Scientific centers and Ametller Origen study the relationship between food and diseases

Finding formulas that allow to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancers through diet. This is the objective of the scientific project Genie, which is led by the Catalan ADN Institut, the Gundo platform and the Portuguese research institute IS3 Porto, and with the participation of Ametller Origen.

The Genie project, which stands for Genomic Evaluation and Nutritional Integration Experience, is funded by the EU and is part of the European consortium working to achieve more responsible and sustainable food systems. The initiative, which will last for one year, seeks scientific endorsement for the design of ultra-personalized diets, based on users' genetic data, their gut microbiota and biochemical blood tests.

The genetic studies center ADN Institut, based in Sant Cugat, will be responsible for extracting and analyzing the data of a thousand volunteers who will be part of the sample, while IS3 Porto will analyze the microbiota samples. For its part, Gundo participates in the study with its digital platform designed to integrate and process genetic, microbiota and biochemical data to generate ultra-personalized nutritional proposals.

The volunteers who will make up the sample will be selected from among Ametller Origen's customers, who will begin the process with an initial questionnaire on eating habits and lifestyle. Subsequently, part of the group will undergo a nutrigenetic test based on DNA samples to configure these personalized diets. In addition, two intestinal microbiota tests will be carried out on a last group of participants, with two months apart and with the aim of scientifically corroborating that diets designed from genetic data are efficient in the prevention of chronic-degenerative diseases.

In this context, the project "is a clear example of how innovation is key in the food and health sector, since when both concepts go hand in hand we are able to improve the health and well-being of the general population," defended the Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Ametller Origen, Joan Simó. For his part, co-founder and CEO, Josep Ametller, highlighted that, through the project, the company provides its consumers with "individualized and personalized recommendations and guidelines that help prevent future diseases."

And the project stands out precisely for its preventive approach: "By combining genetics and microbiota with eating habits, we go a step further: we not only help users improve their current well-being, but we also reduce the risk of developing long-term diseases," highlights the co-founder of ADN Instituto and genetic advisor, Marina Riera.

From Gundo, its co-founder Priscila Silva went further: "Individuals will have real-time knowledge of the foods they need," such as knowing if they have an iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, or possible intolerances, so they can take care of their health through food in a personalized and specific way.