Abstracts, presentations and podcasts
Good Nutrition for all: the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Prof. Judith Buttriss, Director General, British Nutrition Foundation
Abstract: Identification and implementation of dietary patterns that are both healthy and sustainable is a major challenge facing all countries of the world, whether they be developed, developing or in transition. This will be exacerbated over the coming decades if life expectancy continues to increase and as the global population expands to a predicted 9 billion or more by 2050. These extra mouths need to be fed and the nutritional quality of the food received will be a key determinant of future health and wellbeing. In addition, in many countries, even the UK, over-nutrition (in terms of excess energy intake, and excessive intakes of sodium and saturated fatty acids, for example) and related conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are sitting alongside less than ideal intakes of a range of micronutrients and evidence of deficiency. As understanding of the complex relationships between nutrition and health develop, there is real potential to use diet to improve health and wellbeing. This presentation will provide an overview of current and emerging nutritional challenges and the dietary changes that could be part of the solution.
Nutrition for Health and Activity. Good and Bad Habits Start Early
Prof. H David McCarthy, Institute of Health and Policy Research, London Metropolitan University
Abstract: Infancy, childhood and adolescence are all critical periods for optimal growth and development and lay the foundation for future health and wellbeing. Across these life stages, diet and physical activity play key roles in determining later risk for overweight and obesity, as well as non-communicable diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Parents have a key role in ensuring that healthy eating behaviours and optimum physical activity levels are established early in life. However the current obesogenic environment contrives to counteract all the best intentions of parents in trying to set their children along the path to optimum health and to achieve their genetic potential. This presentation will review the evidence supporting the role of early diet and lifestyle on later disease risk and how changes to the food and physical environment will urgently need to be made to prevent an epidemic of diabetes and heart disease and premature death in today’s children.
Health Drinks and Sports Nutrition
Dr Naomi Grant, GlaxoSmithKline
Podcast: MP3
Abstract: Dr Grant provided insight into working within the ‘maximum nutrition’ business. She said that in some cases, it is easy for athletes blame sports nutrition supplements for their failed doping test and as a result, GSK have developed a risk management approach to ensure that their products are safe. This rigorous approach includes testing each batch of product for banned substances and working closely with UK Anti-Doping. When formulating sports nutrition products, there is no room for complacency. Based on their excellent track record, GSK will be operating a World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory at their facilities for the Olympics.
Challenges of Incorporating Functional Ingredients into Foods from an NPD and Analytical Perspective
Jane Staniforth Robert Griffiths, Reading Scientific Services Ltd
Podcast: MP3
Download Presentation: PDF
Abstract: With the commercial pressures to incorporate more and more new ingredients into products in order to differentiate them in the market place, challenges are created for both the product developer and analyst. This presentation will cover some of the aspects that should be considered when including new and novel ingredients into formulations to ensure that when products are launched that they taste good and meet any label claims being made. Challenges associated with the analysis of such ingredients will also be discussed
Sports Foods and Supplements: Legal Aspects
Dr Robert Child, Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Sport Legal Ltd
Abstract: There are a number of legislative changes facing the sports nutrition industry over the next 18 months. While some of the changes result in major challenges others provide significant opportunities in a category driven by innovation and strong marketing claims. Many of the claims used to market sports nutrition products fall in the borderline between food and medicines law. This talk will discuss the key European regulations governing the composition and marketing of sports nutrition products and their current and predicted evolution. The importance in creating a fair playing field for industry and the consumer requires enforcement of European regulations at the member state level. This presentation will also investigate the way enforcement is currently managed and will critically assess its effectiveness in protecting the consumer, business, and the elite athlete.
Sustained Energy Release: From Product to Claim
Dr Roberta Re, Nutrition Research Manager, Leatherhead Food Research
Podcast: MP3
Download Presentation: PDF
Abstract: This presentation will focus on the key aspects that should be considered when designing sports nutrition products, particularly those providing sustained energy release for physical performance. Glucose is the main fuel used by muscles during exercise and therefore the role of carbohydrate, in particular, will be highlighted. New product development strategies should be tailored to the type and duration of activity and consideration should also be given to the appropriate nutritional intake prior to, and during, exercise in order to optimise energy release. Examples of the range of sports food and drink products currently on the market will be given and the claims they make will be discussed. Consumer understanding of claims will be highlighted, and results from research conducted at Leatherhead Food Research will be presented. Delegates will gain a snapshot view of the global sports market and consumer prospective.
The Regulation and Development of Sports and Energy Drinks
Dr Helen Munday, Coca-Cola
Podcast: MP3
Download Presentation: PDF
Abstract: The last few decades have seen impressive growth in the sales of both sports and energy drinks in Great Britain, probably reflecting the fact that consumers are increasing looking for products that meet the needs of their diverse lifestyles. Whilst we may not all reach aspirations of being elite athletes, many will look to maximise the ‘Olympian within’, and this is where scientifically proven sports products have a role to play. However, the European regulations (and local guidance) that control nutrition and health claims and compositional standards, are becoming ever more complex and onerous, so it is not a market that can be entered lightly. This talk will cover factors that need to be considered in formulating such products and the potential challenges that the regulatory environment brings.
Food for Athletes and Sports People - What They Should Be Eating
Dr Karen Reid, Performance Foods
Podcast: MP3
Download Presentation: PDF
Abstract: Karen’s presentation will provide an overview of the practical aspects of developing an eating and drinking strategy for sports people and athletes.