Nestlé has announced a multi-year collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, focusing on nutrition’s role in longevity and women’s health. This initiative aligns with ongoing concerns about the health challenges faced by an aging population, as many adults experience nearly nine years of poor health late in life, according to the company.
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The partnership will establish a joint research lab in Singapore, facilitating clinical studies and data analysis. The research will delve into how nutrition influences aging-related biological processes and addresses issues such as mobility, metabolism, sleep, and menopause. Ryan Carvalho, head of Nestlé Research, stated that as people age, their nutritional requirements change significantly, underscoring the importance of nutrition in maintaining long-term health. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to enhance scientific understanding of how nutrition contributes to healthy aging, particularly during midlife and beyond, including the menopausal transition.
Nestlé highlighted that the rate of population aging is accelerating, with projections indicating that by 2030, one in six individuals globally will be over 60. Prioritizing energy levels, sleep quality, and physical and mental recovery will be crucial as individuals reach midlife and beyond. The World Health Organization noted that, as of 2020, there were more people aged over 60 than children under five.
The disparity between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy has grown by 13%, leading to approximately nine years in 2019. This healthspan-lifespan gap is linked to decreased mobility, cognitive decline, and diminished quality of life. The partnership aims to unite Nestlé’s research and development capabilities with NTU Singapore’s scientific expertise to explore how dietary patterns and lifestyle choices impact aging processes.
Research will utilize anonymized data from the Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) study, one of Asia's largest population health studies, which has gathered extensive environmental, lifestyle, and health data from 50,000 residents over the past decade. This data will enhance the understanding of how diet and lifestyle influence health outcomes.
Professor Christian Wolfrum, deputy president and provost at NTU Singapore, noted that the collaboration highlights NTU’s dedication to translating innovative science into practical health outcomes through industry partnerships. By accessing the deidentified data from the HELIOS study and combining it with Nestlé’s nutrition science expertise, the goal is to better understand the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle, and healthy aging.
The collaboration is backed by the Singapore Economic Development Board. Melissa Guan, VP and head of Consumer at the board, mentioned that the joint lab would foster industry-academia cooperation, leading to solutions to support healthier aging populations. She stressed that this partnership illustrates Singapore’s capabilities in research and innovation, offering opportunities for locals to engage in healthy aging initiatives.
Previous studies have shown multiple connections between nutrition and healthy aging. For instance, one US study linked high-quality carbohydrates—including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—to improved physical and cognitive health in older women. Another study indicated that maintaining good daily habits, such as regular physical activity and a nutritious diet, is essential for a longer, healthier life. A Swedish study further revealed that diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, while minimizing sweets and red meat, can help slow the progression of chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues and dementia.