Research and formulation development

The Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam (AMS Vietnam) conducts advanced research and formulation development in the field of nutritional foods with the objective of improving health outcomes, supporting disease prevention, and enhancing quality of life across populations. This research domain integrates nutritional science, biomedical evidence, food technology, and clinical validation to develop scientifically substantiated nutritional products that meet both health needs and regulatory standards.

Nutritional food research at AMS Vietnam is grounded in evidence-based medicine and aligned with national and international public health priorities. Our work focuses not only on product development but also on understanding the biological mechanisms through which nutrients and bioactive compounds influence human health.

Research and formulation development in nutritional foods at AMS Vietnam is driven by several core objectives:

• To identify scientifically validated nutrients and bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits
• To design nutritionally optimized formulations tailored to specific population groups or health conditions
• To ensure safety, stability, bioavailability, and functional efficacy of nutritional products
• To support health promotion, disease risk reduction, and nutritional adequacy

Our research activities are informed by current advances in nutrition science, molecular biology, metabolism, and clinical nutrition. Every formulation is developed based on a clear scientific rationale and supported by pre-formulation research and analytical evaluation.

AMS Vietnam’s nutritional food research encompasses a broad range of product categories and health applications, including:

• Functional and fortified foods
• Nutritional products for children, pregnant women, and the elderly
• Nutritional support for metabolic disorders, cardiovascular health, and digestive health
• Products addressing micronutrient deficiencies
• Nutrition for immune support and recovery

Research priorities are selected based on epidemiological data, population health needs, and emerging scientific evidence.

A critical component of formulation development is the systematic selection and evaluation of ingredients. AMS Vietnam applies rigorous criteria to assess raw materials and nutritional components, including:

• Scientific evidence supporting health effects
• Safety profiles and toxicological data
• Regulatory compliance and permitted use levels
• Bioavailability and metabolic pathways
• Stability under processing and storage conditions

Ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, plant-derived bioactive compounds, and other functional components. Where appropriate, traditional nutritional knowledge is evaluated through modern scientific frameworks to ensure validity and safety.

Formulation development at AMS Vietnam follows a structured and iterative process that integrates nutritional science with food technology. Key stages include:

• Definition of nutritional objectives and target population
• Selection of appropriate ingredient combinations and dosage ranges
• Evaluation of interactions between ingredients
• Optimization of taste, texture, stability, and delivery format

Formulations are designed to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and physiological effectiveness while maintaining consumer acceptability and manufacturing feasibility.

The Academy develops formulations in various formats, including powders, liquids, granules, bars, and ready-to-use products, depending on intended use and population needs.

Beyond nutrient content, AMS Vietnam places strong emphasis on bioavailability—the extent to which nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. Research activities include:

• Evaluation of nutrient release and absorption mechanisms
• Assessment of formulation matrices and delivery systems
• Investigation of synergistic or antagonistic nutrient interactions

These studies help ensure that formulated products deliver measurable biological value rather than nominal nutritional claims.

Safety and quality are integral to formulation development. Research teams assess:

• Chemical, microbiological, and physical stability
• Potential contaminants and degradation products
• Shelf-life and storage conditions
• Compliance with food safety and nutrition regulations

All formulation development activities are conducted in accordance with applicable national standards and internationally recognized best practices.

Research and formulation development at AMS Vietnam is closely linked to clinical research activities. Nutritional formulations developed by the Academy may progress to:

• Pilot human studies
• Clinical trials assessing health outcomes
• Comparative effectiveness research

This integration ensures that nutritional products are not only theoretically beneficial but also clinically relevant and evidence-supported.

Clinical research outcomes inform formulation refinement, dosage optimization, and target population definition, creating a continuous feedback loop between research and application.

The development of nutritional food formulations at AMS Vietnam involves close collaboration among:

• Nutrition scientists
• Biomedical researchers
• Food technologists
• Clinical experts
• Biostatisticians and data analysts

This interdisciplinary approach enables comprehensive evaluation of nutritional products from molecular mechanisms to population-level impact.

AMS Vietnam supports the generation of scientific documentation required for regulatory review, quality assurance, and evidence substantiation. Research outputs may include:

• Scientific rationales for ingredient selection
• Technical formulation dossiers
• Stability and safety data reports
• Evidence summaries supporting nutritional claims

These materials assist organizations, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance and transparency.

Through nutritional food research and formulation development, the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam contributes to national strategies addressing malnutrition, diet-related diseases, and preventive healthcare. Our research supports innovation in the nutritional sector while maintaining a strong commitment to scientific integrity and public health responsibility.

By combining rigorous research methodology with practical formulation expertise, AMS Vietnam helps bridge the gap between nutrition science and real-world health solutions.

Looking ahead, AMS Vietnam will continue to expand its research in personalized nutrition, functional ingredients, and nutrition-driven disease prevention. Emerging areas of focus include gut microbiota modulation, metabolic health optimization, and nutrition across the life course.

The Academy remains committed to advancing nutritional food research that is scientifically robust, ethically grounded, and aligned with the evolving health needs of society.