Metabolomics-Driven Ingredient Selection and Formulation for Targeted Health Outcomes

Precision nutrition aims to tailor dietary strategies based on individual metabolic responses to improve health and sustainability. Metabolomics, the comprehensive analysis of small-molecule metabolites within biological systems, provides a powerful platform to elucidate the biochemical responses to dietary components, thereby informing ingredient selection and formulation with unprecedented precision. The SYLPLANT EU project focuses on the production of protein-rich ingredients via the fermentation of diverse carbon substrates including lignocellulosic biomass and agricultural side streams. The PROMISEANG EU project develops alternative proteins derived from the microbial fermentation of underexploited marine resources, including marine invertebrate and macroalgae discards, as well as industrial biowastes. Applying metabolomic profiling enables the detailed characterization of how these novel protein sources modulate metabolic pathways, influence gut microbiota composition and function, and affect nutrient assimilation and utilization in both humans and animals. These insights facilitate the rational integration of these sustainable protein ingredients into precision nutrition frameworks, allowing for tailored dietary formulations that address individual metabolic needs. These solutions are not only personalized and metabolically targeted but also align with environmental sustainability objectives, thereby addressing the dual challenges of human and animal health and the global demand for sustainable food systems.

Acknowledgement: SYLPLANT under grant agreement 101112555 and PROMISEANG under grant agreement 101036768 have received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU). The JU-CBE receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Bio Based Industries Consortium.