Investment in digital health startups and innovative apps
In this week's newsletter:
Latest research, Monteloeder new app, Elysium Health launch targeted metabolic aging, Rabobank invest in Ancora health, ShaeWellness new potential for gyms, 3 research centres where NIH study is funding and plenty more.
Yours in health,
Mariette
CEO & Founder of Qina
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Research update
The GDPR and genomic data
"The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and genomic data report provides a detailed legal analysis of the many ways in which the GDPR impacts genomic healthcare and research, highlights areas for urgent attention, and makes recommendations for the genomics community, regulators, and policymakers to maintain the flow of genomic data for healthcare and scientific research", in the UK.
Estimating the potential public health impact of fibre enrichment: a UK modelling study
This study conducted by Tate & Lyle and Creme Global gives a good overview of the potential public health benefits of reformulating food products by using a fibre enrichment of everyday UK foods (including baked goods, dairy products, soups, smoothies, and dressings). The results show "The fibre enrichment intervention showed a mean fibre intake in the UK of 19.9 g/day, signifying a 2.2 g/day increase from baseline. Modelling suggested that 5.9% of subjects could achieve a weight reduction, 72.2% a reduction in cardiovascular risk, and 71.7% a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes risk with fibre fortification".
Diet and Gut Microbiome and the “Chicken or Egg” Problem
“Quantity and quality of the intestinal and fecal microbiome vary considerably between individuals and are dependent on a very large number of intrinsic and environmental factors. Currently, only around 15% of the variance in microbiome diversity can be explained by these factors. Although diet and individual food items have effects, other individual parameters such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), but also plasma lipids and blood pressure reveal stronger associations with microbiome diversity…This review provides scientific arguments for a more comprehensive assessment of the individual's intestinal phenotype in microbiome studies to resolve the “chicken or egg” problem in these observational studies.”
Using Machine Learning to Predict Obesity Based on Genome-Wide and Epigenome-Wide Gene-Gene and Gene-Diet Interactions
This study aimed to develop a model that predicts an individual's risk of obesity through genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and dietary factors. Through machine learning (ML) algorithms, researchers "identified 213 SNPs, 530 DNA methylation sites (DMSs), and 49 dietary and lifestyle factors as significant predictors of obesity. (...) Top predictors of the best-fit model were 21 SNPs, 230 DMSs in genes such as CPT1A, ABCG1, SLC7A11, RNF145, and SREBF1, and 26 dietary factors, including processed meat, diet soda, French fries, high-fat dairy, artificial sweeteners, alcohol intake, and specific nutrients and food components, such as calcium and flavonols".
Technology News
NOOM FACES BACKLASH AFTER FORMER USERS CLAIM THE APP PROMOTES DIET CULTURE
A Noom video campaign on Twitter shows a young man finishing every last bit of food on his plate, only to learn from Noom that he was conditioned to finish his plate since childhood. “When it comes to losing weight, it’s psychological,” the voiceover says. The fact that it only centers on the psychological behavior is shocking users and triggered a wave of negative comments on Twitter by Noom ex-users.
Related Articles:
PNU 30.2021 - Weight loss company Noom launches behavioral health product
Monteloeder unveils white label tailored nutrition app amid industry push toward tech
Monteloeder is launching a new nutrition app "Metabolaid". In conjugation with Metabolaid nutritional supplement (a hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts-based formula), targeting weight loss and cardiovascular health. The app, is based on three premises: adherence, behavioral change, and information about the app. There are reminders to take the supplement, eat healthy, behavior changes, healthy habits, and exercise.
Elysium Health™ Announces the Launch of SIGNAL™ for Metabolic Aging
Dutch banking giant Rabobank banks on making healthcare futureproof; invests €3M in Ancora Health
“Dutch banking giant Rabobank, on Tuesday, announced that it is investing €3M in digital health startup Ancora Health. According to Rabobank, with this investment, it aims to further expand its focus on preventive health. With this round of investment, Ancora’s total start-up capital has reached €9M.”
SHAE HEALTH AND NUTRITION APP OFFERS NEW INCOME POTENTIAL FOR GYMS
All of Us Research Program - NIH Precision nutrition study
The study aims to involve 10,000 participants and seeks to develop algorithms that predict individual responses to foods and dietary patterns.
This week, already 3 research centers have been announced:
Cornell To Co-Lead NIH Center For Precision Nutrition Research
A five-year award, with a value of $23 million/year, put Cornell and RTI as Research Coordinating Center.
UH cancer researcher leads $7M nutrition study on Hawaiʻi’s population
Associate Researcher Carol Boushey, from The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, will receive $7 million to lead the Dietary Assessment Center (DAC) to study personalized nutritional recommendations addressing Hawaiʻi’s diverse population.
LSU Health New Orleans scientists to create more personalized nutrition recommendations
Lucio Miele, MD, PhD, Chair of Genetics, and principal investigator of the LSU Health New Orleans, and Judd Shellito, MD, Lowenstein Professor of Medicine, have been awarded a 5-year $1.63 million grant. 
We know there are many questions, challenges, and myths around Personalised nutrition. To clarify where we stand as a company, we've written a short manifesto.
We outline what Personalised nutrition is, where it is now and where it is heading.
To download your copy, click on the image above.
Food & Consumer Trends
Tech-backed personalized nutrition and new delivery formats grab attention of digitalized consumers, says supplement roundtable
The expert opinion from DSM, ADM, and Gnosis by Lesaffre about the supplement market. With 40% of consumers buying their supplements online and 62% interested in the idea of online supplement subscription. The experts advise that "companies are overpromising what their supplements or ingredients offer without clinical validation of safe and efficacious benefits. Clinical validation and proven ingredients are key for holding consumer trust". Strategic partnerships (DSM and Hologram, ADM and Remedy Health’s/ Nourished, for example), and innovative formats such as gummies, drops, and drink powders are some of the best strategies to the post-COVID 19 time, according to these experts.
Resources:
Nutrition and Genetics: from fundamentals to application in personalised nutrition
Rabobank Announces New, Dynamic Structure for FoodBytes! Innovation Platform in 2022
Upcoming Events:
Food Innovation and Investment Summit, Kisaco Research, San Francisco, California, 18-19 May 2022
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