Usana Hosts Inaugural Congress on Medicine & Functional Nutrition in Mexico City
More than 300 healthcare professionals convened in Mexico City on September 10, 2025, for the first National Congress of Medicine and Functional Nutrition, hosted by the Medical Council of Usana México.The event focused on fostering a extensive, preventative, and evidence-based approach to healthcare aimed at improving population well-being.
The congress brought together a diverse group of specialists including cardiologists, pediatricians, dentists, and nutritionists. Key speakers included Karem Sánchez Peñafiel, Director of Usana Mexico; Kathryn Armstrong, Chief Scientific Officer of USANA; Dr. Diego Arenas, specializing in Functional Medicine; and Dr. Job Monobe, practicing supplementary medicine.
Presentations covered a range of cutting-edge topics, including cellular nutrition, the submission of genetic testing via saliva samples, the crucial role of the intestinal microbiota, and preventative strategies rooted in cell biology. The congress was framed as the first in a planned series of events Usana intends to hold in key cities throughout Mexico and Latin America.
Shifting Focus to Preventative & Personalized Care
A central theme of the congress was the conversion of clinical practice towards a greater emphasis on nutritional prevention and personalized care. Usana underscored its commitment to combining robust scientific evidence with high-quality manufacturing processes and collaborative partnerships with local professionals to deliver solutions tailored to specific regional needs. New advancements in DNA testing and microbiota analysis were highlighted as valuable tools for establishing healthy habits early in life and reducing the incidence of chronic disease.
Key Takeaways from the congress:
* Global Scientific Foundation: Kathryn Armstrong emphasized Usana’s 33-year history, its presence in over 25 countries, and the integration of diverse practices to strengthen the scientific basis of its approach.
* Commitment to Quality: The importance of rigorous manufacturing standards and ensuring product safety alongside ongoing research was a key message.
* Empowering Healthcare Professionals: Dr. Diego Arenas stressed the role of each attendee as a catalyst for promoting preventative practices within their clinical and community settings.
* Innovative Technologies: Dr. Job Monobe showcased DNA testing utilizing saliva samples specifically designed for the Latin American population,while Dr. Gabriela Sáez detailed the impact of the microbiota on metabolic and immunological functions.
Future expansion & Challenges
Usana plans to expand this congress format to other cities, aiming to build a strong medical community dedicated to functional medicine and personalized nutrition. A significant challenge identified was translating the knowledge and tools presented into lasting changes within primary care and public health systems, notably for populations facing limited access to preventative healthcare resources.