Danone Expands Anti-Aging Research In Singapore With AI-Powered Nutrition

Singapore – Danone is intensifying its research and development efforts in Singapore, focusing on innovative nutritional products and health screening tools designed to support healthy aging. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and digital science to address the nutritional needs of the growing aging population, both in Singapore and globally.

The company aims to promote early health screenings to proactively tackle nutritional deficiencies and monitor the impact of nutritional interventions over time. This approach seeks to improve consumer adherence to nutritional plans by demonstrating tangible health benefits.

Digital Health Tools For Healthy Aging

Agathe Foussat, Director of Digital health & OneBiome, Medical and Nutritional Science, Precision Nutrition D-Lab, Research and Innovation at Danone, emphasized the importance of screening and monitoring tools in achieving better health outcomes. The goal is to provide consumers with personalized insights into how nutrition affects their health.

Danone plans to use the data collected through these screenings to refine and adapt its nutritional solutions, ensuring they are tailored to meet the specific needs of older adults. The research will be conducted at the Danone Digital-Lab (D-Lab) in Singapore, which was initially established in 2018 to focus on early life nutrition.

Did you Know? Danone’s stool tracker, iron tracker and growth tracker, developed in Singapore, are now used globally.

Building On Success: From Infants to Seniors

Danone is capitalizing on its prior success in developing AI-driven health screening tools for infants. The company’s earlier innovations include the Stool Tracker (AI-powered stool consistency assessment), the Iron Tracker (non-invasive anemia screening), and the Growth Tracker (monitoring child development). These will be expanded to support the aging demographic.

“Seeing the success and seeing the impact that we have on the market, on the health of infant and children achieved by the ability to screen more for key deficiencies and symptoms, we decided to expand and to use those capabilities, expertise, and successes to expand on the adult nutrition category and more specifically – on healthy ageing,” said foussat.

The Growing Need For Healthy Aging Solutions

The global population aged 65 and above is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050, underscoring the urgent need for effective healthy aging solutions. In Singapore, the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above has risen from 12.4% in 2014 to 19.9% in 2024, and is expected to reach 24.1% by 2030.

This demographic shift highlights the importance of addressing age-related health challenges such as frailty, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular diseases. The global anti-aging market was valued at $66.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $98.3 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research.

Focus On Age-Related Conditions

Danone’s D-Lab will concentrate on three core areas: data science and AI model development, nutrition R&D based on microbiome science, and clinical research to validate nutritional innovations. The focus will be on addressing frailty, cognitive, and cardiovascular diseases.

last year, Danone introduced the Neurowyzr Brain Score tool in Singapore and Australia, an online assessment designed to raise awareness about brain health and encourage discussions about memory loss. This tool uses digital neuroscience puzzles to evaluate memory, attention, and executive function.

The tool provides users with a personalized report and advice on medical nutrition designed to support patients with cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Complementing, Not Replacing, Medical Diagnostics

Danone emphasizes that its screening tools are designed to complement, not replace, medical diagnostics. The goal is to raise awareness of potential health issues and encourage individuals to seek professional medical advice when necessary.

Foussat clarified, “Our intent is never to take the role of any medical specialist. It is to bring awareness to people of issues that they may not know; to highlight the risks of not being under proper nutrition…It is not to replace diagnostics, but to help and support consumers in a ‘consumerised’ way.”

Strategic Partnership With Singapore

Danone’s digital health initiatives in Singapore are supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and partnerships with local research institutions.Over the past five years, danone has invested 30 million euros (US$34.5m) in its Singapore facility.

The collaboration with EDB dates back to 2018 with the launch of Danone’s onebiome Lab Singapore, which focuses on gut microbiome research. The country’s ethical approach to AI, ensuring data collection is transparent and algorithms are properly trained, is a crucial factor in Danone’s continued investment in singapore.

Pro Tip: The key to maximizing the impact of nutritional products on health is consistent adherence.

Christian Stammkoetter, Danone’s President of Asia, Middle East and Africa, stated, “By bringing together local insight with our global expertise in science-based innovation, we see powerful opportunities to address demographic challenges like aging, a rising priority across the region…Through digital technologies, we aim to turn data into actionable insights that improve health outcomes locally and globally.”

Danone’s investment in Singapore

Chan Ih-Ming, Executive Vice President, Digital Economy and Hub Service Industry group, EDB, added, “The next phase of D-lab will complement Singapore’s healthy aging initiatives and also strengthen Singapore’s position as a global health innovation hub for companies to develop and scale their solutions globally.”

