Optimising health

Advances in genome sequencing are transforming the food supplement market, argues Thomas Gurry PhD, computational and systems biologist, co-founder and CEO of myota

Genome sequencing refers to the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA), and it’s a process that enables scientists to ‘read’ the unique genetic make-up of an organism.

In food manufacturing, genome sequencing has revolutionised the way that microbial contaminants are identified, and the mechanisms by which ingredient origins are traced.

However, this is only a limited realisation of the potential of genome sequencing technology in the food and drink manufacturing industry. New applications are being championed that could transform public health outcomes.

Unlocking the secrets of our DNA

Rapid technological advancements have made it possible for scientists to sequence a person’s entire unique set of DNA in just 3 days and at under $1000, allowing for the amassing of vast quantities of genetic data.

Researchers have been given unprecedented insight into the differences and similarities between individual persons’ DNA, and the DNA of the multiple strains of bacteria that inhabit the human body.

This has had a profound impact on the understanding of disease, metabolic function, and the relationship between diet and health outcomes.

This knowledge, and data, are now being applied to the development of foods and supplement products that have been precision-engineered to reverse and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Engineering healthier populations

Evolving understandings of the impact of diet on health outcomes has shaped nutritional advice for centuries. As far back as 450 BC, the Ancient Greek medic Hippocrates wrote about the importance of a varied and correctly balanced diet in preventing disease.

The latest developments in health and nutrition science acknowledge that each person’s genetic differences and unique qualities require a personalised approach to nutrition. This is explored in the field of nutrigenomics, where hyper-personalised diet and supplement plans are based on genomic and health data. Major players in the food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries have also become involved in the personalised nutrition market through direct participation or mergers and acquisitions: Mars Edge, a division of Mars focused on health nutrition, purchased the German Personal Nutrition provider Food Spring in 2019, while Nestlé, a global food and beverage manufacturer, recently acquired Persona, a US-based Personal Nutrition provider.

From sequencing to supplements

But how is genome sequencing technology deployed to create these supplements and personalised nutrition products?

The starting point always involves running algorithms with vast quantities of data sourced from genomic sequencing. Insights derived from this analysis are fed into the product manufacturing process, so specific functional or nutritional characteristics can be achieved.

For example, by sequencing the genome of plants or other organisms, scientists can identify the genes

responsible for the production of health-promoting bioactive compounds, which can then be used to develop food supplements.

By sequencing an individual’s genome, scientists can identify genetic variations that affect nutrient metabolism or other aspects of health. Based on this information, supplement formulations can be developed that target specific nutritional needs or health concerns.

Case study: precision engineering prebiotic fibre supplementation

Prebiotic fibre is an essential component of the human diet, as it’s fermented by the gut microbiome to produce metabolites known as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), which play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease.

However, different types of prebiotic fibre are preferred by different types of gut bacteria, which means that most individuals are not consuming the quantities of the ‘right’ type of prebiotic fibre that would be best for their health.

To predict the information present in a microbiome sample, we need to understand the genomes of each bacteria in the microbiome, which means understanding what the function of each of their genes might be. As we get better at identifying these functions, we can look for specific genes that are responsible for producing SCFAs and breaking down prebiotics.

In turn, it then becomes possible to formulate a supplement blend that delivers all the required types of prebiotic fibre that an individual’s microbiome might require. This supplement can optimise SCFA production for every person, delivering the associated mental and physical benefits and removing the guesswork from gut health.

Conclusion

Although still relatively small (currently worth $163.9 billion globally), the health supplement industry is growing rapidly, and is expected to expand at a rate of 8.9% from 2022 to 2030. A surge in interest from investors and advancements in DNA sequencing and commercial big data analysis is fueling rapid growth – with the global personalised nutrition market size projected to reach $37.3 billion by 2030.

In 2022, the UK government implemented a three-year plan to support the use of DNA technology to benefit public health. Consequently, as an increasing amount of genetic information evolves, personalised nutrition is expected to become even more widespread. This is, of course, within the limits of what the human genome carries in terms of information that can inform dietary decisions. Regulatory hurdles regarding the health claims made by providers are currently the greatest barrier to the wide-scale manufacturing of personalised supplements. However, in the future, integration of the personalised nutrition sector with the expanding food personalisation industry, is likely to produce synergistic benefits that could facilitate the growth of both sectors.

These advancements create opportunities for enhancing public health on a population-wide scale.