A UK startup says it is ‘unlocking longevity’ by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver precision nutrition at scale.
Non-communicable diseases caused by poor nutrition are placing huge burdens on healthcare and leading to reduced quality of life for millions of people.
The good news is that scientific research has begun to unlock our understanding about the correlation between food and its nutrients, and individual metabolic functions.
“It is not easy to figure out what foods are right for each individual body type,” said Dr Yogesh Gupta, founder and CEO of Gaston. “But with the help of new research and AI-driven correlation models, we are beginning to understand this.”
This is where Gaston comes in. For the past five years, the company has been working to unlock the relationship between food that we eat every day to how our metabolism functions.
“We think that AI and data science can play a major role in fast-tracking technological advancements,” said Gupta. “We are working on building AI models that can target nutrients to people based on their unique biomarkers.
“For example, we are training our AI algorithms to analyse macro-, micro-, and phytonutrients of millions of foods and ingredients.”
On the other side, the company is building up an understanding about users’ current health parameters, using static and dynamic data collected via health and nutrition surveys, wearables, blood tests, and even genomic profiling.
“Once we have this information, our AI models can analyse users’ predispositions to illnesses and generate highly personalised suggestive food recommendations that are based on users’ unique metabolic requirements,” Gupta added.
It is this ability to provide targeted guidance – especially important for those with dietary restrictions or specific nutritional needs – that Gupta believes sets Gaston apart.
“For individuals with allergies or intolerances, our platform offers a lifeline,” he said. “It can quickly identify safe food options and suggest suitable alternatives, reducing the risk of accidental exposure.”
Gaston could also be a valuable resource for those living with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
Another key feature is that the company's platform is highly versatile and can be integrated with other food technology platforms such as food apps and online grocery sellers, as well as health and care providers.
“This allows these platforms to connect users’ dietary, nutritional or medical condition-related food restrictions to healthier diet-specific food options,” said Gupta. “Many users have praised Gaston for simplifying their lives and providing them with the tools they need to make informed choices about their diet.”
Gupta firmly believes that Gaston's commitment to promoting health and wellbeing through technology aligns with broader societal trends.
“As people become more health-conscious and aware of the impact of their diet on their overall wellbeing, the demand for personalised and tailored nutrition guidance will continue to grow,” he said.
“We think that the potential applications of our technology are vast, and our ability to analyse vast datasets swiftly and provide actionable insights is what really sets us apart. We believe this will have the power to transform the food industry, by providing healthier options to a wider range of consumers.”
For its innovation, Gaston has received numerous international awards and was also recognised as a finalist in the category of Most Innovative Service, Technology, or Digital Solution Supporting the Nutraceutical Industry at this year’s Vitafoods Europe Startup Innovation Challenge.
“This was truly a great opportunity to be in front of potential investors,” said Gupta. “It also gave us an opportunity to build important business collaborations and partnerships.
“Additionally, the feedback from judges and peers has been instrumental in refining our strategies and solutions. Ensuring we remain at the forefront in gathering quality datasets remains a top priority for us.”
