet and their environment. These findings offer a deeper understanding of ancient populations’ dietary habits and gut health.

By William Bradford Nichols