Welcome to University of Phayao
To attend the First International Conference on Innovation of Functional Foods in Asia (IFFA):Functional Foods: Trends in Research and Markets

Dear colleagues and friends,

          On behalf of the organizing committee, it gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the First International Conference of “Innovation of Functional Foods in Asia (IFFA)” on Jan. 22-24, 2018, jointly hosted by University of Phayao (UP), and Society for Free Radical Research-Thai (SFRR-Thai). The focus of our conference theme will be “Trends in Research and Markets of Functional Foods” as recently reported by Grand View Research in their website. During 2014 - 2024, Asia-Pacific region seems to be the leading one for the  market size of functional foods.

          Opportunities and challenges, a functional food is defined as foods and food components that provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition (for the intended population), for examples may include: conventional foods; fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods; and dietary supplements.

          Functional foods also provide essential nutrients beyond quantities necessary for normal maintenance, growth, and development, and/or provide other biologically active components that impart health benefits or desirable physiological effects.

          While food has long been used to improve health, our knowledge of the relationship between food components and health is now being used to improve food. Strictly speaking, all foods are functional, in that it provides energy and nutrients necessary for survival. But the term “functional food” in use today conveys health benefits that extend far beyond mere survival. Food and nutrition science has moved from identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies to designing foods that promote optimal health and reduce the risk of disease.

          We sincerely hope that this conference will help all of us explore ways in which the intersection of genomics and molecular nutrition presents the opportunities to understand nutrient effects and individual variability in response to diet; this understanding has the potential to revolutionize diet, the nutrition and food products.

          In addition, virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though it has only modest facilities and conveniences, Phayao and  Kwan Phayao is an enchanting community with outstanding natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back more than 900 years, Phayao used to be an independent state before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century. Today, Phayao is a laid-back town surrounded by lush natural beauty. The Phayao lakeside strip of bars and restaurants is a perfect place to unwind and plan journeys into the countryside, within which many hill tribe communities retain much of their traditional lifestyles.

          We wish you all an enjoyable and stimulating conference. Thank you for your participation and looking forward to seeing you in the IFFA2018 conference.