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Disclaimer: This article provides information about Danone’s research and development efforts in healthy aging.it is not intended to provide medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Danone: Championing healthy Ageing & Nutrition Innovation

Danone, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, has long been committed to promoting health and well-being. A critically important portion of Danone’s innovation pipeline is dedicated to addressing the unique nutritional needs of an aging population. This article delves into Danone’s strategies, product advancement, and impact on the healthy ageing landscape, exploring topics like *senior nutrition*, *geriatric nutrition*, and *age-related health*.we will examine how Danone utilizes *nutrition science* to create products designed to support *healthy ageing*.

The Growing Need for Geriatric Nutrition

The global population is ageing rapidly, creating a growing demand for specialized nutrition solutions. As people age, their dietary requirements change. Factors such as declining metabolism, reduced appetite, and potential medication interactions can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Danone recognizes the importance of addressing these challenges through *nutritional intervention* and *targeted food products.*

Key Challenges in Senior nutrition

Understanding the specific challenges older adults face is crucial in developing effective nutrition solutions. This includes:

• Malnutrition Risk: Frequently enough stemming from decreased food intake,difficulty chewing,social isolation or inadequate access to food.
• Protein Deficiency: Protein needs often increase with age to maintain muscle mass.
• Micronutrient Deficiencies: deficiencies in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, calcium, and other essential nutrients are common.
• Sarcopenia & Frailty: Loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) can lead to frailty, impacting mobility and independence.

danone’s Approach: Science-Backed Nutrition

Danone leverages *cutting-edge research* and *nutritional science* to create products focused on improving health outcomes in the elderly. This includes collaborating with healthcare professionals, research institutions, and leveraging data from clinical trials. This commitment ensures that their products are not just appealing but also genuinely beneficial for *senior health* and *longevity*.

Product Innovation in Healthy Ageing

Danone’s product portfolio contains several examples addressing *age-related nutrition* needs. These products are developed to meet many *nutritional deficiencies* and improve *overall health* of senior citizens.

Here are a few examples of Danone’s successful product innovations in this category:

• Fortified Dairy Products: Products, like yogurts enriched with vitamin D, calcium, and protein.
• Specialized Nutritional Supplements: Supplements that address protein,energy and multi-micronutrient deficiencies common in older adults.
• Plant-Based Options: Products frequently enough formulated to be easily digestible and appropriate for those with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Understanding Danone’s Brands Supporting Healthy Ageing

brands like Fortimel, Resource, and others offer specialized nutrition solutions specifically designed to address the needs of older adults. These products aim to improve the *quality of life for seniors* by providing essential nutrients and supporting overall health. Many of these are also suitable for patients with various health issues, providing easily digestible nutrition.

Case Study: Fortimel & Nutritional Support for Older Adults

Fortimel is a good example of Danone’s commitment to healthy ageing. This brand includes a variety of nutritional supplements providing individuals with high-energy, high-protein formulations intended to address malnutrition.

Here’s how it helps:

• Addressing Malnutrition: Fortimel can definitely help those who are not eating enough due to illness or other issues.
• Supporting Muscle health: High protein content helps combat muscle loss, a key concern for seniors.
• Easy to Consume: These products are convenient for those with difficulty swallowing or limited appetite.

Benefits of Danone’s approach to Healthy Ageing

By focusing on *age-related nutrition*, Danone helps its consumers by providing:

• Improved Health Outcomes: Providing essential nutrients helps seniors maintain strength, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of falls.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Helping seniors remain active and independent for longer, impacting emotional well-being.
• Disease Management Support: Nutritional support can aid in managing disease and post-operative recovery.

Practical tips for Healthy Ageing from Danone

Drawing upon Danone’s expertise, here are valuable tips to improve senior health.

1. Prioritize Protein: Ensure adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass.
2. Supplement When Needed: Consider supplements like vitamin D if dietary intake is insufficient.
3. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Seek guidance from dieticians and doctors for personalized nutritional advice.
4. Stay Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake can make a big impact on seniors’ health.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet: Aim to follow a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.

the Future of Nutrition and Healthy Ageing

Danone continues to invest heavily in research to meet the changing requirements of older adults. This includes developing *innovative nutritional solutions* and promoting *healthy food habits.* The company will continue working to enhance their products, address the specific nutritional needs of seniors, and provide resources to support caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Providing support for *geriatric care* is a crucial aspect of improving the overall wellness of the elderly.

danone’s Commitment

Danone’s ongoing innovation and commitment to *nutritional research* and *product development* underscore their position as a leader in healthy ageing. Their goal to improve the lives of ageing individuals and ensure they can maintain their health will shape their path for years to come.