Herbalife has partnered with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) to develop an advanced AI-driven Human Dietary Digital Twin, known as MetaboTwin. The innovative project aims to predict individual metabolic responses to real-life meals, supporting personalised nutrition strategies and the prevention of diet-related diseases.
The global nutrition company is working closely with academic researchers and industry partners to create MetaboTwin—an artificial intelligence model designed to simulate how the human body responds to different foods. By analysing metabolic reactions to everyday meals, the model seeks to provide accurate, personalised dietary recommendations.
Scheduled to run until 2029, the research project will involve human clinical studies examining how the body reacts to various protein sources consumed within complex meals and at different times of the day. These real-life dietary scenarios will help researchers gain a deeper understanding of metabolic processes.
Data collected from the human studies will be integrated with existing nutritional and metabolic datasets. Using a combination of computational modelling and AI-driven data analysis, MetaboTwin will be developed to predict how different foods influence metabolic responses within the human body.
As part of the research, Herbalife will supply several of its products—including Formula 1 meal replacements and fibre boosters—for use during human trials. Herbalife scientists will also collaborate closely with WUR, TU/e, and consortium partners such as Thai Union, Norilia, Ani.AI, Nuritas, and Genos throughout the project.
Metabolic responses refer to how the body reacts after food consumption. For example, eating a meal triggers insulin release to regulate blood sugar levels. MetaboTwin aims to accurately model these responses, helping to tailor nutrition plans based on individual metabolic needs.
One of the key goals of MetaboTwin is to enable the development of personalised dietary guidance that can help prevent nutrition-related chronic diseases. These include cardiometabolic conditions, such as diabetes, which are increasingly linked to diet and lifestyle factors.
Beyond individual health, the final AI model is expected to support food manufacturers and retailers in developing healthier and more sustainable protein products. This could contribute to broader public health improvements and sustainability objectives within the food industry.
Dr Andrea Bertocco, Senior Principal Scientist at Herbalife, commented on the collaboration:
“We are delighted to collaborate with partners across the consortium, bringing together extensive expertise in health and nutrition. Real-life case studies allow us to deepen our understanding of our products and gain valuable insights into metabolic responses following food consumption.”
He added that the MetaboTwin project aligns with the growing demand for personalised nutrition and could significantly enhance Herbalife’s research and innovation efforts.
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