Innovation at the service of inclusive nutrition
A varied and balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, for some people suffering from chronic conditions, diet is not just a good practice but a key aspect an integral part of their treatment. A gluten-free diet is currently the only treatment available for people with coeliac disease or gluten-related conditions. A low-protein diet can be a valuable ally in reducing the progression of chronic renal failure. Numerous studies have confirmed the value of the ketogenic diet in cases of fat malabsorption and maldigestion and in the treatment of neurological disorders. One in four adults suffers from metabolic syndrome, in which a correct and balanced diet is an ally in preventing a deterioration in health.
To provide a tangible solution to all those people, adults and children, who need to pay particular attention to their diet, since our foundation, we have been committed to improving their quality of life by creating products that are not only effective, and nutritionally balanced but also tasty. To do this, we rely on the expertise of the nutritionists in our Nutrition Service team and the researchers in the Dr. Schär R&D Centre, who work together to develop the best recipes to meet the health needs of our consumers. In fact, our work is characterised by the pursuit of research aimed at making food a moment of pleasure and sharing for all, combined with keeping up to date and collaborating scientifically with clinicians and nutritionists.
Just this year, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Dr. Schär Research Centre, located in the AREA Science Park in Trieste, two conferences, were organised that brought together leading international experts in the field of nutrition, intending to analyse the state of the art and future perspectives of special nutrition:
- In September, during the event titled “20 years of the Dr. Schär R&D Centre. Conference on Ketogenic Diet. Status quo and prospects for ketogenic nutrition therapies for drug- resistant epilepsy and GLUT1 deficiency”, the ketogenic diet was mentioned. In particular, the discussion focused on its efficacy in reducing epileptic seizures in drug-resistant patients, but also on its positive results in the treatment of rare diseases such as GLUT1 deficiency syndrome and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDHD), as well as promising research in other nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and migraines.
- In November, on the other hand, during the event entitled “The Role of Nutrition in Metabolic Syndrome”, the focus was on metabolic syndrome, the new challenge we are preparing to face, and the crucial role a healthy, balanced diet can play in preventing and controlling it. Managing metabolic syndrome may be difficult, so our laboratories are working on the development of a new range of products that can supplement and help people maintain a balanced diet.
The Dr. Schär R&D Centre has played and continues to play a leading role in the growth of the Dr. Schär group. There are many ongoing research projects, ranging from food chemistry to biotechnology, from agronomy to the selection of raw ingredients, from packaging to the identification of new technologies for production plants. A comprehensive approach that has made our R&D Centre a benchmark and model of excellence.