The Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne,
Switzerland and GE Global Research, the General Electric Company’s
(NYSE: GE) centralized research and development organization, announce
an innovative collaboration to scientifically assess associations
between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits.
This unique relationship brings together the dynamic competencies of the
Nestlé Research Center, experts in
metabolism, nutrition and health research, and GE’s
extensive knowledge in diagnostic technologies. A primary goal of the
collaboration is to gain a deeper understanding of the connection
between body composition, metabolic profile and health.
GE Healthcare’s Lunar iDXA system, an
innovative imaging technology, will be used by Nestlé
scientists to measure subjects’ body fat,
muscle and bone mineral density, extending beyond the limited measures
of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip-ratio. Researchers will study the
correlations between lifestyle habits, body composition measurements and
metabolic data to better understand the biological drivers of individuals’
metabolism and health.
“Through this collaboration with GE we have
the opportunity to use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to increase our
understanding of how nutrition and lifestyle choices impact body
composition and metabolic health,” said Prof.
Peter van Bladeren, Head of Nestlé Science
and Research. “With this knowledge, Nestlé
can continue to deliver science-based nutritional products to improve
and enhance the quality of peoples’ lives.”
The results will provide direction for the development of non-invasive,
rapid, precise and accurate assessment tools for clinicians to evaluate
the impact of nutritional interventions on metabolic status and overall
health. Additionally, this data will help researchers identify specific
metabolic parameters that can potentially be improved via diet and
lifestyle.
“In the face of a worldwide obesity epidemic,
providing better tools to track the functional benefits of weight
management, nutrition and lifestyle has become an international
healthcare priority,” said Mark Little,
Senior Vice President and Director, GE Global Research. “The
use of GE’s diagnostic tools will provide
Nestlé scientists with more information on
how diet and lifestyle measures can be optimized to help people lead
healthier lives and ultimately make healthcare systems more efficient by
more effectively managing and treating obesity.”
About Nestlé Science and Research
Nestlé Science & Research, encompassing the
Nestlé Research Center and its extensive
network of external alliances, is a leading research entity in food,
nutrition and life sciences. Based on Nestlé’s
research emphasis, Nestlé Science & Research
builds strategic alliances with the best scientific institutions in the
world to bring a full breadth of knowledge to its nutrition, health and
wellness research. A diverse staff of premier researchers from a broad
range of scientific competencies together with external collaborators
worldwide are central to fulfilling Nestlé’s
vision of Good Food, Good Life.
Nestlé Research is very active in consumer
health benefit areas, employing a multidisciplinary approach to science
and research. Integrating diverse scientific disciplines and expertise
ranging from biology, food technology, nutrigenomics and sociology, Nestlé
strives to bring practical nutrition solutions to consumers. Learn more
about the Nestlé Research Center at www.research.nestle.com.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media
and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s
toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft
engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to
medical imaging, business and consumer financing, and media content, GE
serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than
300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the Company's Web
site at www.ge.com.
