Professional Perspectives on PN Among Registered Dietitians in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Why It Matters

The findings reveal a critical gap between dietitians’ enthusiasm for PN and the systemic obstacles preventing its clinical rollout, underscoring the need for targeted training and policy interventions to harness PN’s potential in combating Saudi Arabia’s high obesity and diabetes rates.

Key Takeaways

• PN adoption among Saudi dietitians only 16%.
• Experience, not degree, predicts perceived usefulness of PN tools.
• Genomics, metabolomics, microbiome linked to higher PN usefulness.
• Main barriers: knowledge gaps, cost, infrastructure, training.
• Facilitators: education, government support, technology integration.

Pulse Analysis

Saudi Arabia faces a mounting burden of metabolic disease, with obesity and type 2 diabetes rates among the highest globally. Traditional one‑size‑fits‑all dietary guidelines struggle to address the genetic and lifestyle diversity of the population, prompting interest in personalized nutrition (PN) that leverages genomics, metabolomics and microbiome data. The global PN market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2032, and Saudi Vision 2030 earmarks health innovation as a priority, creating a fertile environment for precision nutrition initiatives.

The mixed‑methods study of 88 dietitians reveals that while enthusiasm for PN is strong, actual adoption remains limited to 16 %. Experience on the job, rather than academic credentials, modestly predicts perceived usefulness, and dietitians who value genomics, metabolomics and microbiome testing see greater potential in PN tools. Qualitative insights pinpoint knowledge gaps, high testing costs, insufficient laboratory infrastructure, and limited training as the chief obstacles. Conversely, respondents cite structured education, government backing, and technology integration as decisive facilitators, echoing broader calls for curriculum reform and policy frameworks that support omics‑based practice.

Looking ahead, bridging the readiness gap will require coordinated actions across academia, health ministries and industry. Embedding nutrigenomics and data‑science modules into dietetics programs, establishing accredited PN certification pathways, and subsidizing essential testing can accelerate skill development. Investment in interoperable health‑IT platforms and public‑private laboratory partnerships will address infrastructure deficits. As AI‑driven decision support tools mature, they can tailor culturally relevant meal plans for Saudi consumers, aligning with Vision 2030’s digital health goals and potentially curbing the nation’s obesity‑related costs.