Success cases
Personalized nutrition based on the gut microbiome
39ytú is the first project by the Instituto Central Lechera Asturiana for Personalized Nutrition (ICLANP), driven by Capsa Food. It is based on precise nutritional recommendations following a microbiome test, using genetic sequencing of the microbiota. Its name refers to the 39 trillion bacteria that colonize the intestine and make up the microbiota.
In this initiative, DARWIN is responsible for conducting the microbiome tests: analyzing the genetic material of the intestinal microorganism communities to detect deviations involved in certain health conditions. These deviations are considered in reference to the normal microbiome of the healthy European population.
When altered microorganisms in the analyzed sample are found to be related to a specific health issue, an appropriate diet is recommended to address the condition.
Problem
Not all individuals respond the same way to lifestyle changes, and this also applies to dietary changes. Key factors suggested for determining individualized responses to food and the biological implications of their consumption include the microbiome and interpersonal variations in various environmental and lifestyle exposures.
The composition of the intestinal microbial community influences numerous physiological and pathological conditions. Since the intestinal microbial profile is unique to each individual, evolves throughout life, and can be altered by internal and external factors (especially diet), the gut microbiome presents new opportunities for nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition.
Recent advances in gut microbiota research highlight the potential of modifying the composition of intestinal bacteria as a novel and effective intervention for both disease management and health promotion.
For the project, seven health issues that significantly affect the Spanish population were selected, for which there is scientific evidence that a balanced diet and the provision of nutritional solutions with probiotics and other bioactive ingredients can act and modify the microbiota composition. These health targets are: gluten intolerance, cholesterol reduction, glucose control, digestive discomfort, intestinal discomfort, immune enhancement, and intestinal regularity.
Personalized nutrition services available on the market so far have typically been based on human genome analysis: this is the first commercial service in Spain based on the microbiome.
Solution
The test is based on sequencing all the genes of the intestinal flora from a stool sample. Analysis involves massive sequencing of a marker region (16S ribosomal RNA subunit), allowing identification of each bacterium present in the sample.
The abundance of each detected bacterium is then statistically compared with the values found in a healthy control population of over 1,000 individuals, previously analyzed in various scientific studies.
Based on deviations of the present microbiome compared to the control population, personalized nutritional solutions are recommended with a selection of probiotics to address the individual’s most needed health aspects.
Completion Year: 2019
Success
Following the analysis, ICLANP provides personalized nutrition services based on the microbiome test results: If any alteration is detected, personalized combinations of dietary supplements with live microorganisms and bioactive ingredients are offered.
Developing dietary interventions with probiotics and supplements based on each person’s individual profile to optimize the gut microbial composition is a crucial practice for personalized nutrition.
The technologies developed by ICLANP and DARWIN enable rapid and precise determination of the intestinal microbial profile, which can easily monitor personal changes in the composition of gut bacteria during disease development and intervention.
Press
- A Valencian company conducts the first commercially available microbiome tests for personalized nutrition – Las Provincias (in Spanish)
- The pioneering cure for a poor microbiota is a Spanish invention – El Confidencial (in Spanish)
- Capsa Food drives the ’39ytú’ project of the Spanish Institute of Personalized Nutrition – 20 Minutos (in Spanish)
- Capsa makes the leap to biotechnology with a subsidiary dedicated to personalized nutrition – La Nueva España (in Spanish)