The Power of Data: How Technology is Revolutionising Personalised Nutrition
Have you ever wondered why a diet that worked for your friend didn't work for you? Or why may certain foods, like an avocado, that are considered healthy not agree with you?
Well, a short answer would be—Every human being is unique! Differences in biochemistry, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors all impact our nutritional needs and response to nutrition. Furthermore, each individual has unique nutritional, lifestyle, and health requirements that are influenced by their habits, routines, and preferences. These factors can impact their overall effectiveness. Therefore considering an individual's bio-individuality rather than generic advice can be supportive of making a difference. How do we do that, though? Well, good news! We can do quite a bit, and the personalised nutrition industry is growing fast as people want to personalise their diets and appreciate that one diet doesn't fit all.
What do the stats say?
The market was worth $8.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $16.4 billion by 2025, with a 15% growth rate, due to consumer awareness of the health benefits, technological advancements, and preventive healthcare.
Personalised nutrition
Personalised nutrition recognises that healthy eating is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it considers an individual's unique characteristics to provide tailored dietary recommendations that are effective and sustainable in helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.
But, what does that mean?
Personalised nutrition considers factors such as metabolism, nutrient requirements, food sensitivities, sleep, recovery, athletic performance, and mental health. Rather than just calories in and calories out! Not to mention the importance of our lifestyle and environment playing a significant role in determining our individual nutritional needs! This is where technology comes into play.
Technology & Nutrition
Wearable devices and mobile apps can collect data on physical activity, sleep, and nutritional intake, providing insights into daily habits and behaviours. Artificial intelligence can analyse this data to offer targeted advice and support.
Personalised nutrition, enabled by technology, offers tailored nutrition plans and recommendations to meet individual needs, goals, and lifestyles by:
Data collection: Collecting health, lifestyle (stress, activity, sleep) and environmental data.
Data analysis: Identifying patterns and insights using professionals and algorithms.
Personalized recommendations: Developing and implementing personalised recommendations based on analysis.
Benefits: Personalized nutrition promotes health and wellness more accurately and practically.
By following the above steps, personalised nutrition may offer a more accurate and practical approach to promoting health and wellness.
For example:
Individuals who exercise frequently may require an increased intake of protein or carbohydrates to support their activity levels. It is also essential for them to ensure appropriate electrolyte balance and carve out time for recovery.
In contrast:
Someone living in a polluted city may benefit from additional antioxidants to combat oxidative stress (Oxidative stress is a condition where too many harmful molecules in the body can damage cells and cause various health problems).
Whereas:
Individuals prone to anxiety may benefit from supporting their blood sugar levels by planning frequent meals and ensuring optimal macronutrient ratios.
Personalised nutrition plans can help individuals track their progress and adjust accordingly to suit their lifestyles. With the help of AI health coaching and tracking health metrics, individuals can monitor their food intake, physical activity, and more and receive appropriate recommendations without worrying if a specific plan works. This precision and accuracy can improve outcomes and help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals more successfully.