Herbalife partners on the development of AI metabolism model to predict human responses to real-life meals

Herbalife, the #1 active and lifestyle nutrition brand in the world^[1], has partnered with academics from Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), and industry cohorts to develop a Human Dietary Digital Twin, an AI model that aims to predict how individuals will respond to real-life meals.

The project, which will run until 2029, will initially study human subjects and how their bodies respond to consuming different protein sources within complex meals and at different times of the day. These responses will then be combined with existing data to develop the Human Dietary Digital Twin - MetaboTwin - combining modelling and data-driven methods (AI) which will predict metabolic responses within the human body to different foods.

As part of the project, Herbalife, which is the #1 protein shake brand in the world^[2], will provide a range of products, including its Formula 1 meal replacement and fibre boosters, for consumption during the human trials. Herbalife’s scientists will also work closely throughout the project with both academic institutions, WUR and TU/e, and consortium members Thai Union, Norilia, Ani.AI, Nuritas, and Genos on the development of MetaboTwin.

Simply put, metabolic responses are how the body reacts after eating. For example, when you consume a meal, your body releases insulin to help regulate your blood sugar. MetaboTwin will help design personalised dietary advice that could support the prevention of nutrition‑related diseases.

It is hoped that the final model will also support food manufacturers and retailers in creating protein products that are healthier and more sustainable, contributing to broader public health and sustainability goals. These include the prevention of the development of diet-related chronic diseases including cardiometabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

Andrea Bertocco PhD, Senior Principal Scientist at Herbalife, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work alongside our partners in the wider consortium, which brings together a wealth of expertise in the field of health and nutrition.

“Real-life case studies increase our understanding of our own products and provide vital insights into metabolic responses after food consumption. In a world of increasing personalised nutrition and supplementation, we see the development of the MetaboTwin as a project which could further inform our research & development and push our innovations even further.”

Notes to Editors:

The official press release from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) can be found here.

^[1] Source: Euromonitor; CH2025ed, active & lifestyle nutrition as weight management & wellbeing, sports nutrition, and vitamins & dietary supplements definitions; combined % RSP share GBO for 2024

^[2] Source: Euromonitor; CH2025ed, protein shake as sports protein powder, sports protein RTDs, meal replacement, supplement nutrition drinks & protein supplements; combined % RSP share GBO for 2024

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For more information, visit https://www.herbalife.com/.

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