Beyond The Headlines: WHO’s AI-powered health tool, INCA says most mothers use breastmilk and formula

05 Apr 2024 --- This week in nutrition news, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an artificial intelligence (AI) powered health tool. Meanwhile, the Infant Nutrition Council of America (INCA) spotlighted the global preference for mixed options for infant nutrition. At the same time, Lallemand Health Solutions said it will unveil clinical trial results for Cerebiome at the In-Cosmetics trade show.

Nutrition news
Ahead of World Health Day, the WHO unveiled its Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health (SARAH), a digital health promoter powered by generative AI. Designed to enhance access to health information with an empathetic response, SARAH can communicate in eight languages about various health topics, including healthy habits and mental health. The WHO emphasized the potential of digital health, aiming to use technology like SARAH to reduce health information inequities and support people worldwide. The initiative will also address ethical concerns such as privacy, safety and data protection.

A national survey for INCA revealed that most mothers and caregivers use a combination of both breast milk and infant formula for feeding. Moreover, factors such as health, work and availability of the birth mother, influence these choices. Despite recognizing breastfeeding as the healthiest option, the survey found that barriers and lack of support are common. INCA highlights that the demand for accessible, comprehensive information on feeding options beyond breastfeeding is growing. The organization also emphasized the importance of flexibility, scientific accuracy and awareness of non-recommended feeding risks.WHO launched SARAH to aid in global health and nutrition.

Lallemand Health Solutions will present a proof-of-concept clinical trial for its psychobiotic formula, Cerebiome, which explores the gut-brain-skin axis and its impact on holistic well-being. The presentation will take place at the In-Cosmetics Global trade show in Paris, France. According to the company, the clinical trial investigated how probiotics can reduce stress and improve skin health, highlighting the growing trend of nutricosmetics in beauty. This holistic approach will integrate diet, lifestyle and supplements, emphasizing the gut microbiome’s role in skin appearance. Lallemand Health Solutions said Cerebiome speaks to a growing gut-skin axis trend, with 14% of probiotic users aiming to enhance their skin through such supplements.

Applied Food Sciences explored the cognitive benefits of guayusa and lion’s mane in enhancing mental acuity and mood. Guayusa is, an antioxidant-rich “super leaf,” while and lion’s mane mushrooms are, known for simulating nerve and neuron growth. It also showed significant improvements in cognitive functions such as reaction time, working memory and mental clarity. The company notes that these findings suggest the potential of these natural ingredients in nootropic products for improved cognitive performance and mental and emotional well-being.

Business news
GC Rieber VivoMega transitioned its omega-3 facilities to use 100% renewable energy, replacing an oil boiler with an electric steam boiler powered by green hydropower. This shift allows the previously used fish oil to contribute to the food chain, using the circular economy. The steam boiler is part of GC Rieber’s move toward sustainable practices to eliminate fossil fuel use in favor of green energy. The initiative aligns with Norway’s reliance on renewable resources, particularly hydropower electricity for environmental stewardship and sustainability.Lallemand Health Solutions will present clinical findings on Cerebiome at In-Cosmetics 2024.

NationsBenefits partnered with Instacart to offer grocery delivery as a supplemental benefit to health plan members, including Medicare Advantage and Medicaid. Members can use plan-sponsored funds on a NationsBenefits Prepaid Card for same-day delivery from Instacart’s wide network of stores. The companies said the collaboration looks to improve member well-being by providing convenient access to healthy groceries, especially for those in food deserts. Instacart Health’s initiative supports this by allowing various payment options, including health benefits, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.

PharmaCare’s Bioglan Muscle Protect, featuring MyHMB+D3, won Australia’s Product of the Year for Well-being Support award. PharmaCare stated that the recognition underscores the growing consumer awareness of muscle health’s importance with age. The award, voted by over 5,000 consumers, highlights the product’s innovative formula designed to support muscle health. TSI Group, which patented myHMB+D3, views muscle health as a significant, yet underappreciated, market. Bioglan Muscle Protect targets the 50-plus demographic, emphasizing the importance of muscle strength for aging populations. The company said that the product’s success reflects a broader industry trend toward addressing age-related muscle loss with science-backed solutions.

Fulfil Nutrition teamed up with the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) as the official protein bar of the 2024 APP Tour. Fulfil will offer a 15 g protein snack for participants and fans. Their partnership includes a promotional truck at APP Tour events across the US, featuring challenges and free bars. The partnership will emphasize the sport’s fun spirit and Fulfil’s delicious, candy-like taste. The campaign, titled, “It’s a Candy Protein Bar,” will be supported by ads and social media to highlight the protein bars as a decadent, nutritious snack for the pickleball community.A recent study found health boosting lipids in several types of tea.

Scientific Studies
Researchers from Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan, identified 341 molecular species from five categories of lipids in four types of herbal tea. These lipids, including bioactive short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids — some of which are previously undiscovered in plants — could have significant nutritional and medical benefits. They support gut health and offer anti-inflammatory properties. Published in Food Chemistry, the discovery highlights the potential health implications of lipids in herbal teas, setting the stage for further research into their role in human health and nutrition.

A recent study suggests that taxing sugary beverages and using those funds to subsidize healthier food choices for low-income families could lead to reduced purchases of sugary drinks and increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and healthy beverages. The approach, which combines taxes on less healthy, ultra-processed foods with subsidies for healthier options, aims to improve dietary patterns without increasing overall costs or affecting consumer satisfaction. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study’s findings support policies that could shift consumer behavior toward healthier dietary choices, particularly in households without children, by making nutritious foods more financially accessible.

By William Bradford Nichols