The 5th Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017) was recently organized by MPOC on 31st July – 1st August 2017 at Le Méridien Hotel, Putrajaya to highlight the positive roles of palm bioactives. Today there is a growing body of evidence showing the important role of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals in maintaining health and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. An increased prevalence of non-communicable and diet related diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes has attracted significant interest in the health benefits of natural bioactives.
Palm bioactives such as tocotrienols, carotenoids and phenolics have emerged as the preferred healthful ingredients demonstrating potential bioefficacies and health benefits. PINC 2017 has gathered local and international researchers, medical practitioners, dietitians, nutritionists and other health professionals to share the benefits of palm bioactives and the latest development from their ongoing research. The PINC 2017 programme was comprised of seven sessions which includes:
- Plenary session
- Palm tocotrienols and its health benefits
- Palm phenolics
- Dietary palm oil in health and nutrition
- Current challenges and emerging issues in palm oil nutrition
- 3-MCPD/GE: Challenges and outlook
- Open forum/debate on palm oil and health
Keynote address by YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia.
The event was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia. Twenty five papers were presented during the conference. The first day session focused mainly on research on palm phytonutrients. These among others include research updates on palm tocotrienols and bone health, peptic ulcer disease, lipid profiles and cancer prevention. The second day was dedicated to palm oil nutrition and related issues. These include papers on fatty acid nutrition and 3MCPD. A total of 245 participants attended PINC 2017.
Plenary paper presentation by Dr. Kalyana Sundram, CEO MPOC.
Exhibition
Besides the technical session, PINC 2017 exhibition was also held throughout the two days conference. A mix group of exhibitors participated, representing the producers of palm bioactives, government agencies and NGOs. They were:
- KLK Oleo
- Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd
- Hovid Berhad
- Supervitamins Sdn Bhd
- Vance Nutraceuticals
- Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia
- Nutrition Society of Malaysia
- National Cancer Council (MAKNA)
Expending the exhibition scope outside palm bioactive circle had made the exhibition more interesting.
PINC 2017 exhibitors
Scientific Poster Competition
PINC 2017 also provided opportunities for university students and researchers to present posters on their research related to palm bioactives. There were a total of 31 posters presented at this conference. The winners for the poster competition were:
- 1st Prize
Tan Shi Wei, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
“Anti-Inflammatory action of palm delta-tocotrienol on microglia”.
- 2nd Prize
Gilay Viliy Balasubramaniam, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
“Healthy Eating Index 2010 in the Malaysia Lipid Study: Does diet quality relate to cardiometabolic risk factors and MetS?”.
- 3rd Prize
Afiah Nasuha Aznan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
“Reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanism of gamma-tocotrienol anticancer activity in HepG2 PRDX-IV silenced cells”.
PINC 2017 was an excellent platform for interaction between nutraceutical producers and palm bioactive manufacturers. There is now a structured cooperation among producers of palm bioactives to share responsibility in taking up specific issues, for example to obtain recognition of tocotrienols as vitamin E. The organizers received positive feedbacks from majority of the PINC 2017 participants, and from the post conference survey carried out. According to them, most of the papers presented were very informative and touches on recent issues and were based on the most recent research findings.
Other Programmes
The following events were also held in conjunction with PINC 2017:
- Consumer Outreach Programme: Talk on Women’s Health, 30th July 2017, Le Méridien Hotel, Putrajaya
The programme was part of our on-going effort to create awareness and better understanding among consumers on the roles of dietary fats, palm oil and palm bioactives on women’s health and nutrition. Three renowned speakers from the United States of America (USA) and Malaysia were invited to speak at the event.
- Dr. Felicia Stoler
Registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, consultant and author, USA. - Mr. Bryce Wylde
Alternative medicine expert, media personality and author, USA. - Dr. Kalyana Sundram
Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Palm Oil Council.
Dr. Felicia Stoler, a registered dietitian from USA.
- Palm Oil Health Awareness Evening Forum for Medical Practitioners
The Palm Oil Health Awareness Evening Forum for Medical Practitioners was organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Medical Association, Medical Practitioners’ Society and Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society at two venues.
- Le Méridien Hotel, Putrajaya on 30th July 2017
- G Kelawai Hotel, Penang on 3rd August 2017
The Evening Forums focused on current updates on fats and oils consumptions and palm tocotrienols. Participants were of the view that the session was very informative and help them to better understand palm oil and its nutritional value.
Palm Oil Health Awareness Evening Forum for Medical Practitioners.
