WASHINGTON, D.C.: The company is tapping into an estimated $15 billion medical foods market as traditional packaged foods face tougher times.
Studies are underway at Nestle’s research institute in Lausanne, Switzerland. Machines are analyzing human DNA to develop personalized programs for conditions like epilepsy and intestinal disorders.
The scientists will further develop medicinal foods containing natural compounds extracted from foodstuffs like tomatoes, coffee and grapes.
Nestle sees big potential in this new market because of the aging population.The World Health Organization forecasts the proportion of people over 60 (a key group for medical foods) to rise to 22 percent globally by 2050 from 12 percent at present…