3D printing the future of nutrition : unlocking the potential of phytonutrients

Abstract

The integration of advanced technologies into food science is reshaping how we think about nutrition, health, and sustainability. Among the most promising innovations is 3D food printing, which allows for the design of foods that are not only visually appealing but also functionally tailored to individual nutritional needs. When combined with phytonutrients, bioactive plant compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols that play critical roles in promoting health and preventing disease. 3D printing offers unprecedented opportunities for personalised nutrition and functional food development. Phytonutrients are often difficult to incorporate effectively into the human diet due to their instability, variable bioavailability, and sensitivity to environmental factors such as light, heat, and oxidation.