Nestle and GE collaborate in health and nutrition diagnostics

A primary goal of the collaboration is to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between body composition, metabolic profile and health. GE Healthcare’s Lunar iDXA system, an innovative imaging technology, will be used by Nestle scientists to measure subjects’ body fat, muscle and bone mineral density, extending beyond the limited measures of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip-ratio. Researchers will study the correlations between lifestyle habits, body composition measurements and metabolic data to better understand the biological drivers of individuals’ metabolism and health.

The results are believed to provide direction for the development of non-invasive, rapid, precise and accurate assessment tools for clinicians to evaluate the impact of nutritional interventions on metabolic status and overall health. Additionally, this data is expected to help researchers identify specific metabolic parameters that can potentially be improved via diet and lifestyle.

Mark Little, senior vice president and director, GE Global Research, said: “The use of GE’s diagnostic tools will provide Nestle scientists with more information on how diet and lifestyle measures can be optimized to help people lead healthier lives and ultimately make healthcare systems more efficient by more effectively managing and treating obesity.”