THE modern world is spending a fortune just to keep its citizens out of sickbed. Around 80 percent of a country’s Gross National Product is spent just on treating chronic diseases, a figure not just representative of the United States but all other countries that follow Western lifestyles.

This has led scientists to predict that soon, governments will realize that it would be much more cost-effective to spend on preventive healthcare than to just treat diseases at their onset.

And with the exponential developments in genetic science, the arsenal for preventive health, which include lifestyle modifications and nutritional intake, is rapidly diversifying.

Biochemist Carl S. Rehnborg, president of Nutrilite Health Institute, revealed as much to Inquirer Health in a recent exclusive interview. He was in the Philippines last week to promote a diet less of the processed and fast foods and more of nutrient-rich plant foods, a stress-free mind, a healthy body and the health benefits of organic plants grown on nutrient-rich soil devoid of pesticides.

Nutrilite, which celebrates 75 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, held a two-day “Best of Life and Fitness Nutrition” expo at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Rehnborg, 73, who still engages in various athletic activities, said he was literally a Nutrilite baby, as his parents led a healthy lifestyle and had been taking Nutrilite supplements even before he was conceived. He is the son of Nutrilite founder Carl F. Rehnborg. The Nutrilite historical time line indicated that the brand was North America’s first multivitamin/mineral supplement in 1934 as California Vitamins Inc. It was renamed Nutrilite Products a few years later.

Rehnborg added that the role of phytonutrients in genetics is now being intensively studied today. Nutrilite has partnered with Interleukin Genetics, a top biotech player in the United States to help identify the best optimal health program for each individual.

Aside from this, Nutrilite Institute has a research and development laboratory in Shanghai, China, where it maintains 25 scientists for the study and development of Asian medicines and preventive materials of plants and herbs.

This food supplement giant has in its roster 100 scientists and researchers developing over 140 new plant concentrates with different botanical compounds. Some of its organic farm facilities are located in Brazil, Mexico, California and Washington.

John Lindseth, vice president of Nutrilite Operations (farm), stressed the company’s principle of all-natural nutrition combined with the right lifestyle choices.

Its recent products are Rhodiola (a herbal supplement to boost energy and mental alertness), Strive (a rehydration drink) and FitH20 (a drink that hydrates and nourishes the body for light activities), all of which are made from natural, whole plant concentrates. Nutrilite is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Amway independent business owners.