Nutrigenomics & Brain Nutrition Planning: Align with Genomic Kitchen Vision

Background

Emerging evidence highlights the important role of nutrition, genetics, lifestyle behaviours, and functional foods in influencing cognitive function, mental wellness, and healthy ageing. Despite increasing global interest in nutrigenomics and precision nutrition, few integrated initiatives currently exist in Malaysia that translate evidence from genomic and nutritional neuroscience into practical, culturally adaptable brain nutrition strategies. The Genomic Kitchen Vision was therefore conceptualized as a multidisciplinary precision nutrition ecosystem integrating nutrigenomics, culinary medicine, behavioral nutrition, and functional brain health approaches for Malaysian adults.

Objective

This project aimed to develop the Genomic Kitchen Framework and establish the Malaysian Brain Nutrition Index (MBNI) as a multidimensional assessment and translational model for evaluating brain-supportive dietary practices, lifestyle behaviors, and precision nutrition indicators among Malaysian adults.

Methodology

The project adopted a multidisciplinary developmental research design involving evidence mapping, conceptual framework development, expert consultation, psychometric validation, and translational model integration. An extensive literature synthesis was conducted using databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify scientific evidence related to nutrigenomics, nutritional neuroscience, cognitive nutrition, gut–brain axis interactions, culinary medicine, functional foods, behavioural nutrition, and precision nutrition approaches associated with brain health. The Genomic Kitchen Framework was subsequently developed through conceptual integration of nutrigenomic principles, dietary behaviours, sensory nutrition, culinary medicine, and functional brain health concepts. Expert consultations involving nutritionists, neuroscientists, culinary medicine practitioners, functional food researchers, and public health experts were conducted to refine the framework domains and improve contextual suitability within the Malaysian setting.

The Malaysian Brain Nutrition Index was then developed as a multidimensional assessment tool incorporating domains related to neuroprotective nutrient intake, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, dietary diversity, hydration and meal timing behaviours, lifestyle and behavioural factors, and functional brain food consumption. Psychometric evaluation, content validation, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and preliminary pilot implementation were conducted to evaluate the validity, reliability, and translational applicability of the index.

Results

The Genomic Kitchen Framework was successfully developed through extensive evidence mapping, multidisciplinary literature synthesis, and expert consultation involving specialists in nutrigenomics, nutritional neuroscience, culinary medicine, behavioural nutrition, functional food innovation, and public health nutrition. The evidence mapping process reviewed more than 180 scientific publications related to gene–nutrient interaction, cognitive-supportive dietary patterns, gut–brain axis modulation, anti-inflammatory nutrition, functional brain foods, and precision nutrition approaches associated with cognitive wellness and healthy ageing. The final framework consisted of five major domains, namely nutrigenomics and gene–nutrient interaction, cognitive-supportive nutrition, behavioural and sensory nutrition, culinary medicine application, and functional brain food innovation, comprising 18 subdomains and 42 translational indicators. Two rounds of expert Delphi validation involving 12 multidisciplinary experts demonstrated strong consensus across all framework domains, with item-level content validity indices ranging from 0.83 to 1.00 and an overall scale-level content validity index exceeding 0.90. The framework further established four major translational pathways linking genetic predisposition, dietary behaviour, culinary implementation, and brain health outcomes, thereby providing a comprehensive precision nutrition ecosystem model for adult cognitive wellness within the Malaysian context.

In addition, the Malaysian Brain Nutrition Index (MBNI) was successfully established as a multidimensional assessment and screening tool for evaluating brain-supportive dietary and lifestyle behaviours among Malaysian adults. The initial index development process identified 68 candidate indicators derived from scientific evidence and framework integration, of which 23 indicators were subsequently removed following psychometric evaluation and expert consensus due to redundancy and limited applicability. The final MBNI consisted of six major domains and 45 indicators with a total composite scoring system ranging from 0 to 100. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable sampling adequacy and construct validity, with a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value exceeding 0.85 and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity showing statistical significance (p < 0.001). The six-factor structure explained approximately 70% of the total variance, while factor loadings across all retained indicators exceeded 0.60. Reliability analysis demonstrated strong internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha value exceeding 0.90. Preliminary pilot implementation among Malaysian adults demonstrated lower MBNI scores among individuals with low dietary diversity, high ultra-processed food intake, poor hydration practices, irregular meal timing, and inadequate sleep behaviours. Conversely, higher MBNI scores were positively associated with healthier dietary patterns, increased functional food intake, and improved self-reported cognitive wellness indicators. Usability assessment further demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability of the MBNI for future community screening and precision nutrition applications.

In parallel, translational applications involving precision brain diet strategies, culinary medicine educational components, and functional brain food concepts for adults were also incorporated into the project ecosystem to support practical implementation and future intervention development.

Conclusion

The Genomic Kitchen Vision represents a novel multidisciplinary precision nutrition ecosystem integrating nutrigenomics, nutritional neuroscience, culinary medicine, behavioural nutrition, and functional food innovation within a culturally contextualised Malaysian framework. The successful development and preliminary validation of the Genomic Kitchen Framework and Malaysian Brain Nutrition Index provide important translational tools for precision brain nutrition assessment, cognitive wellness promotion, and healthy ageing strategies among Malaysian adults. Overall, the initiative demonstrates strong potential to advance personalised brain nutrition, preventive healthcare, and culturally adaptable precision nutrition interventions within Malaysia and broader Asian populations.