Page 30 - FoodFocusThailand No.245 September 2026

SPECIAL FOCUS

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Figure 2 Food can support healthy ageing through five interconnected systems—metabolism and blood sugar, cellular energy, inflammatory
balance, the gut microbiota, and muscle and mobility. No single food acts alone.

(3) Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: This condition Having a Good Active Compound is Not Enough
persists without obvious symptoms yet is linked to the health of This is where food scientists play a crucial role, because
the heart, brain, and muscles. Marine omega-3 fatty acids may efficacy demonstrated in vitro is merely a starting point. To
lower some inflammatory markers in certain groups. However, deliver benefits in a real product, a compound must satisfy
the effect varies with intake, health status, and overall dietary several conditions. First, the dose must be sufficient; many
patterns. Therefore, no single nutrient should be viewed as products include well-known compounds at levels below
a standalone solution but rather evaluated alongside overall those used in research. Second, the compound must be
dietary and lifestyle habits. bioavailable. Curcumin from turmeric, for example, has low oral
(4) The Gut Microbiota: The gut is home to an immense bioavailability, so food technologies such as co-administration
population of microorganisms that interact with both the immune with piperine from black pepper or lipid-based delivery systems
system and the brain. In a randomized study of healthy adults, may be used, with suitability and safety evaluated. Third,
participants in the fermented-food group increased their intake the compound must remain stable throughout its shelf
to an average of about six servings per day by the end of life, because heat, light, oxygen, and moisture can degrade
the 10-week intervention. Microbial diversity increased, and 19 vitamins and active substances; analysis at the production date
circulating proteins associated with inflammation decreased. alone is therefore insufficient. Finally, the product must have
However, the study included only 18 participants per group, and acceptable sensory qualities. The benefits of longevity foods
further research is needed to confirm these findings in other depend on continued consumption, and consumers cannot
populations (Wastyk et al., 2021). sustain intake long enough to achieve the intended effects if
(5) Muscle and Mobility: Muscle strength and mobility the taste is unacceptable or the format inconvenient.
are key determinants of healthy ageing, as maintaining strong
muscles can reduce the risk of falls and frailty. With advancing Long-Term Consumption Demands Greater
age, muscles become less responsive to dietary protein, so older Attention to Safety
adults should consume adequate protein alongside resistance This product group has distinctive characteristics: it is consumed
exercise. A meta-analysis of 28 trials found that, among older daily over long periods, is often highly concentrated, and many
adults performing resistance exercise, increased protein intake of its consumers are older adults with underlying conditions
produced modest additional benefits for appendicular lean mass or existing medication use. Safety questions therefore extend
and handgrip strength compared with lower-protein controls. beyond whether acute toxicity occurs, to encompass who it
Most included studies had some risk of bias, so the findings is safe for, at what dose, for how long under continuous use,
should be interpreted cautiously (Kirwan et al., 2022). and what happens when combined with existing medications.

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