Emerging Food Fortification and Precision Nutrition: Technologies for Personalized Nutrient Delivery and Health Monitoring

Food fortification has experienced a revolution because of the process of encapsulation techniques, controlled delivery systems, and personalized nutrition approach. The purpose of this review is to analyze the recent trends in encapsulated and personalized food fortification systems and the possibility of increasing the stability, bioavailability, targeted delivery, and personalized nature of nutrients. A review of the scientific literature was performed, covering topics such as micro- and nanoencapsulation, microfluidization, emulsified systems, omics approaches, nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, microbiome interventions, 3D/4D food printing technology, wearable biosensors, artificial intelligence dietary analysis, and Internet of Things in foods. According to the reviewed literature, these technological approaches could help protect, distribute, and release vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and bioactive compounds, and help provide the opportunity to develop personalized nutritional approaches. Moreover, integration of omics techniques with advanced food technologies would allow taking into account genetic, metabolic, and microbiome aspects of different nutritional needs. Furthermore, emerging digital and manufacturing technologies would also provide an opportunity to create individualized fortified foods. Nevertheless, there are still issues with regulatory aspects, cost-effectiveness, consumer acceptability, and the equity and privacy of genetic and personal data. In conclusion, the application of controlled-release technology in personalized nutrition techniques holds much promise in creating specialized fortified foods, while additional research is required to establish their safety, effectiveness, affordability, and practical application.