Three faculty members from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU)—Dr. Jacqueline Doumit, Dr. Aline Issa, and Dr. Christelle Bou Mitri—were invited to present their latest research at the 2025 International Conference of Nutritional Fortification, a joint event organized with the International Society for Precision Health (ISPH) and the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR2025). The conference was held from October 17 to 19, 2025, at the Chang Yung-Fa International Convention Center in Taipei, Taiwan. The invitation was extended by Professor Chin-Kun Wang, President of the ISPH, Distinguished Professor at Chung Shan Medical University, UN Goodwill Ambassador, and internationally renowned scientist recognized for his pioneering contributions to precision nutrition, nutrigenomics, and functional foods.
The conference brought together over 500 researchers, professionals, and policymakers from 52 countries, providing a platform to share advances in precision nutrition, health, and disease prevention. Representing NDU, the faculty members presented ongoing faculty research that aligns with global efforts to personalize health interventions through food science and nutrition innovation.
In Session N2 – Nutrition Fortification, Strategy and Application 2, Dr. Christelle Bou Mitri, Associate Professor of Food Science, presented “Trends and Development of Plant-Based Milk and Dairy Alternatives,” showcasing her team’s innovative research in plant-based dairy, which has earned prestigious awards, competitive funding, publications, and numerous international collaborations.
In Session J3 – Functional Foods, Dr. Aline Issa, Assistant Professor of Food Science, presented “Functionality of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE): A Showcase for Novel Fermented Foods,” detailing its biochemical mechanisms and health-promoting potential of FWGE within precision health frameworks; this research was conducted through a COST Action collaboration, involving scientists from multiple European and Middle Eastern countries, and published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
The research employed three validated tools—the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)—forming a multidimensional framework aligned with precision nutrition. Each tool captures a distinct aspect of health—nutritional status, functional ability, and psychological well-being—guiding tailored dietary interventions and serving both diagnostic and post-intervention purposes. The studies revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among women, with strong between poor nutrition and depressive symptoms, loss of autonomy, and compromised oral health.
These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by Lebanon’s ongoing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and regional conflict, which have deepened food insecurity and strained healthcare access. Within this context, functional foods rich in bioactive compounds—such as omega-3s, probiotics, and high-quality proteins—offer targeted support for cognition, mood, and physical resilience. By integrating comprehensive assessments with innovative nutritional strategies, the research advocates for evidence-based interventions and policy reforms to promote equitable, person-centered care for aging populations in Lebanon.
The studies revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition, especially among women, with strong associations between poor nutrition, depressive symptoms, loss of autonomy, and compromised oral health. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by Lebanon’s ongoing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and regional conflict, which have deepened food insecurity and strained healthcare access. Within this context, functional foods rich in bioactive compounds—such as omega-3s, probiotics, and high-quality proteins—offer targeted support for cognition, mood, and physical resilience. By integrating comprehensive assessments with innovative nutritional strategies, the research advocates for evidence-based interventions and policy reforms to promote equitable, person-centered care for aging populations in Lebanon.
Beyond their scientific contributions, the NDU faculty strengthened international collaborations, reconnecting with networks such as the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI) and the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), and exploring new avenues for research and capacity building. Their participation reflects NDU’s growing international presence and leadership in precision nutrition, food safety, functional food innovation, reinforcing the University’s role as a regional hub for science-driven solutions to public health and sustainability challenges.