In a groundbreaking move, Unity and AMILI have joined forces to launch a synbiotic product, AMILI Metabolic Health, tailored to Asian gut microbiomes. This innovative collaboration aims to address metabolic health challenges prevalent among Asian populations. The product's formulation is based on extensive Asian gut microbiome data, including insights from Singapore's National University Hospital (NUH) and AMILI's Asian Microbiome Library, which primarily comprises data from healthy individuals who have taken AMILI's gut microbiome test.
Dr. Jeremy Lim, co-founder and CEO of AMILI, emphasizes the significance of this initiative, stating, "An Asian gut is distinct from a Western one, primarily influenced by our diets, lifestyles, and environment. Solutions built on Asian data are crucial, and we are honored to contribute to the well-being of our fellow Singaporeans."
The product's Asian-specific formulation is a first-of-its-kind offering across Unity, as highlighted by Pauline Png, General Manager at Unity, FairPrice Group. While gut microbiome supplements are familiar to consumers, the benefits of synbiotics for metabolic health are less understood, presenting an opportunity for education and awareness.
The R&D process involved comparing and analyzing microbiome data from healthy individuals and patients, with a focus on the microbes present and their interaction with metabolites. Dr. Lim explains, "We've taken a functional pathway approach, studying the microbes and their products to understand their interactions."
The AMILI R&D team has developed a formulation containing four probiotic strains, prebiotic fiber, botanical extracts, and the postbiotic Akkermansia. Each component is carefully selected to address specific metabolic health concerns, such as improving fasting blood glucose, liver function, and insulin sensitivity.
An artificial intelligence (AI) model was employed to determine the optimal dose and proportion of probiotic strains, ensuring the product's effectiveness. The formulation was validated against NUS's patient cohort, with primary objectives including glycemic, lipid, and hepatic endpoints, as well as body mass index (BMI) and other key health indicators.
Metabolic health was chosen as the focus due to its significance as a health challenge among Asians. As Dr. Lim points out, even the World Health Organization recognizes that BMI thresholds for obesity and overweight are lower for Asians compared to Western populations. This distinction underscores the need for tailored solutions.
Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, Senior Consultant at the National University Centre for Digestive Health at NUH, highlights the importance of such collaborations, stating, "Metabolic and fatty liver conditions are rising in Singapore, and understanding the gut microbiome's role in regulating these conditions is crucial. Combining clinical insights with microbiome science can lead to new approaches to support metabolic health in Asian populations."
This initiative by Unity and AMILI not only addresses a critical health concern but also showcases the potential for innovative solutions tailored to specific populations. By leveraging Asian microbiome data and advanced technologies, they are paving the way for a healthier future for Asians.
