Developing smart foods using models of intestinal health

Intestinal health problems are common and therefore smart foods that enhance intestinal wellness or reduce/ prevent these problems are in demand. In order to develop new smart foods for intestinal health that take advantage of the developing knowledge regarding the interactions between foods and humans beyond simply nutrition, in vitro and in vivo models of intestinal wellness and disease are required. In vitro models are used to screen large numbers of foods, to identify candidates with desirable properties, and to develop hypotheses about the mechanisms of action of beneficial food components. These candidate foods can then be tested for efficacy in in vivo models of intestinal health. The results of these experiments will facilitate the development of smart foods targeting intestinal health that have sound scientific basis and proven efficacy.