ZOE: A New Era in Personalized Nutrition
ZOE: A New Era in Personalized Nutrition
by Julie Adams, RD
The latest nutrition research shows that we have different metabolic responses to the foods we eat. One diet doesn’t necessarily fit all. If you are interested in learning about which foods work best with your unique biology, consider checking out ZOE, the largest personalized nutrition study in the world. A few Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health team members recently completed their trials with enlightening results!
What is ZOE?
ZOE is a health science company built on research conducted by Massachusetts General, Stanford Medicine, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and King’s College London, showing that everyone has a unique response to food. ZOE starts by monitoring dietary intake (including a standardized muffin breakfast), and its effect on blood sugar, blood fat and the gut microbiome. ZOE researchers then tabulate weeks of data and ultimately guide study participants toward optimal foods that reduce inflammation, improve gut health and help manage weight.
How does it work?
Study participants purchase a one, four or twelve-month package. After completing a quiz, participants receive an at-home test kit that measures gut, blood fat and blood sugar responses to food. Contents include a Libre Link continuous glucose monitor that measures blood sugar responses in real-time for up to 14 days. A stool testing kit analyzes the makeup of the gut microbiome, specifying population, diversity and specific “good” and “bad” microbes. A finger-prick blood test measures blood sugar and lipid responses after eating standardized muffin meals. Participants also receive a food scale to help report accurate portions. Data from thousands of participants is compiled for the purpose of understanding how the food we eat affects our health on an individual basis.
What will I learn?
Six weeks after completing the tests and tracking diet, participants are sent a detailed report comparing themselves to thousands of other people. ZOE tabulates “scores” for hundreds of foods and meals based on individual test results. Participants also receive a personalized gut health report with a list of foods that support the growth of good bacteria. Reporting is followed by a 4-week plan built around individualized food scores, teaching participants how to make more healthful choices. The ZOE Insights companion app offers real-time feedback on the best (and worst) foods for metabolic and microbiome health.
Is ZOE right for me?
Learning which foods interact with your unique metabolism can be powerful motivation. Patients without an underlying GI diagnosis (e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or celiac disease), are best suited for the study. Additional details can be found at https://joinzoe.com/. Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health can provide a special $35 discount to interested participants.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the profound effects nutrition has on health, please contact us today. We have a fantastic team of gastroenterologists, registered dietitians, nurse practitioners and a behavioral health counselor to help you. MANY OF THESE SERVICES ARE LIKELY TO BE COVERED BY INSURANCE. Please call us at 224-407-4400 or email [email protected].