The nutrition giant Herbalife has partnered with academics from Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and industry cohorts to develop a Human Dietary Digital Twin — an AI model that aims to predict how individuals will respond to real-life meals.
The project, which will run until 2029, will study human subjects and how their bodies respond to consuming different protein sources within complex meals and at different times of the day.
These responses will then be combined with existing data to develop the Human Dietary Digital Twin — MetaboTwin — combining modelling and data-driven methods (AI), which will predict metabolic responses within the human body to different foods.
As part of the project, Herbalife will provide a range of products, including its Formula 1 meal replacement and fibre boosters, for consumption during the human trials.
Herbalife’s scientists will also work closely throughout the project with both academic institutions, WUR and TU/e and consortium members Thai Union, Norilia, Ani.AI, Nuritas and Genos on the development of MetaboTwin.
Metabolic responses are how the body reacts after eating. For example, when a person consumes a meal, their body releases insulin to help regulate blood sugar.
MetaboTwin will help design personalised dietary advice that could support the prevention of nutrition‑related diseases.
It is hoped that the final model will also support food manufacturers and retailers in creating protein products that are healthier and more sustainable, contributing to broader public health and sustainability goals.
These include the prevention of the development of diet-related chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
Dr Andrea Bertocco, Senior Principal Scientist at Herbalife, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work alongside our partners in the wider consortium, which brings together a wealth of expertise in the field of health and nutrition."
"Real-life case studies increase our understanding of our own products and provide vital insights into metabolic responses after food consumption."
"In a world of increasing personalised nutrition and supplementation, we see the development of the MetaboTwin as a project which could further inform our research & development and push our innovations even further.”